We are pleased to spotlight Shetora Banks for 2019’s Black Women Roc! campaign
About Shetora
Ms. Banks is smart, kind, and hardworking. She is an outstanding leader and a great role model for the young adults who visit our library. She often goes above and beyond her duties to form unique relationships with teens and their peers that benefit our entire library community and ensures the Arnett Branch Library is a safe place for everyone. Ms. Banks work is not limited to teens however. She is well loved by our younger and older patrons and she has given patrons of all ages and her fellow library team members wonderful service as well! Shetora Banks truly Rocs!
How does it feel to be nominated for the 2019 Black Women Roc! Campaign
SB: It feels awesome to be nominated! I am truly honored to be recognized.
When did you begin the community engagement work that you do?
SB: I began working with The Safe To Be Smart team in the Rochester Public library system eleven years ago.
What inspires you to continue to work hard for the Rochester Community?
SB: Our youth and their talents and desire to succeed inspire me to work hard for the Rochester Community.
For you how does your business or area of expertise relate to wellness?
SB: Mentoring teens and assisting them in accessing employment, volunteer, and field trip opportunities keeps me busy. I suggest to the teens all the time to try some yoga techniques and tapping to help decrease stress levels.
How do you stay mentally and physically healthy?
SB: To maintain my mental and physical health I enjoy plenty of outdoor play with my six year old. He keeps me active. I also try to unplug from technology and people for at least a couple hours every day to unwind.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your community engagement?
SB: The most challenging aspect of my position is working p/t. It is hard to juggle the scheduling of guests, events, and the needs of the teens I serve on my schedule. However, we make it do what it do!
What’s has been your best experience as a Black female change agent
SB: My best experience being a youth services worker is when I run into teens from my past in the community and they share their wonderful journeys or when they stop into the library to share their accomplishments.
What has been your biggest challenge as a Black female change agent
SB: My biggest challenge being a change agent is watching the consequences the youth face when they make bad decisions. It’s frustrating when I can’t prevent them from sometimes acting recklessly.
Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
SB: I haven’t been able to overcome this challenge….I try to help my youth hone tools to be able to deal with real life trauma and to recognize negative triggers. My motto is you can only control your own reactions, so that’s where you concentrate your energy.
What advice do you have for other women interested in community
SB: If you want to get involved with your communities just go for it! Every good gesture matters !
Stay tuned for our next Black Women Roc! spotlight with Dr. Idonia Owens
540WMain, Inc. 
To my dear Goddaughter whom I have had the pleasure of watching her grow into an amazing woman. I wish and pray for her success and the success of the work she does in the community. Much love and respect,
Margaret Thornton
Charlotte, NC
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