A broader view of care

Shanell Brown used to care for one family at a time. Today, she helps shape the systems that support entire communities.

As a public health nurse, Brown spent her days supporting first-time mothers through pregnancy and the first two years of their children’s lives. She loved building relationships with families. But she also saw barriers that couldn’t be solved during a home visit. 

“I realized that there weren’t a lot of resources out there,” Brown said. “That was really frustrating. I started thinking, ‘What more can I do?’” 

That question has guided her career ever since.

Brown earned her Master of Nursing from the University of Washington Bothell in 2023. Today, she serves as racial equity director for Clark County Public Health and leads Shades of Divinity, the nonprofit she founded to improve maternal health and support historically underserved families. 

The roles are different, she said, but the mission is the same: helping create healthier communities by improving the systems that shape people’s lives.

Learning how to lead

Brown didn’t set out to collect titles. She wanted to expand her ability to make a difference. 

“I realized that I wanted to learn more tools to become a better leader,” she said. “That was a goal early on.” 

She found what she was looking for at UW Bothell. 

Brown lived in Tacoma while earning her master’s degree. She could have attended a campus much closer to home, but UW Bothell’s community-centered approach and focus on justice stood out. Every other week, she drove north for class, often spending the night in a hotel before attending early morning sessions. 

“I was committed to learning more about how to be a leader,” she said. “Going to UW Bothell was a fabulous experience. I really made the right choice.”

Facing larger challenges

UW Bothell faculty challenged Brown and her classmates to think beyond daily responsibilities and consider the larger role nurses can play in improving healthcare and strengthening communities. 

“I think a lot of people just choose jobs and think about the day-to-day tasks,” she said. “But what’s the overall goal? I think we as nurses should all feel a need to lead.” 

That philosophy didn’t stay in the classroom. 

Brown founded Shades of Divinity while earning her master’s degree and working full time. The nonprofit focuses on reproductive justice and improving health outcomes for Black, Indigenous and other historically underserved families. 

Since its launch, the organization has grown to offer maternal health programs, scholarships and a free pantry. Community pop-up clinics are scheduled to begin later this year.

Having a voice in decision-making

Brown has continued to build her leadership skills after graduation. At the Washington State Department of Health, she created a pilot program introducing graduate nursing students to careers in public health. The experience reinforced something she had started to believe: lasting change happens when people have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities. 

When Clark County Public Health created a racial equity director position, Brown immediately recognized her next opportunity. 

“I really enjoy being at the table where decisions are made,” she said. “I saw what injustices and health disparities looked like at the community level and the individual level.” 

Her work now includes reviewing policies, strengthening relationships with community organizations and helping the department move beyond statements of support toward meaningful action. 

“I really want to move from just talk to action,” she said.

Growing into leadership

Brown said she believes leadership cannot be bestowed or measured by a job title. Rather, it’s something a person continues to grow into over time. 

Her experiences have also taught her that leadership requires resilience as much as expertise. She has learned to accept criticism without losing confidence, establish healthy boundaries and care for herself while advocating for others. 

“I can’t pour from an empty cup,” she said. “I owe it to myself to take care of myself and show up in a healthy manner.” 

Those lessons now shape the way she approaches difficult conversations, builds partnerships and works toward healthier, more equitable communities.

Choosing a meaningful career

Brown hopes UW Bothell’s current nursing students think beyond landing their first job — and encourages them to build careers that will reflect their values and create opportunities to serve others. 

“When you think about your career, think about what is meaningful to you,” she said. “Don’t just consider a job. Consider a career.” 

She also wants students to remember that leadership doesn’t depend on years of experience. 

“You have a gift,” Brown said. “You have an asset they can bring to the table. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than because you may not have as much experience. Your perspective can be just as valuable.”