Shani
Candya

My Story

Born and raised in Trenton, NJ during the era when car doors could remain unlocked and the neighborhood was like family. My parents, though they divorced when I was young, showed me how unconditional love is so important. I grew up with a strong faith in Jesus Christ, very family oriented and knowing that education is key. I am blessed to continue to pouring these same values into my children along with my husband.

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Church and community play a huge role in my continual growth. I attend Greater Faith Worship Center in Trenton, NJ where I am a youth advisor, on the Praise and Worship Team, a member of the Ministerial Ministry and help out where ever there is a need. My passion is Outreach! I love my community so much that I wanted to become apart of NJ Law Enforcement to assist in keeping my city safe but God had other plans for my life that would still impact my community.

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I graduated from Nottingham High School, class of 1993. I know I wanted to go to college, especially a HBCU. I am a PROUD Alumni from Delaware State University in Dover, DE class of 1998. I went on to receive my Masters in Educational Leader at Rider University class of 2013. I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc since 1998. I currently service in Rancocas Valley Alumni Chapter.

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I have been in Education for our twenty plus years ranging from teaching students from Pre-K to 5th grade in various areas: Classroom teacher, Culture and Climate Leader and Technology Teacher. I am a strong believer that teaching is a ministry that you MUST be truly called into. Instructing, guiding, nurturing, teaching, leading, pouring and supporting the future generation is not to be taking lightly for it is truly an honor.

"Growing up, I would visit my family (Sanders and Govans) here in Willingboro for the Summers. I fell in love with this community at a young age. To come and visit another community with people that looked like me was inspiring. Willingboro had so much to offer and pride was displayed throughout the community, especially academics when I was younger. The transition to Willingboro over four years ago was welcoming and necessary for my family. Along with my husband and children, I want to be a positive influence in our new community as we still are in our previous community. I don’t want to assist in making Willingboro like it was before, I was to lend a helping hand in making it better…..and that begins in EDUCATION."

Shani Candya