Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry is a lifelong resident of Corona/East Elmhurst proudly representing New York City’s 21st Council District, serving the neighborhoods of Corona, East Elmhurst, Lefrak, and Jackson Heights. She currently serves as Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Small Business, where she is focused on strengthening local entrepreneurship, expanding access to opportunity, and advancing policies that support working families and community-based economic growth.
Raised in a family rooted in service and small business, Council Member Thomas-Henry understands firsthand the role local businesses play in creating opportunity and stability in neighborhoods like the ones that raised her. Her early experiences around her family’s businesses along Northern Boulevard shaped her long-standing commitment to economic development, education, and community investment.
Shanel’s father is a 20 year retired army First Sergeant and her mother has had a number of careers from childcare to bus operator for New York City Transit. Shanel is the oldest of five and helped raise her younger sister who is 14 years younger.
With more than two decades of experience in community development and public engagement, Council Member Thomas-Henry has led initiatives that connect residents to jobs, scholarships, workforce development, and public resources.
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