Shelby Royster

she/her

Shelby is a Director who works with the entire CSI team and partners to help create and execute programs that center community members, anti-racism, and equity.

Shelby knows that in order to positively impact the community, it is imperative to center the voices of those most directly impacted by systemic inequity and racism. By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, centering anti-racism, and leading programs with curiosity and honesty, our community can help co-create programs that sustainably address the disparities that persist within them.

Shelby’s most fulfilling work has been at the Indianapolis Urban League, where she: created and facilitated a community nutrition education series called “Sol Food”; created and implemented the Urban Farmer’s Market to bring awareness and community access to local Black farmers and businesses; and her work with the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Board as the communications lead and partner for the Community Health Worker program created by Fairbanks School of Public Health .

Shelby is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHP) and is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at Western Governor’s University.

Why are you passionate about what you do at Community Solutions?

I love working at Community Solutions because it allows me to use my diverse experience in tandem with my passion for amplifying the voices of community members in order to create and implement programs that dismantle systemic inequities. Doing this work alongside people who are aligned with those passions and goals makes working on this team even more fulfilling.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people who stand up boldly, widely, and consistently against systems that perpetuate inequity. There is something so beautiful about people who are vocal and honest about the methods that need to exist to dismantle these systems and then doing the work, within and outside of themselves, to effect change.

If you could offer advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say?

I would tell her that she belongs in every room she steps in to, her inner critic is not the same as her intuition, and to take time to enjoy the journey.