Shante K. Avant is a dedicated leader committed to advancing the economic security and well-being of women and families in the Greater Memphis Area. Serving as the President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), she has been instrumental in directing the organization’s mission and making a difference in the lives of others since joining the organization in 2007. Under her collaborative leadership, WFGM has reached milestone achievements awarding over $37 million to 632 programs across 185 Memphis-based nonprofits, positively affecting the lives of 8,000 individuals and low-income families annually.
A native Memphian with an impressive 27-year track record in the nonprofit sector, Avant’s leadership extends beyond WFGM. In 2022, she paved the way as the first African American woman elected to a newly formed district of the Shelby County Commission, representing District 5, further amplifying her impact. Her service on the Memphis-Shelby County School Board from 2014 to 2022, including a term as School Board Chair from 2017 to 2019, exemplifies her commitment to education, community, and economic development. Avant’s influence extends to various civic and advisory boards, including the Agricenter Commission, Shelby County Agricultural Extension Committee, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, and advisory roles for the University of Memphis College of Social Work and New Memphis. She is a member of the Shelby County (TN) Chapter of the Links Incorporated and serves on the New Memphis Board of Governors and the Ford Mobility Steering Committee.
Nationally, Avant has been actively involved in the Partnership for Women’s Prosperity, Prosperity Together, the Women’s Funding Network International Leadership Cohort, and the Ford Foundation Fellowship. Avant’s leadership and impact have earned her numerous prestigious honors. She was recognized as a 2023 Memphis Business Journal Superwoman in Business and received the 2023 Tennessee State Democratic Caucus History Maker Award. In 2021, she played a key role in earning the CUBE School Board of the Year distinction. Additionally, Avant has been named to the Memphis Business Journal’s Power 100 list in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting her influence among the city’s top business leaders. Her other accolades include The New Tri-State Defender’s Woman of Excellence Award, the Immaculate Conception High School Alumni of the Year Award, and the Council of Urban Education Excellence Award.
Avant earned her BA in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, showcasing her academic prowess in understanding human behavior and social dynamics. A proud mother of one daughter, Peyton, Shante K. Avant continues to be a beacon of leadership, advocating for positive change and empowerment in her community. Her participation in leadership programs, such as the New Memphis Leadership Development Intensive and Fellows Program and the Leadership Memphis Executive Program, underscores her commitment to continuous growth and excellence in her endeavors. Her affiliation with the Asset Funders Network further solidifies her dedication to creating a positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration.