Shawanda Marie – Hailing from a family of artists and educators, Shawanda Marie is a 9th generation Louisiana Creole born and raised in the old city of New Orleans. A ceaseless student of life with interests as varied and colorful as she, Shawanda has an insatiable desire to learn, grow, explore and share the beauty of her rich culture with the world.
Shawanda Marie is an artist, theater performer, family genealogist, writer, voice over professional, storyteller and lover of words, accents and languages. She is the sole owner of “The Creole Story Pot,” a gourmet culinary instruction and personal chef service specializing in Louisiana Creole cuisine—with a storytelling twist. Affectionately known as “The Creole Griot™,” Shawanda creatively infuses history, oral tradition, folklore, humor and spices for a deliciously captivating full sensory experience.
Facilitating discussions around social issues and strategies that promote peaceful relations, communication and transformation, Shawanda works as a Parent Coach, conflict mediator, speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator. Since 2012, she has co-facilitated a series of professional workshops for faculty, staff and administrators of Virginia Polytechnic University through the Diversity Development Institute. In addition, Shawanda is the voice artist for the first online Louisiana Creole dictionary. She is honored to be part of the movement to revitalize Kouri-Vini (Louisiana Creole), the endangered language of her fore-parents.
Contact: shawanda19@msn.com
Speaks: Kouri-Vini, French, English