Delaware Humanities Welcomes Four New Board Members
July 1, 2024
Delaware Humanities is excited to announce its four newest board members. Each June, the Delaware Humanities Board of Directors meets and votes on new board members. The Board of Delaware Humanities is the governing body which strategically leads the organization and consists of members throughout the state.
Our newest board members are:
Dr. Stephanie Brown, Wilmington, DE
Stephanie Brown is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Washington College where she teaches courses in media theory and production, film studies, pop culture, and gender studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Media and Communication from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where she conducted research on the intersection of comedy, power, and identity. During her graduate work, she helped found an open mic aimed at creating a more inclusive local comedy scene and is now writing a book based on her experience and research. She’s spent most of her life moving around the country and is happy to be settled in Wilmington and to help foster the humanities in Delaware.
Shane Cannon, Wilmington, DE
Shane Cannon was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. Although Shane studied Business at Delaware State University, he soon realized that he wanted to help people in a different way. Shane has been working in the Social Work field for over ten years. Currently, Shane develops policy for the SNAP program for the state of Delaware. In this role, Shane has led a Diversity committee and facilitated its trainings for the 700+ workforce. Additionally, Shane has been an avid volunteer and continues to work in the community. Shane has facilitated trainings for community organizing and strategic non-violence for years on behalf of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League as well as nonprofit, Pacem In Terris (Peace on Earth). Shane sits on the board of the Howard High School Alumni Association, where he helps to preserve and present information about the first high school for African Americans in Delaware. Personally, Shane is a father of his teenage daughter, Taylor, whom he loves dearly. Shane works with many other organizations throughout Wilmington and the rest of Delaware. He’s also unique in having lived in all three counties of Delaware for a period. Shane works to eliminate silos that keep people from reaching their full potential.
Jim Purcell, Milford, DE
Jim has been involved with nonprofits and service organizations his whole life. He spent the last 25 years as a Development Manager, Executive Director, and consultant with organizations like The American Red Cross, Communities in Schools, Energize Delaware and Milford Housing Development. He’s had tremendous success in fundraising and building organizations from the ground up and takes pride in giving back to the communities. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and the arts. Jim lives in Milford with his teenage daughter and is always looking to grow and expand his mind and creativity.
Jessica Redmond, Laurel, DE
Jessica Redmond is 50 percent Pennsylvanian/50 percent New Yorker, and 100 percent Delawarean! She’s an English teacher, not math teacher, at Woodbridge High School in Greenwood, where she is also the National Honor Society Advisor. She lives in Laurel, and she is a volunteer with the Laurel Historical Society. She also volunteers at the Seaford Community Gardens and has served on several boards including the Arthritis Foundation. She has a passion for inspiring curiosity and self-realization in others. Before her career in teaching, she taught college courses in communications and worked in the media.
Delaware Humanities would also like to congratulate current board member Kimeu Boynton (Dover, DE) for being nominated and approved for a second term on the board.
Anyone who lives or works in Delaware is eligible to serve on the Board of Delaware Humanities. While elections happen in the summer, nominations and self-nominations are accepted year-round. For more information, visit our website.