Shanika Houlder-White possesses a breadth of experience in organizational structure building, multi-year strategic planning, advancing culturally centered leadership approaches to change, and building locally to national grassroots and worker-centered campaigns. At the same time, being entrenched in the labor movement for the past 15 years, she has built innovative engagement pathways and structures to develop low-wage workers who center on Black and Brown leadership.

As Deputy Director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Shanika aligns and strengthens organizational operations and culture to support executing strategic goals and initiatives. Her experience includes advancing national organizing campaigns and holding leadership positions at the National Black Worker Center (NBWC), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199, Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators United, and the American Federation of Teachers Boston, and prior to her current position as the National Organizing Director at United For Respect. Furthermore, she spent the first half of her career in the classroom, educating and supporting children and families in the inner city of Boston, Massachusetts.

An immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, she earned a Bachelor of Education from Granite State University. As a mom to five Black children, she is devoted to creating a more equitable world where their voices and leadership are centered and respected, ensuring their ability to thrive and experience true liberation.