Meet Shantel Dean | Executive Director and Founder of the Stacey Monts Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shantel Dean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shantel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The foundation was born from a very personal place. I lost my son, daughters loss their brother to gun violence, and in the midst of that loss, We understood firsthand what it feels like to be a family in need. As a single mother raising five children, I knew the challenges, the uncertainty, and the strength it takes to keep going when life feels overwhelming.

While our loss is part of our story, we made a conscious decision to lead with positivity and purpose. I didn’t want the foundation to be centered on how my son was taken from me, but instead on how his life could continue to make a difference. My goal was to inspire hope, uplift families, and provide support during some of their most difficult moments—because I know what that support means when you need it the most.

Through helping others, I found healing, and through service, I found purpose.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Stacey Monts Foundation was built on purpose, resilience, and community. What sets us apart is that our work is deeply rooted in lived experience. I understand what it means to need help, to carry responsibility, and to keep showing up even when life is heavy. That understanding shapes how we serve families—with dignity, compassion, and intention.

I’m most proud of our ability to consistently meet people where they are. Whether it’s supporting families during the holidays, assisting in moments of crisis, or creating spaces where people feel seen and supported, the foundation stands as a reflection of love in action.

My journey business-wise has not been easy. I wear many hats. I am a wife, a grandmother who provides weekday care for my grandchild to support my family, and a daughter caring for my elderly mother who is living with dementia. Alongside those responsibilities, I am the founder and Executive Director of the Stacey Monts Foundation, and the owner of A Divine Taste of Heaven, my catering business. Balancing entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and caregiving has required discipline, faith, and an unshakable belief in purpose.
• A Divine Taste of Heaven* allows me to express creativity and joy through food, while the foundation allows me to serve and give back. Juggling both has taught me time management, patience, and the importance of asking for help when needed.

I also recently retired from a motorcycle club after 10 years of service, where I played a major role in the organization’s growth and community impact. That experience strengthened my leadership skills, taught me accountability, and reinforced the value of teamwork and consistency.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success is not about ease—it’s about endurance. There were moments of exhaustion, doubt, and sacrifice, but I overcame those challenges by staying rooted in faith, surrounding myself with supportive people, and remembering why I started.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is this: purpose can coexist with responsibility, and service can exist alongside ambition. You can care for others, build something meaningful, and still walk boldly in your calling. My story is one of balance, perseverance, and choosing to lead with heart—no matter how full the load may be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time ever.

A week in Atlanta with me would be the perfect mix of culture, food, service, and meaningful experiences.

We’d start with some of Atlanta’s iconic sights. A must-see would be the Georgia Aquarium—it never gets old and is always a reminder of just how incredible our city is. From there, we’d head downtown to Auburn Avenue to explore historic landmarks, museums, and sites that tell the powerful story of Atlanta’s legacy and influence.

Food would, of course, be a big part of the experience. We’d enjoy an elegant dinner at Season 52, followed by the best Cuban food in the city at Papi’s—a non-negotiable stop. One day would be dedicated to one-on-one cooking time, where I’d invite them into my kitchen for a hands-on, soulful cooking experience filled with laughter, good music, and amazing food.

Giving back would also be part of the itinerary. We’d spend a day volunteering at a local shelter or community center, because serving the community is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with a city and its people.

For entertainment and relaxation, we’d head to City Winery for a great show, excellent wine, and an overall wonderful experience. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy live music, and soak in the vibe.

We’d also carve out time for some goodwill shopping and antique browsing, especially at unique places like Queen of Hearts Antiques in Buford, Georgia. I love finding hidden gems and one-of-a-kind treasures—you never know what story you’ll uncover.

In my view, what makes Atlanta special isn’t just the places—it’s the people, the history, the food, and the sense of community. Atlanta offers a little bit of everything: culture, creativity, service, and soul. And that’s exactly the experience I’d want my best friend to have.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to the village that stood with me when I needed it most. That includes my family, close friends, and the mentors who poured into me during some of my hardest seasons. Their encouragement, prayers, and willingness to show up reminded me that I wasn’t walking this journey alone.

I also want to recognize the volunteers, supporters, and community partners of the Stacey Monts Foundation. Their belief in the mission and their consistency make the work possible. Every basket packed, every child served, and every family supported is a reflection of their love and commitment.

Lastly, I dedicate this shoutout to every parent who has turned pain into purpose and chosen to keep going. Their strength inspires me daily and reminds me why this work matters.

Website: https://staceymontsfoundation.org

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