Shanta' (Shawn-Tay)Favors, a dedicated believer, loving wife, and proud mom from Taylor, Michigan. Shanta' is a vibrant force in the world of disability advocacy. A graduate of Oakland University with a degree in communication and public health. Shanta' has transformed her experience and passion for inclusion into impactful advocacy efforts.

After thriving as a Director of Care, Shanta' faced an unexpected hurdle, a spinal cord injury sustained while at work. Rather than being deterred, she embraced her new journey, from adversity to advocacy emerging as the immediate past Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2024 and the first runner-up for Ms. Wheelchair America 2025. Her inspiring journey captivated hearts, earning her the People’s Choice award as well as accolades for the Most Outstanding and Most Impactful Speech.

With a mission to empower others, Shanta' founded FAVE (Fortitude Advocates Valiant Everyday), an organization aimed at uplifting and advocating for those with disabilities. She aspires to transform FAVE into a nonprofit, amplifying her reach and making a lasting difference in her community.

In addition to her advocacy work, Shanta' is a board member for United Spinal Associate of Michigan, serving as the advocacy coordinator, She is an active member of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus, where she collaborates with other leaders on key disability rights issues. As a peer support mentor for United Spinal Associates, she provides guidance and encouragement, helping others navigate their unique challenges. She also contributes to the many working groups with United Spinal Associate including but not limited to the Care Support Working Group, directly influencing policies and practices that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Shanta' is a 2025 Care fellow for Caring Across Generations which align with her mission to uplift caregivers and care recipients. Her platform for Ms. Wheelchair America that she continues to champion "Bridging the gap between caretakers and the disability community.

Beyond her advocacy, Shanta' cherishes her time with her large family, finding joy in reading, writing, and public speaking. Her commitment to disability rights and inclusion is not just a professional pursuit; it’s a personal passion that drives her every day. She inspires to champion change on a national level that will benefit our future generations for years to come.