Shanelle Genai, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock), has made a mark in the entertainment industry as a writer. Genai completed her degree from the UA Little Rock School of Mass Communication in 2018 and has since worked as an entertainment and features writer. Her interest in writing began early, encouraged by her mother and a professor at Pulaski Tech.
During her time at UA Little Rock, Genai began her freelance writing career. She wrote articles for Blavity, a Black-owned media tech company, and an online magazine. She also interviewed Jean Elie, an actor from the TV show ‘Insecure.’ This interview, conducted using skills learned in her feature writing classes, was a key moment in her career.
Genai spent her spare time looking for celebrity contacts, arranging interviews, and seeking new writing assignments. She was proactive in creating opportunities and expressed appreciation to those who supported her.
In 2022, Genai moved to Los Angeles to be closer to the entertainment industry. She now works as an entertainment writer for The Root, a digital outlet that provides news and commentary from various Black perspectives. Her work has also appeared in the BBC, MSNBC, ESSENCE Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Revolt, and more. Genai’s mother, Natasha Jones, has been a significant influence in her writing career.