Meet the team
Meet Our Founder: Shanna Claiborne
A Mother’s Love. A Son’s Legacy. A Mission to Save Lives.Shanna Claiborne is a devoted mother, United States Army veteran, community advocate, and visionary founder of the Diontrey Claiborne Stop the Violence Organization (DCSTV). Her journey is one of extraordinary strength, resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to creating safer communities.On March 29, 2014, Shanna’s life changed forever when her beloved son, Diontrey Claiborne, tragically lost his life to gun violence. Faced with unimaginable heartbreak, she made a powerful decision: her son’s story would not end in tragedy. Instead, his legacy would become a movement dedicated to saving lives, empowering young people, and bringing hope and healing to families affected by violence.In 2017, Shanna co-founded DCSTV alongside Lester Scott, transforming personal pain into a community-driven mission focused on violence prevention, youth development, education, mentorship, and community engagement.Under her leadership, DCSTV has grown into a respected nonprofit organization serving youth and families throughout Baker, Baton Rouge, and surrounding communities. Through initiatives such as the Annual Summer Basketball & Cheer Camp, Pages of Possibilities Literacy Program, HOT15 Youth Mentorship Initiative, Nourish to Flourish Feeding Program, and the 5K Run for Peace, Shanna continues to create meaningful opportunities that encourage young people to choose positive paths and become leaders in their communities.Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that preventing violence requires more than awareness—it requires education, compassion, positive relationships, community partnerships, and consistent investment in the next generation.Shanna’s dedication to service has earned her numerous honors, including:
● Nonprofit of the Year – City of Baker (2023)
● Unsung Hero Award● Dorothy Stepteau Polaris Award (2024)
● Black Excellence Female Trailblazer Award – City of Baker (2025)
● Citizen of the Year – City of Baker InterClub Council (2026)
Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Shanna is an accomplished licensed Master Barber with nearly three decades of experience, an entrepreneur, and an active community leader. Her background in business management, leadership, and service has strengthened her ability to build partnerships, mobilize volunteers, and advocate for lasting change.As DCSTV approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2027, Shanna remains committed to expanding the organization’s reach, strengthening youth-centered programs, and creating a future where families no longer have to experience the devastating pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence. For Shanna, DCSTV is more than an organization. It is a mother’s promise, a son’s living legacy, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.Her mission is clear: Honor Diontrey’s life, empower the next generation, restore hope, and help build communities where peace is possible. “Out of my greatest pain came my greatest purpose.”
