Shannice Anderson

Shannice Anderson

Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Panelist and Coordinator, Reentry In Action: Legislation, Representation and Community Collaboration

Shannice Anderson is a community advocate and policy leader who serves as the inaugural Community Engagement and Reentry Coordinator for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. She is the creator of the Community Engagement Reentry Project, a state-wide initiative that bridges the gap between directly impacted individuals and the systems designed to support them.

With a strong foundation in reentry services, behavioral health support and community engagement, she pioneers the initiative that connects individuals and families to critical resources, including workforce development, housing, food access, and healthcare. In her role, Shannice works at the intersection of legal advocacy, policy and community inclusion, partnering with public defenders, service providers, and policymakers to expand access to meaningful opportunities for successful reintegration. She also serves on reentry advisory boards, health commissions, and justice coalitions across the state- helping to inform policy, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and advance equitable community engagement.

Grounded in both lived experience and professional practice, Shannice brings an impact-driven approach to justice reform. She is dedicated to cultivating cross-sector partnerships that inform legislation, enhance advocacy efforts and drive sustainable, community-based solutions.

At the Partners For Justice Conference, Shannice and co-presenters share insights on the critical intersection of policy, advocacy and direct service-demonstrating how coordinated, cross-sector efforts can build safer, more resilient communities.