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About
Shaneka Henson
Learn more about Annapolis native Shaneka Henson, an elected official since 2017, trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.
Shaneka Henson (she/her) was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Coppin State University, where she graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Shaneka continued her educational pursuits and attended the University of Baltimore, receiving her Juris Doctorate in Law.
Before joining the Maryland Legislature, Shaneka spent almost ten years as a practicing attorney for the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Office and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Shaneka continues her passion for the law as a partner in her firm, Johnson Legal Group, LLC.
Political Experience
Born into a family that changes communities and impacts the world, it was no surprise that Shaneka would be elected in 2017 to represent Ward 6 in the Annapolis City Council. As a council member and Alderwoman in 2018, Henson would continuously advocate for and implement laws protecting the City of Annapolis and its residents. In acknowledgment of her advocacy and commitment to the community, in May 2019, Shaneka was appointed as an American Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates in May 2019, replacing the late Michael E. Busch.
Shaneka has served on several committees, including the Appropriations Committee, Ways and Means Committee and subcommittees for education, health, social services and the oversight committee on pensions.
LEADERSHIP
Chair, Anne Arundel County Capital Budget Subcommittee
House of Delegates (2021 - 2024)
Vice Chair, Oversight Committee on Pensions
House of Delegates
(2023)
Chair, Anne Arundel County Public Health Subcommittee
House of Delegates (2021 - 2022)
Chair, Housing & Human Welfare Committee
Annapolis City Council (2017 - 2019)
Chair, Housing & Community Development Committee
Annapolis City Council (2017 - 2019)
MEMBERSHIP
MD House of Delegates Ways & Means Committee (2023 - present)
MD House of Delegates Appropriations Committee (2019 - 2023)
Anne Arundel County Bar Association,
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
(2020-present)
Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland
(2019 - present)
Legislative Women’s Caucus of MD
(2019 - present)
Legislative Latino Caucus of MD
(2019 - present)
MD House of Delegates Local Revenues
Subcommittee (2023 - present)
MD House of Delegates Early Childhood Education Subcommittee (2023 - present)
MD House of Delegates Health & Human Services Subcommittee (2019 - 2023)
Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee (2021 - present)
Joint Committee on Children, Youth & Families (2021 - present)
AWARDS
"Her-Story" Award
Anne Arundel County 2019
Sojourner Truth Award
Anne Arundel County 2020
Fannie Lou Hammer Award
Anne Arundel County 2021
Trailblazer Award
Annapolis Juneteenth 2022
Legislator of the Year
Maryland Legislative Black Caucus
2022
Outstanding Community Outreach Award, Order of the Eastern Star
2022
Deborah C. Offer Bulgin Award, Women of Virtue Walking in Excellence 2022
Difference Makers Award
Annapolis Juneteenth 2023
History Maker Award, Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture 2024
Maryland's Top 100 Women
The Daily Record, 2024
Family Life
Shaneka is proudly married to her husband, an educator for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Together, the couple raises their son, a recent graduate from the Anne Arundel Public Schools system, and a junior at Morgan State University.
There’s no day off for Shaneka Henson. When she isn’t on the floor lobbying to protect the rights of District 30-A residents or attending community events, she’s pouring into her creative hobbies such as interior design or attending live poetry and music performances.