Why I Created the EIC Program
Many of us were never taught how to understand our emotions, communicate well, or lead ourselves. Yet those skills shape how we handle relationships, work, and opportunities for the rest of our lives. When children learn them early, doors open. They know how to navigate life and how to lead.

I believe many young people have real leadership potential, but without these skills it's harder to reach it. That's why I built this program: to give Scholars practical tools while they're young.

What I Believe
All feelings are allowed, but not all actions are okay. Children can feel angry, hurt, or disappointed and still learn to make better choices.

My Background
Dapper Nation began as Dapper Street in December 2015. For more than 10 years, I have created family events and music and cultural programs in Charlotte, including jazz history education, while partnering with the City of Charlotte, local parks and recreation centers, and the Arts & Science Council.

Some of our programs have included Jazzerific, Jazzin with the Seniors, East Side Block Music Festival, and our signature event, Color of Jazz.

I am a professional singer with more than 20 years of experience and have performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. I also produced Lady Ella, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, with saxophonist Letron Brantley and the Dapper Street Jazz Orchestra for two consecutive years.

I loved the work I was doing, but something closer to my heart was always calling me: developing young leaders within the Black community.

My work as a substitute teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including in high schools, brought that purpose into even sharper focus. I saw firsthand that many students were their emotions and difficult situations without always having the tools to manage them. It reinforced something I had already come to believe: young people need opportunities to develop these skills early, before the challenges become more difficult to navigate.

That is why I created Dapper Elite Academy, to give young people the tools to understand themselves, build confidence, make thoughtful choices, and develop as leaders. The Emotional Intelligence & Confidence Program is the Academy's first program, and I am honored to bring it to Scholars and their families.

Every Scholar and family is welcome!

What EIC Is (and Isn't)
EIC is a leadership and personal development program for Scholars ages 7-10. It is not tutoring, and it does not replace counseling or mental health care.

Shawna N. Canada
Founder, Dapper Nation and Dapper Elite Academy