Shawana “Ms. Shi” Montgomery
Founder of SynSha Models
Ms. Shi, that’s me! A single professional woman of God. Born and raised in Sanford, Florida (on the outskirts of Orlando) this is where my roots began in the modeling industry. Since a child, I had always wanted to be a model so, at age 13; my grandparents enrolled me in Barbizon Modeling School and John Casablanca. I pursed my modeling career throughout my childhood through participating in local fashion shows and teen pageants.
During my 9th grade year at Sanford Seminole High School, I decided to focus on another talent that I was birth with, which was to be a runner! Throughout my high-school years, I put modeling aside and pursued a deeper desire I had within my heart. Besides academics, Track and Field was my main focus in school. I enjoyed the competition and loved the fact that I held many titles. Along with my teammates, we proclaimed victory for four years in the mile relay, breaking the state record in 1994 at University of Florida. We also won the Sunshine State track meets in 1994 and 1996. I have a long list of accomplishments that can be spoken about. My dream was to become a professional international track star.
I graduated from Seminole High in May of 1996. I received a track scholarship to attend Barton County Junior College in spring of 1997, where I continued to pursue my dream as a runner while competing in many indoors and outdoors events. I participated in the Texas Relays, Kansas State Relays and other national events while in college. I currently hold a title in indoor events as “All American” in the long jump at 21 feet 8 inches… the rest is history.
In 2000, I shifted my focus and continued my modeling career. I was featured in the sitcom “Sheena the Queen of the Jungle” in 2000 and I did a reenactment scene for “America’s Most Wanted” in 2001. I also played a role in “The Tree of Good and Evil”, a local movie in Jacksonville, Florida. I have done promotional work for UBI Soft with Monster Jam April 2002 and as a Miller Lite Spokes Model in 2002. In 2003 I was featured in Joe Budden’s rap video “Pump it Up” and in 2007, I participated in the Storitalerz hip hop gospel rap video and partook in the movie “When the Buzzar Sounds,” produce by Bofilms. I still have more endeavors to pursue.
Ms. Shi also took part in the HBO movie "Recount" that was aired in spring 2008. Look out for me as I was the only African American woman that played in the media/press scene.
In 2002, I decided to go back to college to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Management. After graduating from Edwards Waters College in 2003, I assumed it would take a while for me to find the field I wanted to make a career out of. After deeply praying and calling out to God, my prayers where answered in September 2004. I was hired as a Site Manager for Education Station. Now, I am in the capacity where I can help “at risk students” to become better in school. This is my ministry assignment from God. I love helping and being there for those who cannot help themselves. After receiving a couple of promotions, I was the Program Manager for Education Station, LLC in Jacksonville, FL, where I oversaw the entire program in my district till June 2007. Now, I am pursuing my business full-time.
In November of 2006, I had the opportunity to facilitate Jacksonville’s first music conference fashion show. My passion for the modeling industry instantly returned. At this point in my life, my main focus is giving back to others. I am such an incredible, business minded woman that God gave me a VISION to start my own modeling management business in November 2006. SynSha Models International, Inc. was incorporated in January 2007 with my vision to encourage aspiring and experienced models to become mentors to our youth. We are not just a model management business, but we are here to motivate our youth to succeed in life. I have always believed in the saying, it's not who you know, it's who knows you. It's not what you wear but how you wear it and represent it. Your network will turn into your NET WORTH. With all of that being said, if you are going to do business, do your business right and that's what I am here to do. Remember- A "BUSINESS" IS ALL AROUND YOU!
My daughter Cordazia Jones is the joy of my life. Mommie loves you!
"As you experience mistakes and challenges in your life, remember that there is always a brighter side that determines your success."- Ms. Shi 1/13/06
Photos taken by Marlen Adams & Redd Photography