MEET SHAWNTAL

Leadership, culture, and organizational strategy

Shawntal Mallory is a passionate advocate and trailblazer at the intersection of leadership, diversity, and organizational strategy. With a wealth of experience in legal advocacy, human resources, and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), Shawntal has built a career dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

As the Founder and CEO of The Esquire Group, LLC, Shawntal provides bespoke consulting services, partnering with organizations to tackle complex challenges in human resources, professional development, and DEI initiatives. Her strategic approach combines legal expertise with forward-thinking leadership solutions, driving impact where it matters most.

Background

Shawntal also brings real talk to the forefront as the host of The Black Girl Memo, a platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of Black women, fostering candid conversations about culture, leadership, and empowerment. Through her podcast, Shawntal connects with a diverse community, offering meaningful insights that inspire action.

In addition to her consulting work, Shawntal serves as Executive Director of the Nebraska Legal Diversity Council, where she leads initiatives to advance diversity within Nebraska’s legal profession. Her commitment to equity has earned her numerous accolades, including the Nebraska State Bar Association Diversity Award and the Creighton University School of Law’s prestigious Judge Elizabeth D. Pittman Award.

Shawntal’s work is grounded in her core values of integrity, faith, and boldness, and she believes in the power of shared wisdom and community. With a contagious passion for making an impact, she has been a trusted advisor and leader in various boards and nonprofits, continuously pushing the needle for a more inclusive and equitable future.

When Shawntal isn't consulting or speaking, you can find her mentoring the next generation of leaders or collaborating with diverse communities to drive positive change. Her mission is simple: to help others navigate their unique path to success with confidence, purpose, and excellence.

Features & Articles

The Values That Drive Her Vision

  • Leading with courage and confidence, Shawntal proactively addresses complex challenges and advocates for meaningful change, drawing on the experience of navigating spaces where bold leadership is often necessary to break barriers.

  • Driven by a desire to create lasting, transformative results, her work uses expertise in DEI and organizational strategy to empower others and amplify underrepresented voices in legal, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.

  • Upholding the highest standards of ethics and authenticity, her leadership fosters trust through transparency, staying true to core values while consistently building equitable and inclusive environments.

  • Rooted in a strong spiritual foundation, every opportunity is approached with resilience and hope, relying on faith to guide professional decisions and inspire others to rise above adversity.

  • Deeply connected to the community, she uses her platform to uplift others and create opportunities for collective growth, particularly for women of color, ensuring that success is shared and celebrated by all.

  • Shawntal’s expert guidance in legal, DEI, and HR is invaluable, providing essential support to executives and managers facing today’s complex challenges.

    Rick Benfield, Mirman School

  • Shawntal is a skilled facilitator who brings content to life, making complex topics approachable and leading with grace and expertise.

    Marti Carrington, Equity Nerd

  • This was the best one of these discussions the Omaha Symphony has been involved with since we began this work. You did such a great job describing everything and engaging this hyper-dynamic group. 10/10 would recommend!

    Josh Tague, Omaha Symphony