Shanequa grew up in a small town called Lancaster right outside of Dallas, Texas. During her attendance at Lancaster High School and University of Arkansas at Pinebluff she was a superb athlete in volleyball and track, winning numerous medals and trophies. She is a member of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta; other members include Ruby Dee Davis, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Cicely Tyson, & many more. She worked as an I.T. Technician before she moved to Los Angeles to become an actress.