United They Stand | Keith and Shawntell McWilliams
One of the reasons the city of Houston is so strong is because of its influential citizens. Individuals are giving back, making a difference, and constantly making the world a better place. Houston couple Keith and Shawntell McWilliams are devoted to helping and inspiring others. LCAHouston wanted the inside scoop on the amazing power couple about their marriage, love, balance, and philanthropy.
Keith is a veteran and a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase. Shawntell is a proud breast cancer survivor, volunteer, and philanthropist. Together they live life to the fullest, and strive to make a difference in the Houston area and beyond.
For more than 15 years, Shawntell’s has employed a humble approach toward giving back through community service initiatives. The husband and wife team are prominent members of the Houston community, and have been on a mission to live life with a purpose. Shawntell’s favorite proverb is “the journey is the reward.” She has helped raise thousands of dollars for civic organizations, communities, and educational initiatives.
After years of memories, the moment they still cherish the most is when Keith proposed to Shawntell on a hotel rooftop in St. Louis, Missouri. “The night was lit by the city lights and the moon, the atmosphere was romantic, and Shawntell was as lovely as ever. It was a beautiful evening!” he recalls. Their wedding day is also another cherished moment. “It was a perfect day and the beginning of our life together,” says Keith.
Every married couple knows there are ups and downs throughout every relationship. Shawntell says the key to a happy marriage is “understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses and being an anchor for each other. We are authentic and connect in so many ways, sometimes without communicating. Keith is supportive and allows me to be authentically who I am without trying to change me. This is important for me because it allows me to continue to grow and be the best Shawntell.”
Between galas, events, and volunteering, Shawntell and Keith still manage to find time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Their favorite getaways are Las Vegas and New Orleans. Shawntell loves the spa, shopping, going to shows, fine dining, and the Las Vegas night life.
“There are some galas and events where I want Keith with me, and there are others where I can go with a girlfriend, and allow him to rejuvenate and wind down. I want him to enjoy when we go to an event together. I am more social than Keith. I recognize that’s one of our differences, and I adjust accordingly to be more considerate of him and his time,“ she says.
Ultimately, giving back to the community remains a prominently significant part of Shawntell and Keith’s marriage. “Giving back is a principle of God. “To whom much is given, much is required,” they say.
Strength in unity is demonstrated throughout Shawntell and Keith’s marriage, and shown through their presence in the community. LCAHouston is honored to recognize Shawntell and Keith McWilliams as our featured Power Couple. Shawntell is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, currently residing in Katy, Texas with her husband. Thank you Shawntell and Keith for making a difference in the community, and for being a light of hope and inspiration for others.