Shantel was number seven of nine children. Her parents were Colombian and she was very proud of her heritage. She graduated from Barbara Jordan High School at the top of her class. She later attended Texas Southern University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work. Shantel had two children, worked full time, and she still managed to obtain a degree. Savannah and Majesty her greatest motivation. While attending law school Shantel met the love of her life at a seminar. Micheal Bowen and Shantel got married on February 14, 2014, and of course, she wanted to get married on Valentine's day she was a hopeless romantic.