October Doorperson of the Month: Shanell Jackson, 805 N. LaSalle Dr.

Shanell Jackson is one busy lady. Between caring for residents of Eight O Five Apartments, raising two daughters, and ongoing education, her days are packed. Nonetheless, when she learns she’s nominated for Doorperson of the Month, Shanell pauses to sit and appreciate the recognition.

Shanell joined Eight O Five Apartments, nicknamed Berkshire, in 2023. She initially worked for a security company before settling into her current role.

“When I started, my shifts were all over the clock,” she said. Now, she works the full-time day shift, providing residents with her welcoming presence.

Shanell smiles when she says, “My favorite part of the job is the residents. They are cool people, really nice, and they treat me well.”

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That appreciation goes both ways. During the conversation, a resident stopped by to give Shanell a box of snacks to take home to her daughters. She’s delighted, saying, “My kids will go nuts for these snacks. Thank you so much!”

It was a small moment that captured the personal connections she has built with residents.

Eight O Five, located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, offers an array of amenities, including the Club 805 Cafe, a rooftop pool, fitness and yoga facilities, workspaces, a lounge, and a game room.

Shanell’s responsibilities include handling packages, monitoring entrances and guests, and keeping the lobby tidy. Over time, she says, the job has taught her patience.

For Shanell, successful service comes down to paying attention to people and understanding what they need. Sometimes that means offering a smile or a little encouragement.

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She’s a Chicagoan through and through. Shebegins her commute from the West Side at 4:30 a.m. She is also the mother of two elementary school-aged girls, whose activities include dance team and volleyball.

“It’s really busy right now because I’m studying to become a medical assistant and have school after work most days,” she says. “And the girls have dance and volleyball practices all the time.”

Like many parents raising children in the TikTok generation, Shanell is balancing family life in a world that rarely slows down.She’s always moving.

The relationships Shanell’s built, the care she brings to her role and the positive presence she provides to the Eight O Five community clearly do not go unnoticed.

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email [email protected] with their name and why they should be Doorperson of the Month. Winners receive a $25 Mariano’s gift card.