Meet Our Team
Making Travel Easy
Shania Roper
Founder/CEO
Shania began her career in entertainment, specifically in the fashion and lifestyle market. Having a passion for television, she found her way working in publicity for ABC Studios in 2017. From there, she moved into marketing and talent relations for multiple media companies throughout Las Vegas, New Jersey & New York. Not only does Shania know her way through corporate America, she knows her way around the world. With a military upbringing, this globetrotter and entrepreneur is a travel expert. As a seasoned professional, Shania has extensive knowledge of various cultures, booking travel and finding affordable luxury experiences everywhere.
Jakub Tamulewicz
Cofounder/CTO
Jake specializes in data science and info security, with a career background in engineering and sales. He keeps a finger on the pulse of emerging technologies and new travel experiences. As an avid skier and surfer, he is always looking for new ways to experience these passions abroad. An underlying motivation to provide clients with a comfortable experience while interfacing with Shade & Travel, combined with this personal passion for active travel, inspire him to provide the best possible service to Shade & Travel clients and partners. He has a strong connection to his Polish background and often visits family in Europe, which are experiences that also inform his travel/tech consulting input at Shade & Travel.
Jeddah Ortega
Writer/Contributor
Jeddah has an extensive professional and educational background in foreign languages and affairs. She spent 9 years living abroad in Europe and has a long traveling resume. As a new mom, she hopes to teach her son about the world outside of their small bubble in Virginia and hopes to raise him to be enthusiastic about exploring the world and experiencing new things.
Brandon Phelps
Group Travel Host
Meet Brandon, a Shade & Travel Group Trip Host with a passion for exploring the world. When he isn’t working social events & parties, he uses his interpersonal communication skills to build rapport amongst Shade & Travel guests to make sure they never feel alone on our adventures. Prepare to dance with him over the globe as you immerse yourself in a new culture!
Maurice Levardo
Writer/Contributor
Maurice is a wistful writer and the editor in chief of The Naïve Journal. He has a love for storytelling and believes that it’s incredibly important to document fleeting moments. With a history in luxury fashion, digital marketing, and creative writing, Maurice is inspired to create a community that merges these three passions into one. Curiosity is his strongest influence, and he loves to challenge not only himself, but the different worlds around him.