Thought Leadershipt: How Shanda H. Honors Black History Month
Leaders come from all teams and titles. Shanda H., Associate Program Manager of Team Member Experience, has been leading with her authenticity and drive since day one on the job. As a Community Lead for Sankofa, our employee resource group for Black/African American team members and allies, she offers a rich perspective on Black History Month. Read on for her personal and professional experiences, plus her recommendations for how to honor the Black and African American experience – this month and beyond.
On celebrating and honoring Black History Month
Always with knowledge and giving back. Learning of the many, many contributions of African Americans throughout history, the sacrifices, the inventions, the passion and drive of our people are astronomical. To be aware of this is a critical point of knowing who we are, where we are and what we are capable of. It feels right and it feels good when I give back, knowing that I came from humble beginnings; showing those around me what they can achieve is celebratory, I would not change a thing and I will ALWAYS strive to give and serve.
On her earliest memories of Black History Month
Memories start at elementary school for me. Writing history papers and having programs where we show who we are and where we come from. It ignited a passion in me to just know more and share more. I always wanted my children to be exposed to the greatness that it is to be descendants of their ancestors! Staring with my own family, the entrepreneurial spirit, the life long learners and the reality of being legacies and taking it farther. Education, passion, hustle and drive is what I’ve shared with them and encourage them to seek.
On her experience with Black History Month at Shipt, and in Birmingham
It has been a phenomenal experience! Working for an organization that is intentional about recognizing the experiences and contributions of Black Americans is heartwarming. To be in a space, professionally, where I am allowed to be my authentic self while working and giving back, especially in Birmingham, gives a glimpse of how far we have come and how much farther we can go.
On her experience as Shipt’s Sankofa ERG Community Lead
Sankofa is my first exposure to ERGs! My first impression was like WOW!! My second thought was how can I be a contributor to this fantastic space? When I realized what I do as my authentic self aligned with Sankofa’s community pillar, I decided that this was the set place for me.
Being elected based on my passion and ideas of contribution was the first step. Planning, programming, and activations are based on what our community needs and what the aspirations are. Education, support, career building and food security are all things that we keep in mind when creating activations to support the community within and the external communities we serve.
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Being a part of a group of like minded people, with the same goals for our community is motivation to just do more. This year's theme of Black, Bold & Thriving is just that, MOTIVATING!!
On Shipt’s expansion with community impact, DEI initiatives, and team member support
I am excited to see the growth of the organization. To see our team members realize their potential and opportunities to grow, shine and give back to make a difference internally and externally.
Her advice for anyone wanting to recognize Black History Month
Be open minded, know and understand that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much we can learn from our ancestors and so much more we can give to and show the next generations, with the knowledge we gain.
Her recommendations for content from leaders, educators, authors, and artists speaking to the Black/African American experience
When I was in middle school I had a teacher that showed our class the “Eyes on the Prize” documentary. This opened my eyes to ALL the possibilities! This made me admire contributors in general, be it education, art, entertainment, sports, philanthropy. When I see people that look like me, that have passion for positive, impactful change and growth I feel admiration. It makes me want to show the world where we are from, what we have done and what we can do.
I have a mentor from college, Dr. Sharon E. Whittaker-Davis, she has been The Example for me. She showed me the importance of representation. To see an African American woman from a community and environment similar to the one I was raised in become an educator, motivational speaker, and mentor to young adults in higher education, gave me the drive and passion to do my best to show the younger generations what they can accomplish.
A diversity of perspectives and experiences is what helps us spark the connections that show how every person counts. Thank you to the amazing leaders throughout our organization for bringing your authentic selves to work every day. Want to join our journey? See how we're growing.