Shaka Mitchell
American Federation for Children
San Diego, CA USA
"I don’t think it’s ever too late to try something new."
Career Roadmap
Shaka's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Don't give in to the idea that you have choose one interest or one path that you have to ultimately stick to. Society puts a lot of pressure on young people to choose a path but your high school years are actually a great time to try things out and explore. Don't lock yourself into one plan. Instead, prepare yourself to be a lifelong learner. Focus on your mindset and become a problem solver. Don't be afraid to try things. If you get something wrong, try again. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science and Philosophy
Belmont University
Doctorate
Law
Wake Forest University School of Law
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Director of State Strategy and Advocacy:
Bachelor's Degree: Political Science and Philosophy
Doctorate: Law
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Neither of my parents finished college but they made sure my siblings and I knew the value and importance of education—I decided to pursue a career in education because of this.
2.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
3.
I went on to earn my law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.
4.
After law school, I started my career in education as an associate director of policy and planning for the Center for Education Reform.
5.
I’ve since held a variety of positions involving education, law, and policy.
6.
Some of my roles include outreach coordinator for the Institute for Justice, executive vice president for the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, and regional director for Rocketship Education.
7.
I eventually joined the American Federation for Children—I started as the Tennessee State Director and now work across multiple states as the director of state strategy and advocacy.
8.
In addition to my role with the American Federation of Children, I work as an attorney at my own law office and teach political science as an adjunct professor at Belmont University.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You should become a doctor.
How I responded:
When I was a kid, everyone told me I should become a doctor. They thought that because I did well in school, becoming a doctor was the right path for me. I didn't know any doctors but I just agreed because that seemed like the proper path according to everyone else. After taking some classes in high school, I realized that I just wasn't into it. I wasn't interested in things like anatomy and physiology. Once I realized that it wasn't a good fit for me, I started looking into other interests.