Shaka Mitchell
Director of State Strategy and Advocacy
American Federation for Children
San Diego, CA USA
“I don’t think it’s ever too late to try something new.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationShaka Mitchell
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
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.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
I went on to earn my law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.
After law school, I started my career in education as an associate director of policy and planning for the Center for Education Reform.
I’ve since held a variety of positions involving education, law, and policy.
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.
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.
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.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Political Science and Philosophy
Belmont University
Political Science and Philosophy
Belmont University
Doctorate
Law
Wake Forest University School of Law
Law
Wake Forest University School of Law
Career
Director of State Strategy and Advocacy
I ensure families have the ability to choose a school for their children that best fits their needs.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
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.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Political Science and Philosophy
Political Science and Philosophy
Doctorate
Law
Law
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
"You should become a doctor."
