Marketing Alum; Shaunta Patton
In celebration of Black History Month, the February series of alumni profiles feature business and community leaders who have shared with us the impact their Baker College degree has had on their lives. Our second featured alum is Shauna Patton.
I am Shaunta Patton, a longtime resident of Jackson, MI, married with 9 adult children, and a Baker College (Jackson campus) 2004 graduate. During 2002, I researched several schools with which to transfer and Baker College was the best choice for my lifestyle. Currently, I am employed by three different companies and founded a small disability firm in December 2021.
As of 2009, My first position started at Training and Treatment Innovation as a PATH/SOAR Outreach coordinator. I coordinate a team of outreach workers that engage street homeless individuals within 5 counties in the state of Michigan. As of 2010, another position came my way, Love INC of Jackson County where I am Executive Director. Love INC is a network of local Christian churches that work together to meet needs in the community and operate a small call center of volunteers for the church network. In November 2022, I was called to ministry as senior pastor of United Peoples Community Church located in Jackson Michigan.
From a young age, I desired to become an entrepreneur. Baker’s Marketing program was a major reason why Baker College was chosen in 2002 to further my progress toward entrepreneurship. As of 2021, a DBA was filed for Michigan Advocacy Group. This service was developed out of necessity during my work at Training and Treatment Innovation. There were residents struggling to navigate the disability claim process while attempting to recover from disabling conditions. So, I started working in the disability field through a program called SOAR, but later invested in SSA Law becoming a non-attorney representative. My company represents Michigan residents in disability claims in all 83 counties of Michigan.
The Marketing program I completed, became a critical asset to my success today. Baker College at the time provided a very focused curriculum to develop marketing skills and to become work ready as soon as possible. I can recall preparing multiple 4-page APA style marketing plans a week. At the time, I didn’t know these assignments would prepare me to write sermons and legal briefs weekly today.
Furthermore, my understanding and skills with the sales process affects the way I shop, write my legal briefs, and articulate ideas and principles. I am so grateful for my experience at Baker College.
Baker College can be an excellent asset on your journey if you practice the skills obtained through your academic career. Most students reading this article may have an academic path laid out. Be open to where your career may take you and utilize the skills you learn from Baker College. My journey began with entrepreneurship, to social work, to ministry, and back to entrepreneurship. Every step of the way my Marketing degree was an asset.
Black History Month reminds me of the responsibility I owe to the past. I educate myself personally about the sacrifices men and women made for a more equitable society today. One person I admire from my black history studies is Robert Gordon. He was an amazing black entrepreneur during the 1800’s who overcame oppression and became a wealthy man during slavery. He brought his freedom and started a coal mining business that made him rich. Learn more about Robert Gordon.
Black History Month reminds me of the responsibility to the future. I have a duty to be an example to people of color coming up. Someone must prove that anything is possible despite our history. Despite anyone’s culture, history, criminal record, location, or lack of education anything is possible if you want it badly enough.
Discover how you can make a difference in Michigan! Visit the Michigan Advocacy group website today for more information: Michigan Advocacy Group