Shawn Mitchell is a citizen of and employed within the City of Chandler. Shawn is an administrator in the Chandler Unified School District. He participated in the Chandler Chamber Leadership Institute, intending to learn the inter-workings of Chandler with fidelity. He graduated with the Class of 33, serving as one of the Quad-Chairs for the incoming Class of 34.

During a typical day, he works with families and youth to meet educational and career goals focusing on plans of success for the future after graduation. He previously served as a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of Chandler, assisting with community programs, working with the youth, and facilitating tennis programs for young people ages 7 through 14.

Shawn has spent the past five years working with the Chandler Men of Action (CMOA), supporting efforts within Chandler and assisting with annual CMOA events. Chandler Men of Action is an organization of black men who work to create an environment of hope and opportunity for African-American youth.

In 2020 Shawn, and fellow Chandler citizens, created a grassroots organization, Chandler4Change (C4C), to support the community and those that may be under-served and/or under-represented within Chandler. C4C builds relationships between diverse communities within Chandler to increase opportunities for all. This newly formed organization has participated in neighborhood caravan celebrations, Juneteenth events, support of cultural programs and efforts by the City, and participating in neighborhood improvement programs, while meeting and increasing friendships and allies in the community. Shawn has been honored as one of the 2021 Men of Chandler, MLK Jr. Keeping the Dream Alive Award, and Chandler Men of Action 2021 Man of the Year for his community work, supporting efforts in education and working to be a representative lead for community change.

I have lived in Chandler for 28 years. I worked for Intel Corporation for 20 years as an Enterprise Architect, specializing in data. My job was to understand the information and its relationship to other data, making it available to all. I think in C4C we are still looking for relationships and how can we all work cooperatively together, to the benefit of all. As a Baha’i, I believe strongly in the essential need for justice for all peoples.

In the City of Chandler Diversity Advisory Group meeting, there were three areas defined as focus areas. When Shawn Mitchell talked about his vision to address issues related to Unity and Black Lives Matters, I was hooked. I appreciated the positive approach to address issues for those in need of support or a voice. We need to address the prejudices in our society in order to have a just and unified society, and I felt this was one way I could, in my small way, make a difference.

There are many past Chandler4change events that I feel I grow and build stronger friendships with others, and is it that what it’s all about in growing a unified society. I think the 1^st Juneteenth experience was the most impactful, and perhaps because it was our first event. I loved the excitement of the caravan as well as the communication from the historic South Chandler neighborhood. It gave me the opportunity to hear from the people I wanted to help what they wanted and this helped set direction for me.

While being a part of C4C I want to accomplish making friendships with people who I might not have met otherwise as our paths may not have crossed. I also hope to make Chandler a more open and welcoming community to all.

I have lived in Chandler since 1994. My background is in software engineering. I switched to education to use my experience and skills to open doors for those who are traditionally underserved in our community.

I joined C4C to promote justice and unity for all people regardless of all the things that divide us. The very first Chandler4Change Juneteenth Caravan and neighborhood park gathering would have to be my favorite event so far. It was a true grassroots community event that highlighted the history and culture of a neighborhood that is often overlooked.

I hope my experience with C4C will result in stronger relationships between people who otherwise would remain divided and separated. I want to be part of an organization that speaks for those who do not have a voice.

I relocated to Chandler from Chicago in 2010. As a medical science liaison with a pharmaceutical manufacturer, I am focused on improving the care and treatment of individuals with cardio metabolic disease through evidence based education. Persons of color are disproportionately impacted by cardiometabolic disease. GOD gives us gifts.

I am not musically or artistically inclined, however, I am a skilled communicator with a passion for health equity. My community activities with the American Diabetes Association and NAACP are inline with my personal mission to reduce health disparities with a vision of elimination. Chandler4Change allowed me the opportunity to create change closer to home; my home Chandler.

Since joining C4C, I have been blessed with collaborating with like minded activists and advocacy groups who are also committed to changing the landscape of Chandler to become more inclusive for ALL residents. Being a part of Chandler4change I hope to accomplish UTOPIA!

I was born in Washington, but have lived in Chandler most of my life. I grew up around the idea of community, giving back, and learning about the things and history around you is something you should never fail to do. I am an entrepreneur with my own business, sharing my love of art and self-expression with others.

I joined Chandler4Change because I wanted to take my opportunity as a young and creative individual to bring together all ages of life in my community. Reminding everyone and myself that we can get so many amazing things accomplished when we come together, which is proven at every event C4C has been a part of, so far.