I am Dr. Shonna Tillman, and I bring you greetings from the other side of the PhD. I received my doctoral degree in Public Policy and Administration at Mississippi State University. The research for my dissertation explored an analysis of the effects of grassroots organizations on motivating Black women to run for political office. When a Black woman seeks to pursue a political candidacy, they must deal with the ramifications of being categorized by gender and race. This can be considered a double negative in pursuing a political position. Nevertheless, Black women have prevailed by overcoming barriers set to prevent access to advancement. It is essential to highlight the intersectionality of race and gender, significant issues when discussing Black women and their desire to be in a political position. I study to discover the underlying problems of why Black women choose not to run for political office but work in spaces that encourage political participation.
Teaching Philosophy
bell hooks wrote, “As a classroom community, our capacity to generate excitement is deeply affected by our interest in one another, in hearing one another’s voices, in recognizing one another’s presences; education was about the practice of freedom”. I try to create a community space within my classroom when I teach. I define community as a collective coming together and sharing thoughts to develop a framework contributing to the discussed topic. I believe in developing this idea of community in every school to instill in students the importance of understanding one another regardless of background, religion, or ethnicity.
I was very fortunate to learn the importance of community from my upbringing. I learned the importance of hearing the stories of those who came before me and how to illustrate those stories in the classroom. I strive to model my love for reading, writing, teaching, and community to my students. My methods vary from class to class and include lectures, discussion, and collaboration. I emphasized how to tell the stories in the text to keep the students engaged and leave them with the tools to understand the government structure.
To encourage active engagement in my class. I incorporated real-life scenarios and asked my students to contribute their thoughts. My role is to guide students to think outside of their comfort zone and feel like practitioners in the public administration field. I point toward texts that serve as models and help them become conscious of their decisions. I ensure that my students take accountability for their work.
Mentoring students is a crucial component beyond the classroom. I often meet with students to discuss their reading and understand why they decided to major in public service. I also enjoy helping students discover conferences, internships, and other opportunities to enhance their education.
SERVICE
Leveraging my doctoral expertise in rural government, Black women's representation in leadership, and gender politics, I am dedicated to driving impactful community development initiatives. My research has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of Black women's unique challenges and opportunities in rural leadership roles. This knowledge enables me to design and implement programs that address these needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for emerging leaders. By collaborating with local governments, community organizations, and stakeholders, I can advocate for policies that promote diversity and equity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. My focus on gender politics further informs my approach to creating equitable opportunities for women, particularly Black women, to participate actively in community decision-making. Through strategic planning and community engagement, I aim to build resilient, inclusive communities that empower underrepresented groups and enhance overall social and economic well-being.
PRACTITIONER
With over five years of project management experience, I have successfully led and executed numerous projects across diverse sectors. My expertise encompasses the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning and resource allocation to execution, monitoring, and delivery. I am adept at coordinating cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring all projects are completed on time and within scope. My strategic approach involves meticulous planning, proactive risk management, and continuous stakeholder communication to drive project success. I excel in creating efficient workflows, fostering collaboration, and adapting to evolving project demands. My commitment to excellence and detail-oriented nature ensures I consistently meet and exceed client expectations, delivering high-quality results that align with their strategic objectives.