Congratulations to the winner of the SIATech schools' staff spotlight, our Student and State Reporting Specialist Shakinah Brown!
Nominated by her peers, Ms. Brown was chosen because she is "hard working, dedicated, and passionate person that contributes so much to SIATech." Ms. Brown has been serving at SIATech for five years and works to ensure all student enrollment is accurate for state submission.
"I appreciate working with Shakinah because she works well with others, offers new ideas, and celebrates inclusion,” said SIATech Technical Support Specialist Oddette Tellez. While accomplishing her daily tasks she manages to make a positive impact and bring a smile to her peers' faces. “Her vibrant energy encourages others to collaborate and come together to achieve SIATech's mission and beliefs,” said Tellez.
A job is simply a job when there is no passion behind it, however passion is not something that Shakinah lacks. After years of working in the for-profit space, Shakinah was drawn to pursue a career at SIATech because of her personal passion of being a support to those in need. “The joy I get working with data is a surprise to me. During my time, at SIATech I developed a passion for working with data.”
Ms. Brown shared that SIATech participated in a virtual conference that was hosted by the Philadelphia School District. One of the presenters was from South Philadelphia High School which just so happened to be Ms. Brown’s alma mater.
“During my time at SPHS, I was very much an at-risk student. Environmental and generational factors made it difficult to pursue an education. However, I knew education was the only way out of my circumstances. I graduated high school despite the challenges, and graduated a few more times after that,” said Ms. Brown. She now holds an AA in Liberal Arts and a BS in Communications specializing in Marketing & Sales.
This was a full circle moment for Ms. Brown and allowed her to realize just how far she has come. “The SPHS version of 'Me' got to congratulate 'Me' in the present. It was a humbling and confirming experience,” said Ms. Brown.
Ms. Brown is a positive example to our students of what overcoming obstacles and achieving success looks like. “I am proud to be a way-maker: first in my family to graduate high school and college, as well as move away from Philadelphia. I overcame a lot so my son could have all the opportunities I didn’t, and I know our students can do the same.”
Congratulations to Shakinah Brown for being the winner of our SIATech Staff Spotlight, and thank you Ms. Brown for your excellent and caring service to our schools, staff, and students!