Name: Shaun Mayo
Job Title: Chief People Officer
How long have you been with the Cardinals? Three seasons
Did you attend an HBCU? Yes
Job Title Chief People Officer
Can you share the name of the HBCU you attended and its founding date? Texas Southern University, founded in 1927
What motivated your decision to choose your particular HBCU? My decision to attend TSU was motivated by familiarity. Throughout grade school, I attended predominantly black schools. My mom and my father both had advanced degrees from TSU, and the comfort of not having to go away for school were the primary factors in my decision.
In 2024, how do you perceive the significance of HBCUs, not only for the black community but also on a global scale? HBCUs have gotten a lot of attention lately. The significance and impact for me are knowing that there are talented individuals at various levels within the institutions who are ripe for talent in today's work environment and have the ability to make extraordinary impact in their fields of study.
Reflecting on your time at your HBCU, what would you say is the most impactful lesson you learned? My most impactful lesson I learned was around hard work and perseverance - times were challenging but coming out and having graduated when a lot of odds were stacked against me gave me the confidence needed to strive to obtain goals that are important to me, regardless of the circumstances and environment around me.
If you could go back to your first day at your alma mater, what advice would you give to your younger self? I was busy juggling work and school but wish I would have taken more time to enjoy the college experience.
What piece of advice would you offer to individuals considering attending an HBCU? It truly is a unique experience steeped in culture and community. My best advice is to ensure alignment with the university and the programs they offer. How does this program/school fit into the overall goals you have in life related to your career?
How did your experience at your HBCU play a role in your journey to get you where you are today? My experience at TSU intersects with my career as I worked full-time and went to school full-time. In some cases, I was able to apply what I was learning at school in real time on the job. I feel like this combination gave me a learning lab that I was able to take advantage of to hone my leadership skills in a way that lead to career progression for me.
Are you a part of the Divine 9? Yes
Can you share the name of the organization you are in? Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc
In what year did you cross? Fall 2018
What inspired your decision to join your specific organization within the Divine 9? My greatest inspiration came from some of my early mentors and father figures - many of them were part of Greek organizations, and I took a liking to how they carried themselves and the strong character traits that they demonstrated. It happened that one of those mentors was an Alpha.
In what ways has being a part of this organization positively impacted your life? One of the things we like to say is that "Iron Sharpens Iron" and so it has been great to be in the company of so many greats. There are several life long friends, mentors, and brothers that have been made out of the bond our fraternities objectives. More importantly though, my aspirations and commitment to the the fraternity was less about what I can get out of Alpha but what can I give to Alpha, so I have always tried my best to give my time, talents, and treasures to the fraternity.
Could you share insights about your organization's mission and what you'd like others to know? Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders and promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities. The objectives are to -stimulate the ambition of its members, prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual, to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood, and to aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in becoming members of the Divine 9? Choose wisely - just kidding! It is a lifelong commitment to the organization's ideals that extends beyond college years. Be ready to put in the work to help make the organization great.
How do you feel the Cardinals continue to share those same values/experiences? When I look at our commitment to the community and the organization's trailblazing history of providing opportunities to African-Americans (Adele Harris - first black female front office executive, Rod Graves, and Dennis Green - first black head coach and GM tandem in the NFL, Bob Wallace - first black contract negotiator in the NFL) there is alignment on meritocracy. There is alignment on being a leader and not being afraid to chart the course and being willing to do or say what others may not be comfortable with. We stand up for what is right and strive for greatness in all we do.
