Shavanna Cousins, a marketing communications executive at Central Piedmont, makes it a point to leave each space a little better than she found it. With each personal interaction she has throughout any given day, she is mindful of the energy she’s exhibiting. “I try to be positive and optimistic in all of my conversations and relationships,” she explains. “I don’t like to leave experiences or spaces where I feel like I shifted the room or a conversation in a negative direction. It doesn’t foster connectivity, which is the foundation to any good relationship – professional or otherwise.”
The inclination to always move toward positivity and choose the right path was nurtured in Shavanna by her older sister, one of the many individuals she considers a personal mentor on a variety of levels. “She evolved as my mentor because of her life choices,” says Shavanna. “She was the first person in our family to go to college and earn her master’s degree. I guess you could say she’s the trailblazer in our family who has crafted a successful blueprint for the rest of us to use as a guide. And while we’ve taken different paths in life, I still use her as a beacon for inspiration. All of her decisions have been made with intention, and that’s something I deeply admire.”
The sisters’ close relationship has been a source of comfort, support, and counsel for Shavanna, who, like her sister, recently became a mother. (She gave birth to a baby boy, Xavier, in April 2021.) “Motherhood has literally changed my entire world,” she says. “I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve definitely become more selfless, aware, and motivated. Motherhood is not only shaping the person I am, but also the person I’m becoming.”
As she’s added the role of “mom” to the many hats she wears on a daily basis, she’s become increasingly more aware of the many ways women contribute to society, both at home and in the workplace. That’s why Shavanna is a believer in applauding the work of those around her, whether they are her peers or supervisors, and honoring them for their accomplishments. “Women give so much to everyone, every day,” she explains. “As a result, they deserve to be seen. Many of us in our role, don’t do the work to be recognized. I think that’s why our ‘Celebrating HERstory’ campaign is so important. It’s allowing many of us who work behind the scenes, in the shadows, to step out into the light – to be respected and admired. It’s an incredible feeling and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
To Shavanna, the HERStory campaign is a step in the right direction, but she thinks there is even more that can be done to ensure people’s stories are told and shared. This can be accomplished through simple “check-ins” with co-workers… by taking the time to ask your peers how they’re doing – by performing an informal wellness check in a way. “There are times when we’re so focused on work because there is just so much to do,” she says. “But if we’re intentional and stop and check in with people, that’s how people begin to not only feel seen and heard, but also cared for. That’s what’s truly meaningful.”
When asked what final words she’d like to leave with the college community, she replies, “Women are beautifully complex. We are richly diverse and beyond capable. So, for those reasons, I would like to say to all women: ‘Thank you. Thank you for your many gifts. I see you and all of the contributions you make – big and small. You were chosen by God and called to be who you are, and I’m honored to know and serve beside you.’”