Written by: Fallon Brewster

After a 19-year career progression at the Jackson Medical Mall, Mrs. Shante Black hails as the new Chief Financial Officer. Her story is one of pride, passion, and perseverance, that began as a temporary appointment in the EVS department as a housekeeper.

Just four days into her assignment as housekeeper, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast and across the Jackson Metropolitan Area, disrupting the local economy, job market, and the livelihoods of many. Shante was among those temporarily displaced from work by the disaster. After approximately two weeks away, she began calling daily, eager to resume her duties.

Not long afterward, Shante earned a promotion to receptionist. “I just walked into the Executive Director’s office and said, ‘Hey, I don’t want to do this for the rest of my life. Is there anything else I can do?’”

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Black has served in several departments across the Foundation, consistently asking herself, “What more can I do, and how can I help?”

She views her promotion to Chief Financial Officer as divine confirmation of the importance of blooming where you’re planted.

“It wasn’t until then that I could look back over my life and see that there has always been a connection to the mall,” said Black.Mrs. Black is hopeful she can continue to grow the Foundation financially with the help of the entire team.