Shanice Stevens
’10 BA Journalism and Media Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Alumna of the Year
“Now it’s my time to make my mark and show the world who I am and what I can do!”
Shanice Stevens certainly had the opportunity for such a “me” moment after graduating from UNLV more than a decade ago. Instead, she turned the focus outward, thinking not about how to leverage her education to benefit herself but rather how she could use it to lift up others — specifically, those in need of a role model who looks like them and once walked in their shoes.
This pay-it-forward mentality has propelled Stevens in both her professional and personal endeavors.
On the career front, she joined Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada several years ago as marketing coordinator and education specialist, then was promoted to director of education. Today, she serves as director of community engagement for the community-based organization that prepares school-age kids for financial stability through various age-appropriate interactive programs.
The ultimate end goal: to eliminate generational and situational poverty.
“My core focus in my current role is to support and empower youth by acting as a bridge between the educational sphere and the business world,” Stevens says. “By forging strong connections and partnerships between these two realms, I develop and implement impactful programs in financial literacy and career readiness, all while fostering the entrepreneurial spirit.”
Then there are the multiple community service hats that Stevens dons on her own time. She has served on the executive boards of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority (Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter) and Code Switch: Restorative Justice for Girls of Color. Additionally, she was a collegiate advisor and educational development committee chair for the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy.
Stevens also has been a Nevada Promise Scholarship mentor for the College of Southern Nevada and volunteer mentor with the UNLV College of Liberal Arts.
“My interest in volunteerism traces back to the uplifting and encouraging support I received from a village of amazing mentors, family, and teachers while growing up in Las Vegas,” she says. “They instilled in me the importance of education and provided me with the tools to help myself and others to the best of my ability.
“This experience planted a seed within me to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others — just as others did for me.”
Your work for Junior Achievement is designed to have a multi-pronged impact. Can you explain why this work is so vital?
Through collaborative efforts, I provide young individuals — particularly those from underserved communities — with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, while simultaneously strengthening the relationship between the education sector and the business community.
The biggest reason I enjoy what I do is because I believe it takes a village to help our youth. Through this job, Junior Achievement allows me to impact my community by supplying our youth with important information and knowledge to make impactful decisions for their future.
Looking back on your time at UNLV, what helped set you up for future success?
My most impactful moments were deeply intertwined with my active engagement in the Black Student Organization (BSO) and my initiation into the Eta Chi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at UNLV. Through these organizations, I had the privilege of participating in community service initiatives, knowledge bowls and mentorship programs, while also engaging with incredible guest speakers.
These experiences not only enriched my personal growth but contributed to fostering a strong sense of unity, support and empowerment within UNLV’s black and minority community of students.
UNLV is one of the nation’s most diverse campuses, and it’s situated in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. In what ways have you benefited from those realities?
One of the greatest benefits is that my entire career pathway has been interconnected with UNLV. Through participating in alumni events and utilizing the support systems provided for alumni, I have received valuable guidance and opportunities for career growth.
Moreover, I have experienced full-circle moments where I have collaborated with individuals whom I first met during my undergraduate studies, and we now have connected again as community leaders.
These experiences have not only enriched my personal network but have provided a strong foundation for professional development and collaboration.
UNLV students and alumni are encouraged to embrace their “Rebel spirit” — to be daring, take chances, and resist convention. Describe a moment when your “Rebel spirit” was on full display.
During the pandemic, I embraced the Rebel spirit by pivoting our organization’s practices to meet the needs of the community. As the call to action extended beyond programming, I took the initiative to provide virtual resources for educators, students, and families, going the extra mile to deepen my relationships with schools and the wider community.
Alongside educators, I delivered tablets door-to-door to students and actively participated in handing out lunches to families. This was a proud moment for me, as I stepped up with temporary solutions, driven by the commitment to support and serve, even without a clear plan for the future.
As someone who has carved out time to devote to numerous community organizations, what’s your message to today’s UNLV students?
My message is simple: Strive to make an impact on others — particularly those in need — and do so in whatever way brings you a sense of fulfillment, be it big or small. What matters most is taking action that will create positive change in the world around you.
