Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon McFadden.
Hi Shannon , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow, this always gets me a little emotional when I think of how I got started. It started when I was a young child. My oldest nephew was born the day after my 8th birthday, and he was my baby. When he was about two, we noticed he was different. It wasn’t until he was in the fifth grade that he was diagnosed with autism. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that my sister did the best she could, in a landscape that was not only hard on black boys, but especially on black boys that had some sort of diagnosis. My career really focuses on educating the Black community on behavioral health disorders and how things like IDD or ASD are not ‘death sentences’, showing the community how we can advocate differently for resources and build sustainability. I was a special educator, worked for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, two DDA providers, with substance users, and with those who have severe mental illnesses. After my father became an ancestor, I became adamant about continuing his legacy. As a result, the Jerome McFadden Educational Center was born, where we educate the community and those tasked with serving the community, on intellectual developmental disabilities and how lack of education of the diagnosis impacts the Black community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Omg! It was NOT. Lol. When I say I ran from my calling! I did not want to do this, but life has a funny way of bringing you back to your purpose. I ran from becoming a PhD, to essentially being one. I have so many certifications and licenses and degrees. All I had to do was listen. Lol. Most of the struggle came from me just finding my voice as an entrepreneur and a trainer. Once I found my voice, letting people into who I am as a person, the work took off. Another huge struggle was trying to find the balance between motherhood, work, and business. It was hard in the beginning, but I think we have the hang of it now. My support system is everything to me. The other was trusting others with my vision. My vision is mine, but there are people that will support it and ride with me. I am blessed to have found those people, my tribe.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
JMEC is a boutique organization, where we facilitate community events, youth programming, and trainings for the community. Our programs focus on the reduction of recidivism of juvenile incarcerations and all the factors that play a role in why youth commit crimes. Our biggest event is the JMEC Strategic Disruptor Initiative, where we host community events in communities with the largest racial gaps in youth incarcerations. These events provide food, tools, and resources that address barriers to social determinants of health and equity in education.
What sets us apart is our ability to partner with grassroots organizations, allow them to run these programs and events with no manpower and very little financial responsibility. We do all the work. The planning, the execution, everything. Grassroots orgs are already strapped for resources and are still required to meet the requirements of their grants. Since we run these programs anyway, these organizations can partner with us and reap the benefits. This includes owning the data and media that we collect from each event, program, and training. This business model increases the partnering grassroots organization’s footprint, increases the number of people they serve, and gives them ownership of data. What makes me the most proud is that I am able to help my people attain ownership and control.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Simply by partnering! Sign up to sponsor an event. Our next event is on September 6, 2025, with the Community Group, Inc. and Succor Transitional Program, at the Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School. Schedule a training for your organization. We do Lunch and Learns bimonthly. Hire us to do leadership and staff development trainings. Hire us to run our youth programming at your school, afterschool program, mentorship program, etc. The goal is to make it easy for minority-owned nonprofits to operate with limited resources. The more businesses sponsor or work with us, the more we can pour back into the community.
Pricing:
- Sponsorship Level Scorpion: $500
- Sponsorship Level Eagle: $1,000
- Sponsorship Level Phoenix: $2,000
- Organizational Training: $500 for four hours. Virtual is discounted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcfaddeneducationalcenter.com
- Instagram: McFaddenEducationalCenter
