Nzinga C. Shaw
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena
Nzinga C. Shaw is a natural at maneuvering through the corporate world. By earning her bachelor’s at Spelman College, her MLA at the University of Pennsylvania, and working in human resources at companies such as Essence magazine and the National Football League, she learned how to become a powerful force in the professional world.
Today, Shaw serves as the first chief diversity and inclusion officer of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena, where she has “developed a strategy to embed equity in all programmatic activities, governance and daily administration of the organization.”
Additionally, she was appointed by Mayor Kasim Reed to serve on the board of directors of the city of Atlanta’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative and landed on AOL’s Makers list. Shaw selflessly devotes her time and expertise to teaching career skills to minorities and women.
Shaw lists education, a positive mental attitude, and having contacts as being the most important aspects of becoming successful. When it comes to power, she says it’s best to refrain from being boastful.
“Nothing is more telling of a woman’s character than how she uses her power,” Shaw says. “A powerful woman walks in purpose and allows her inner light to shine so that positive energy, people and opportunities pursue her. The only thing she ever has to chase is her dream.”
The young businesswoman says the thought of making her deceased parents proud is her motivation to continue succeeding.
“I want to live up to their greatest dreams for my life,” she says. “I’ve taken huge risks and chances in my career because I refuse to let them down.”
