50 Leading Women: Shanette Eaden
In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.
Introducing, Shanette Eaden, Housing & Community Services Manager for the City of Plano. As soon as you meet Shanette, her love for the city and residents of Plano shines through. As the Housing & Community Services Manager, Shanette leads the city’s various homeless services such as the prevention program and the Homeless Housing & Services Program Rapid Rehousing Program. Additionally she oversees the City of Plano’s Housing Rehabilitation Program aimed at maintaining Plano’s reputation as a thriving, livable, and sustainable place to plant roots. She is an active member of the Junior League of Collin County and was once featured for her incredible work as one of Plano Magazine‘s “2019 Girl Boss“. She is a wealth of knowledge and exudes passion for her life and work in Plano.
1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
I believe that I lead with honesty, integrity, and compassion. I was just saying to a colleague a couple weeks ago that to “Lead,” someone has to actually allow you to “lead” them. The one who allows someone else to lead them, truly has the power, when you think about it like that. I try to lead by example and not mere words. Being a leader gives you a higher platform to serve more.
2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
Women can develop their skills in the workforce by getting involved in women-focused organizations, such as the Junior League of Collin County, where there is very pointed mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community. I continue to learn new skills in JLCC that I use in my current job. Attending programs that focus on women leading, such as those put on by the Plano Chamber’s Women’s Division also offer you the opportunity to meet engage with other career-minded professionals.
3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
The responsibilities that my team and I have affect the lives of people, daily. Therefore, the most important decisions that I make as a leader involve building and maintaining an engaged team. Without a team, work cannot complete, and more importantly, people’s lives cannot improve. You’ve got to have the right people on your team to change lives.
4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
I get the most joy hearing from someone that received help through one of our programs, such as First Time Homebuyer or Housing Rehabilitation, and listening to them tell us how the assistance that we provided positively impacted their lives.
5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?
I don’t recall having many disappointments in my career. I guess because of the way that I view life, in general. Are they disappointments or mere setbacks. I will say that July 2021 was the toughest month in my career to-date. It was that month that my team member, my colleague, and arguable my closest friend at work passed. Experiencing such a loss has taught me to value the true friendships that you make throughout your career and never take them for granted. Know that those relationships help you grow personally and professionally.
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Inclusion in the workplace is crucial!
Strategy #1: Be Intentional about your desire to have an “inclusive workplace” and define what that means.
Strategy #2: Make sure the workplace reflects all of the different populations you serve both in sight and mind.
Strategy #3: Create an environment that welcomes and seeks inclusivity in ideas, thoughts, and actions.
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
The advice that I would give my 25-year-old self would be to SLOW DOWN!! There is a reason why “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Take time to breathe, relax, and thank God every day. Oh, and when you have a tough day, thank God even more for just letting you get through the day.
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be true to yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to be different.
9. Who inspired you and why?
My mother continues to inspire me. At the age of 72, she and my dad travel together to train her clients, not because she must work, but because she wants to work. She has a giving heart, an amazing faith in God, and at times a sharp tongue. Growing up, she constantly would say, “Get your feelings off your shoulders,” and I that has literally helped me become who I am. The world isn’t always a nice place, and we must know how to continue to lead and grow in adversity.
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as someone who was passionate about helping people improve their lives and loved to smile.
