DR. SHAUNNA FINLEY
Dr. Shaunna Finley is a first-generation high school graduate and has overcome many obstacles which has led her on a journey to impact communities across the country. She has experience in K-12 and Higher Education as well as non-profit management. She has led initiatives such as:
- Transformation of the Area Agency on Aging for Northwest Indiana named Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation
- Integration of Workforce Development Programs for Northwest Indiana with The Center of Workforce Innovations
- Monitored Minority and Women Based Enterprise Compliance for the Regional Development Authority with Organization Development Solutions
- Successful high school turnaround for East Chicago Central High School
- Impactful launch of Integrated Student Supports Curriculum with Communities In Schools
She also serves on several boards in the community where she and her family reside.
Program Evaluation
Program evaluation looks at the parameters, needs, components, and outcomes of program design with an eye towards improving student learning. It involves a complex approach, taking into consideration needs assessment, curriculum mapping, and various models of program review.
Program Development
Plans, organizes, advances, and coordinates one or more programs for career and other extended learning opportunities that are often specially funded or fee-based. Develops, enhances, and supports programs and curriculum for supplemental instructional programs, school-to-career, adult continuing education and career training, and community-based education.
Strategic Planning Process
When Blue Onyx works with school districts on new or updated strategic planning processes, we use a facilitated process designed to help districts achieve success by actively engaging community members, educators, parents, business leaders, students, and a few board members. These groups are challenged and invited to envision the community’s vision for their district. We focus on the vision, mission, and beliefs and then determine goals areas and strategies to make it real.
What Shaunna does.
Dr. Shaunna Finley helps you build successful partnerships in order to strengthen your relationships with stakeholders. She educates leaders who want to make a difference in the education profession. She evaluates programs in order to assess outcomes. She helps you strengthen your organization’s vision and mission in order to support future opportunities to grow.
A career in EDUCATION.
Dr. Shaunna Finley, is an experienced educator who has served as an assistant superintendent, high school principal, high school teacher, and a college and careers coordinator serving Hispanic and African American students in low-income communities. She is the first African American female principal of East Chicago Central High School in East Chicago, IN. Her firsthand experience with developing community partnerships have resulted in a variety of student programming, including social and emotional learning programs for both students and staff resulting in a decrease in behavior referrals, increased student attendance and graduation rates.
2023 Northwest Indiana Influential Women's Award in Education
The 13th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet honors the region’s outstanding female professionals for their significant contributions to our local industries and communities. Each finalist and winner represent powerful sources of inspiration, adding to the betterment of NWI as both a thriving place to live and a dynamic hub for professional growth.
As one attendee put it, “These women aren’t just making waves; they’re causing a tsunami of positive change.”
Shauna was awarded the 2023 Influential Woman in Education.
What makes me qualified to be an author?
I am a first generation high school graduate. My mom had me at 16 years of age. I have NEVER set eyes on my biological father. My stepfather had nothing more than a 4th grade education. I didn’t have women or men in leadership roles to help me...
What our partners say
“I’ve had the pleasure of having worked with Shaunna on several projects involving organizations in transition. She is passionate about people and understands the needs of both the public and private sectors with regards to service; her strategic planning and leadership skills will serve any organization well.“
“I met Dr.Finley as a consultant for her school district. She is one of the amazing ones in education administration and leadership. She’s not afraid to dig deep into what it takes to turn things around when there needs to be a shift. She leads with courage and compassion. When I’m in the room with Shaunna, I’m know that effort, efficiency and excellence are part of the plan!”
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OUR SUCCESS STORIES
Hammond Education Foundation
Played a key role in shaping their strategic direction.
Save Our Sports
Provided the executive director with strategic assistance in program development and operational management.
Voices Corp
Played a key role in shaping their strategic direction and fostering a positive organizational culture through training initiatives.
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Supported the charter school board, staff, and management company with strategic planning, performance management, and resource allocation.
Clark County School District
Aided a new school board member in becoming a valuable asset to the school board through targeted coaching and training.
Together for the Region
Equipped regional organizations with the tools and knowledge for DEI through collaborative training.
Venture Leadership Collective
Collaborated on several projects with non-profits throughout the country.
Regional Development Authority
Increased contracts for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises in Northwest Indiana
New Prairie United School Corporation
Increased work-based learning opportunities for exceptional students
Code Black
Provided grant research and grant support including drafting a grant calendar and grant strategy
City of Portage I.D.E.A.
Organized the first Inclusion, Diversity and Equity with Action group in the city
Success Trek
Worked with subject matter experts to map workflows, create infographics, guides, and other materials to support training and performance measurement
Northeastern Illinois University
Faciliated focus groups in English and Spanish in preparation for strategic planning
TROY
Provided customized coaching for individuals and small teams focusing on time management, decision making, communication, and other leadership skills
School City of East Chicago
Consulted with school board while they searched for a new superintendent of schools
Department of Mental Health
Provided customized coaching for individuals and small teams focusing on leadership skills, provided technical assistance with mental health providers, and conducted open dialog discovery sessions
Write Connections | strategy + design
Reviewed and assessed resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion