AtkCo's Management Team Graduates from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business Ascend Executive Education Program
Founder's Graduation Speech Highlights the Power of Unity and Gratitude in Achieving Success
Evanston, Ill, April 2023 – AtkCo proudly announces the graduation of the management team from the renowned Ascend Executive Education Program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business. This achievement is a testament to the team's dedication to continuous improvement, leadership, and strategic growth.
In a deeply moving graduation speech, Shayna Atkins took center stage, delivering a message that resonated profoundly with the audience. Quoting the philosophy of Ubuntu, Shayna emphasized the vital role of unity and collective effort in achieving success. "Ubuntu - I am who I am because we are who we are," she stated, encapsulating the essence of shared achievements.
Shayna's speech took a poignant turn as she recounted the modest beginnings of her childhood in her mother’s small storefront business, Q’s Beeper Boutique. Q’s Beeper Boutique was started by her mother with a microloan of $1000 and participation in the WSEP program. The WSEP program was started by Muhummad Yunus - founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Nearly 20 years later, the legacy of that business and the connections forged during that time continue to shape her path. She drew a connection of the WSEP program which left generational impact with incremental support to the exponential impact of the Ascend program.
"Graduation ceremonies date back to the twelfth century - with the term graduation stemming from the word gradus meaning 'step.' So in the spirit of continuous improvement, feedback, and deliberate practice, I want to infuse celebration and gratitude in these next 90 seconds with you," Shayna shared, underscoring the importance of commemorating every stride forward.
Addressing the challenges inherent to small business owners and employees, Shayna offered insights into the multitude of decisions made daily, each representing a step in their journey. She also acknowledged the resilience required to navigate the business landscape, particularly for minority-owned enterprises.
"I want to thank us for still being in business. I want to thank you for showing up and investing in the education of yourselves and your teams," Shayna expressed, extending gratitude for the collective efforts sustaining the business ecosystem.
She gave well-deserved recognition to her classmates for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication, and steadfast support. In conclusion, Shayna expressed her gratitude to Ascend for fostering an environment conducive to growth and learning. She also acknowledged the pivotal role played by her own team, whose commitment has elevated AtkCo to its status as one of the fastest-growing companies in America.
In her closing remarks, Shayna evoked Nipsey Hussle's words, "The game will test you, never fold, stay ten toes down. It’s not on you, it’s in you, and what’s in you no one can take away," reminding everyone of the inherent strength that lies within each individual.
The message of unity and shared growth was encapsulated in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, and Shayna expressed enthusiasm for the journey ahead, with the anticipation of fostering profound discussions, implementing impactful strategies, and achieving monumental success.
The AtkCo management team's graduation from the Ascend Executive Education Program signify a remarkable milestone, underscoring their commitment to excellence and the pursuit of innovative solutions within the business landscape.
About Shayna Atkins, Founder
Shayna Atkins is driving innovation in process improvement and leaving a seat at the table for women of color in technology. In her role as an IT product development expert, she has coached and consulted organizations- fortune 100 to startups- in transformation and continuous improvement. Her process improvement firm, AtkCo, transforms ways of working in order to take our clients from problem solving to acceleration. AtkCo has recently been recognized as Inc 5000 fastest growing private companies in America ranking in the top 3rd as 1395. She approaches improvement with a lens on digital modernization using custom frameworks to drive operating models that can keep pace tech disruption. She runs a boutique firm that she grows as slow as she must - with the thought that AtkCo services are white glove and customer service deserves authentic intention. Shayna is a Chicago born 3rd generation entrepreneur, 2nd time founder, military wife, and her ancestors wildest dream. She can be found on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram @shaynaatkins.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sacramento Santillan
Operations Manager
AtkCo
(312) 593-5070