“I thought, working in universities, I was gonna just jump in, changing lives, inspiring students… but what they don’t tell you about is the politics, the hierarchy, and having to deal with the mental health issues of the students, and I found that all so shocking.”

Dr. Shawntia Key

CEO and Founder URep Abroad, Edpreneur

www.urepabroad.com

“Black educators matter because it allows us to control our own narratives.”

Shawntia Key was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended public school until 7th grade as a straight A student. When she started 8th grade at a White school, she was said to be academically behind. She continued forward, thanks to the advocacy of her family, but was labeled as having a learning disability for the remainder of her time there, although she made great grades in those classes. In college she continued to earn straight A’s. She attended Hiram College to learn Japanese but it wasn’t offered the year she attended. She rallied up advisors and support around campus to create her own major, International Education. Lesson of the Day: “Don’t take no for an answer. You can always ask.”

“…Media plays a huge part… A lot of times, I’m the first Black person some of these students have ever, ever seen – may ever see – in their lives… And then you have some white people who aren’t allies telling them who we are…Who are they going to believe? Who’s there to tell them otherwise?”

Shawntia started her international studies in Japan for a semester, and then China, where she also got her Master’s degree. She was greatly impacted by teaching young students who were excited to learn about her as an American and African American. Her presence as a Black woman was enlightening, appreciated, and the source of intrigue. These experiences inspired her to encourage other Black students to study abroad. Shawntia founded URep Abroad. What started as a YouTube channel evolved into an organization that empowers leaders and educators to support the un- and under-represented voices in education. They provide a space to exchange stories, share resources and gain professional opportunities. 

You can learn more about URep Abroad at www.urepabroad.com and URep Abroad on LinkedIn and Facebook. You can also follow Dr. Shawntia Key on LinkedIn.