APU Online Learning Original

Alumni Stories: Serving Community Needs and Inspiring Youths

By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Shaniqua Rose, APU Graduate

Shaniqua Rose’s dedication to public service originally began with her grandmother, who worked for the government. In 2013, Shaniqua decided to work for Orlando’s Economic Development Department and later the city’s Permitting Office, helping to better life for both the public and for businesses in the community.

Shaniqua Rose, APU graduate

In 2019, Shaniqua was inspired to continue her public service by becoming the CEO of Change for the Community. This local nonprofit is dedicated to providing youth mentorship, offering kids with chances to explore their community, learn history and just have fun. Change for the Community is also dedicated to delivering social justice for a variety of causes.

Now, Shaniqua serves as Eatonville’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Executive Director and the District 5 Commissioner for the City of Orlando.

Pursuing Higher Education to Help Her Community

Earlier in her career, Shaniqua wanted to further her education and gain the knowledge that would help her to better serve her community. She already had an associate degree in management from Valencia College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Polk State College.

However, Shaniqua knew that more knowledge for her professional development was needed. She explored different possibilities and eventually chose APU, graduating with a master of public administration degree in 2018.

 “My APU experience was amazing! The assignments for the courses during my master’s were what I needed to fully understand government,” she says. “My capstone was the best class because I wrote about a project that I see as a long-term plan and goal as an elected official. I share my capstone with people in the community all the time.”

Running for Office to Better Serve Community Needs

Realizing her local government was not fulfilling the needs of the community or even functioning the way her master’s degree said it should, Shaniqua decided to run for office in Orlando, Florida. Although she did not win, Shaniqua continued to fight for her community and encourage lasting policy changes. 

In 2021, she ran for Orlando District 5 Commissioner but did not win. However, a situation came up that called for a special election.

Shaniqua beat six other opponents and then a challenger in the runoff election. Staying true to her dream, she was elected the Orlando District 5 Commissioner, becoming the youngest and first Caribbean-American to hold the role. Working in District 5, she can help locals with political policies that will improve lives.

As Eatonville’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Executive Director, Shaniqua guides the CRA in the creation of “a thriving and economically robust commercial corridor with an emphasis on preserving the town’s historic character and charm where residents and visitors can live, work, play, and grow while improving the viability and livability of our neighborhoods.”

Advice for Future Public Administration Students

To other students who want to eventually seek roles in public administration, Shan advises, “Get involved early! The more experience you have in politics, the more you understand how the system works.”

She adds, “Never give up on your dreams! Write them down, plan them out and watch them manifest.”

Plans for the Future

Helping her community is just one of the goals Shaniqua set for herself but it does not end there. She says, “I plan to run for re-election in November 2025 and maybe for Congress one day.”

About the Author

John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 15 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.

About Our Department

The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.

As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.

If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.

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