As the co-founder of the La Crosse non-profit organization Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (BLACK), it soon became apparent to Shaundel Washington-Spivey what was needed for the group to accomplish its goal of increasing access to mental health services—more licensed mental health professionals, especially therapists and providers from more diverse backgrounds.
Never one to identify a problem and wait for others to find the solutions, Washington-Spivey joined the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program at Viterbo University. He earned his degree at Spring Commencement May 10.
“I’m a person who loves hands-on experiences in learning and trying new things, and the program had many of those,” said Washington-Spivey, who credited faculty advisor Deb Murray for helping him determine his academic and career goals. “For example, my internship was at Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers and I was able to practice with elementary school students under a clinician. I enjoyed the program.”
Working as a full-time licensed counselor will have to wait, however, as Washington-Spivey works to serve his community in another way. He was elected Mayor of La Crosse in April.
“I strongly believe that if things aren’t what a person wants them to be, he or she should try to make things happen,” he said of his mayoral run. “Having done community organizing work and bringing people together to solve problems, I thought it was important to have someone seek office who has had their boots on the ground trying to make the community better. It’s going well so far. I’m learning a lot and building rapport with my fellow citizens and city employees.”
Washington-Spivey said he will be able to use many of the skills he learned in the Viterbo program to his job as mayor.
“One of the things I pride myself on is transferable skills and experiences,” he said. “Part of the job of a counselor is listening to people and helping them process their thoughts and feelings, and that will be useful in working with constituents and helping to improve things in the community.”
In addition to his master’s degree from Viterbo, Washington-Spivey also earned an associate’s degree from Western Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in student affairs administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
“La Crosse’s three colleges are extremely important to the city,” he said. “Each have their strengths, and they all allow the community to engage in numerous ways as they educate the work force of tomorrow. The colleges bring new people to the city, and it’s the city’s job to retain them. One of my goals is offer more internships with city departments. If a student is curious about government, they’ll have the opportunity to get hands on experience within walking distance of all three campuses.”
Washington-Spivey offered today’s college students some advice based on his own experiences.
“Be your authentic self and have great people around you,” he said. “Most importantly, break what I call the ‘four walls’ of campus and get out and experience things in the community. Engage and get connected with folks. Doing that led to me falling in love with La Crosse.”