Join us in congratulating Shawn Dobbs as the new VP of Marketing & Public Relations. Shawn comes to this role with a strong history of work at the Lighthouse.
He joined the Lighthouse in 2012 as Director of Public Relations & Development. Since then, his journey of upward mobility led him to become Senior Director of Talent Acquisition before taking on his new role as a VP of Marketing & Public Relations.
Shawn’s unique combination of skills, thorough understanding of the Lighthouse mission, and familiarity with each of the Lighthouse locations has culminated in him being uniquely and highly qualified for this role.
“What drew me to this role was the opportunity for greater challenge. I’ve always been someone who likes challenges and looks for opportunities to grow,” he shared. Shawn looks forward to the opportunity to support the Marketing and Government Relations teams and “empowering everyone to do the best work that they can do.”
“I want to try to find ways to further help the Lighthouse carry out its mission because it’s critical in providing opportunities for employment for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. As someone who is totally blind, that means a lot to me,” he shares.
Why Blind Leadership is Important
“It’s important for organizations like the Lighthouse to have people who are blind in leadership positions because people who are blind have lived it,” Shawn shares. “You have a different perspective so you might advocate for things in a leadership position that you may not otherwise be able to do because of your unique perspective.”
“It’s also important because it helps to show that people who are blind have the abilities to be a leader. It sends a statement that people who are blind really can do anything!” he continues. “That’s really what we’re about. It’s why we have people who are blind working in every department in our organization. It is because people have abilities and we want to make that known.”
Upward Mobility
For those inspired by Shawn’s journey of upward mobility, he offers some advice. “Ask for opportunities and be willing to take on other responsibilities.”
“People should reach out and talk to other people. If someone is interested they should take time and talk to other people who are blind in an organization.”
“I think all those things are important because no one is going to know what someone wants to do or how they want to grow unless you’re willing to share that. If they know that then it can help in terms of reaching for a certain goal towards succession planning”
Looking Ahead
“I think continuing to look for creative ways that we can tell our story, because we have a really powerful story. So that really excites me! Going deeper in that direction and exploring what opportunities might be out there or what opportunities we might be able to create is exciting to me.”
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity!”
We’re Leaders in Blind Employment – View Our Open Positions and Apply Today!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. We are leaders in blind employment. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities live fulfilling lives.
