Cleveland State University (CSU) is shining a spotlight on Desaray Shores, a graduating student who has not only faced the tumult of the pandemic with resilience but has excelled in intertwining her educational pursuits with impactful community work. Shores, set to graduate from CSU, has been recognized for her significant accomplishments, particularly in balancing her business and advancing her career in the nonprofit sector while pursuing her studies.
During the pandemic's peak, Shores operated an in-home daycare, providing much-needed support to working families needing safe childcare. As the world shifted back towards in-person education and work, Desaray transitioned to a role that merged her academic experiences with practical, on-the-job learning. According to a CSU interview, she recounted being hired at Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland as an administrative assistant, a role shaped by her unique skill set and academic background in nonprofit administration and creative writing.
Catholic Charities, recognizing Shores's potential, crafted opportunities that directly aligned with her personal and academic growth. When she enrolled in a grant proposal writing course at CSU, her career goals were intentionally synced with her coursework—to gain hands-on training in grant-writing and reporting. Desaray expressed gratitude for this tailored approach via the CSU interview: "This career opportunity has built a real-world knowledge of the practices I have learned in class, offering me experience before I even graduate."
Her dedication to her role has seen her deeply involved in the grant processes of multiple awards the program has received during her tenure. This intersection of classroom knowledge and practical application is a testament to her capabilities and the support structures that have been instrumental in fostering her development. Having navigated the challenges of a pandemic and a demanding career while in school, Shores told CSU, "I've been in that role for three years now and have gained a wealth of knowledge and on the job training that coincided with my education here at CSU."
