Meet Shawn Satterfield

We recently connected with Shawn Satterfield and have shared our conversation below.

Shawn, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, I believe that optimism is a mindset that can be cultivated through conscious effort. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of life and maintain a hopeful outlook even in challenging times.

Secondly, my optimism is nourished by the belief in the potential for growth and progress. I have witnessed how individuals and societies can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable things when they maintain a positive perspective.

Additionally, surrounding myself with supportive and uplifting people helps foster my optimism. Engaging with individuals who share a similar optimistic mindset allows for the exchange of positive energy and ideas, further reinforcing my own optimistic outlook.

Lastly, I find inspiration in the resilience and kindness that exists in the world. Witnessing acts of compassion and seeing people come together to make a positive impact reminds me of the inherent goodness in humanity and reinforces my belief that positive change is possible.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an Inclusion Architect, I am passionate about promoting inclusion and accessibility in the digital realm. Through my organization, Mozaro, I work with brands to ensure that their digital assets are accessible to all. As a Certified Trusted Web Tester, I evaluate websites to ensure they meet WCAG guidelines and enable individuals with disabilities to navigate the site seamlessly. It’s important to note that inaccessible websites not only damage a company’s brand but also cost businesses millions of dollars. In fact, in 2022 alone, inaccessible ecommerce sites lost a staggering $6.9 billion to competitors with accessible sites. Ensuring accessibility is not only the right thing to do from a human perspective, but it also makes sound business sense.

In addition to my work with Mozaro, I am the proud founder of Shine Music, a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to raise awareness for inclusion and accessibility through the annual Shine Music Festival, which stands as the world’s largest universally designed music festival. By blending the essence of a traditional music festival with comprehensive accessibility plans and cutting-edge adaptive technology, we create inclusive spaces where people of ALL abilities can share in the joy of music together. I am thrilled to announce that this year’s festival will be held on August 26 in Denver’s Civic Center Park.

Through Mozaro and Shine Music, my goal is to make a lasting impact by breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society. I firmly believe that accessibility is not just a moral imperative but also a crucial aspect of successful business practices. I am excited to continue championing accessibility and inclusion, helping brands and individuals alike to thrive in a more accessible digital landscape.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:

1. Passion and Purpose: Having a deep passion for the work you do, and a strong sense of purpose is crucial. It fuels your motivation, keeps you resilient in the face of challenges, and sustains your drive to make a positive impact. Identify what truly inspires and drives you and align your efforts with your passions.

Advice: Explore different fields and causes that resonate with you. Engage in self-reflection to uncover your genuine interests and values. Once you discover your passion and purpose, actively seek opportunities to deepen your knowledge and skills in those areas. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and mentors who can guide and inspire you on your journey.

2. Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and growth. In an ever-evolving world, being open to new knowledge, skills, and perspectives is crucial. Stay curious, seek out opportunities to expand your expertise, and be adaptable in acquiring new skills.

Advice: Actively seek learning opportunities, both formal and informal. Attend workshops, conferences, or seminars relevant to your field of interest. Engage in online courses, read books, listen to podcasts, and follow thought leaders in your industry. Seek out mentors and experts who can guide you and provide valuable insights. Embrace challenges as learning experiences and view failures as opportunities for growth.

3. Networking and Collaboration: Building a strong network of connections and fostering collaborative relationships is essential. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of peers, mentors, and like-minded individuals can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and emotional support throughout your journey.

Advice: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and participate in relevant communities to expand your network. Actively engage in networking opportunities, both online and offline. Seek out collaborations and partnerships with individuals and organizations that share your values and goals. Be genuine in your interactions, offer help and support to others, and be open to learning from those around you.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively seeking partners and collaborators who share a passion for promoting inclusion and accessibility. There are two specific areas where I am looking to collaborate:

1. Sponsors and Partners for Shine Music: I am seeking sponsors and partners who are interested in supporting, funding, and contributing to the growth of the Shine Music mission. By joining forces with like-minded organizations and individuals, we can amplify our efforts to create inclusive spaces through the Shine Music Festival. I welcome collaborations with businesses, foundations, and individuals who value inclusivity and are dedicated to making a positive impact through music and cultural events.

2. Web Agencies for Accessibility Services: I am also looking to collaborate with web agencies who are committed to making the web a more accessible and inclusive space. Web agencies play a crucial role in implementing accessibility measures and ensuring that digital assets are usable for all individuals, regardless of ability. By partnering with web agencies, we can work together to integrate accessibility services into their projects, making a significant impact on the overall accessibility of the digital landscape. I invite web agencies that are passionate about accessibility and eager to create positive change to collaborate with me in this endeavor.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nikolai Puc

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