Shaunda Richardson-Snell is a Genesee County native and seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in finance, business and nonprofit work. Her career has taken her across industries – from healthcare and higher education to the automotive world – where she’s held senior roles in finance and leadership.
Recently appointed President of Mott Community College by the MCC Board of Trustees, Shaunda brings a passion for mentorship, community impact and collaboration. She has worked closely with local businesses, schools, government and community organizations to support student success and workforce development.
Before stepping into her current role, she founded Aquila Advisors, a boutique financial consulting firm. Her past positions include senior treasury roles at TI Fluid Systems, General Motors, Trinity Health and Delphi Corporation.
Shaunda holds both an MBA and BBA from the University of Michigan – Flint, completed executive training at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, and is a Certified Treasury Professional.
In the Q&A that follows, Shaunda offers thoughtful insights on her path – including reflections on her first job and one of the most remarkable places she’s visited. Read on to learn more about this community leader.
1. Tell us something people would never guess about you.
I think some people may be surprised to learn that I am a country girl at heart. I grew up with horses and have owned several over the years. Riding has been a huge part of my life since I was very young and I still enjoy it when I have the opportunity … and the time! Each horse I’ve owned has had a unique personality and place in my heart. There’s something incredibly grounding about being around horses; not just riding, but also the quiet moments spent grooming or simply walking with them. Many people don’t realize how deeply horses can bond with humans. They are incredibly intuitive animals that pick up on and respond to your emotions. I’ve always found being with horses to be very therapeutic, as they seem to have a quiet wisdom that can help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. It’s an important part of my life that has shaped who I am.
2. What was your very first job?
I’ve been working since I was able to drive at the age of 16. Early on, I worked my way through high school and my undergraduate studies in various part-time customer and food service positions. After graduating with my bachelor degree from U of M-Flint, my first management job was as branch manager at Michigan Federal Credit Union in Clio. At the age of 24, the position was a tremendous opportunity to build a new presence in the community and oversee all aspects of the branch office operations.
The position solidified my passion for community service and organizational leadership.
This year at MCC, we are focused on creating an “Extraordinary Student Experience” and it’s already paying dividends for our students.
3. What skill would you most like to learn?
I’d really love to become a better golfer. I already know how to play and genuinely enjoy the game. Being out on the course is both relaxing and challenging at the same time. It’s one of those sports that requires lots of patience, focus and practice, and I respect that. I can hold my own but would like to take my game to the next level. It’s a skill that is not only fun but also a great way to spend time outdoors with family, friends and work colleagues. In golf, there’s always something new to learn and that keeps it exciting for me.
4. What task do you most often procrastinate about doing?
That’s a tough one because, by nature, I tend to be someone who gets things done. I’m very goal-oriented – I set clear objectives for myself and my teams, and we follow through; so mentally, I don’t really operate from a place of procrastination. That said, if I had to pick something, it would probably be some of the small, tedious tasks that aren’t urgent but still need to get done eventually (Did someone say, “laundry?”) I’ll always prioritize high-impact, strategic work first – so those minor items sometimes get pushed to the bottom of my to-do list. Even then, they don’t stay there for long! I am a firm believer that follow-through is one of the most important characteristics of a strong leader.
5. Do you collect anything?
I don’t collect anything in the traditional sense. That said, I do have a deep love and appreciation for animals. While they are not part of a “collection”, they’ve always held a meaningful role in my life. From the horses I grew up with to the many other pets I’ve had over the years, animals bring a sense of joy and connection for me that no object ever could.
6. Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?
One of the coolest places was southeast Africa. The trip took me through Zimbabwe, where I stood in awe at the edge of Victoria Falls – the vastness, power and beauty are something I will never forget. From there, I traveled to Zambia for a wild safari tour, which was an entirely different kind of magic. I also spent time in South Africa, exploring both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Johannesburg was deeply moving – especially visiting Nelson Mandela’s home and learning more about the country’s history and resilience. Cape Town was absolutely stunning. Hiking Table Mountain and taking in the panoramic views of the coastline and city below was definitely a highlight. The mix of natural beauty, powerful history and rich culture made it one of my most meaningful and definitely “coolest” travel experiences.
7. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
I am most excited to be part of the Mott Community College (MCC) team! When I retired from my corporate career a couple of years ago, I began seeking something more meaningful, filled with community purpose and impact. I wanted to utilize my leadership accomplishments and business experiences to help others and change lives – on a personal level. I also wanted to return home to Genesee County where I was born and raised, to contribute to the revitalization that I was seeing in the downtown Flint area. This year at MCC, we are focused on creating an “Extraordinary Student Experience” and it’s already paying dividends for our students. In early April 2025, our Student Success Services team unveiled a new enrollment process that reduced the time to enroll from 14 days to five hours! I’m so proud of them, and we’re just getting started. It’s great to be home – and the best is yet to come!
