The Toledo Region is proving that it’s a community welcoming of all businesses, business owners and leaders. This Black History Month, learn more about Dr. Shanda Gore and Mays & Associates, where Dr. Gore is president and founder. With more than 20 years of service here in the Toledo Region, we feel lucky to share space with Mays & Associates and businesses like it. Read more about Dr. Gore and her business in this Q&A in celebration of Black History Month!
Owners/president/manager:
Dr. Shanda Gore
Date of establishment in the Toledo Region:
2000
Number of employees:
12
A brief company history:
Mays & Associates, Ltd (M&A), was founded on the legacy of my father, Arthur M. Mays, who made inroads by often being the first African American in professional positions and who purposefully paved the way for others to follow. Arthur, along with the support of my mother, Betty Tomlinson, broke down barriers and demonstrated that there is strength in diversity. They always reminded those closest to them that each individual, through the power of education, can make a difference.
What your company does:
M&A is a full-service, global strategic planning consulting company working with individuals and organizations to create customized solutions for growth by enhancing appreciation for a diverse and inclusive environment.
Dr. Shanda Gore
Date of establishment in the Toledo Region:
2000
Number of employees:
12
A brief company history:
Mays & Associates, Ltd (M&A), was founded on the legacy of my father, Arthur M. Mays, who made inroads by often being the first African American in professional positions and who purposefully paved the way for others to follow. Arthur, along with the support of my mother, Betty Tomlinson, broke down barriers and demonstrated that there is strength in diversity. They always reminded those closest to them that each individual, through the power of education, can make a difference.
What your company does:
M&A is a full-service, global strategic planning consulting company working with individuals and organizations to create customized solutions for growth by enhancing appreciation for a diverse and inclusive environment.
Mays & Associates donates to Mom's House
Tell us about your company culture.
M&A is a consulting firm that focuses on serving our client’s needs through a variety of services.
We focus on all aspects of diversity, also known as “diversity of thought.” Everyone, and we really mean everyone, has something to bring to the table. Our associates are all about helping our clients make space for each person.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
Last summer, M&A was honored to be chosen, along with the Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute and University to administer a two-year State of Ohio grant for the NW Ohio - Toledo Minority Business Assistance Center (NWO MBAC). M&A and NWO MBAC staff have been working hard over the past seven months and have already helped a lot of minority-owned businesses.
What business challenges keep you up at night?
For me, it's the challenge of thinking through the best ways to serve clients of the future. We know that the next diversity & inclusion (D&I) challenge is always right around the corner. I want to ensure that my team is always prepared, so we can help our clients.
When you’re not working, where in the Toledo Region do you like to spend your time?
Personally, I enjoy the MetroParks and running on the trails. Another one of my favorite hobbies is playing the electric bass guitar. Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed playing at several local venues and I’m looking forward to getting back to that soon.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
Know your priorities before making life-changing decisions, whatever that decision is. For me, my priorities have always been God, family and work.
In addition, the golden rule has always helped me. It helps me keep my priorities straight, no matter the circumstances.
What trends/insights are you finding in your field/market?
More and more organizations are realizing that there is a big difference between the main functions of human resources and diversity/inclusion program support and management. While both functions are incredibly important, I’m encouraged to see more companies investing in these areas as two separate but coordinating functions.
Tell us about organizations/charities that you are passionate about.
There are so many wonderful organizations and charities in our area, here are a few that I am passionate about:
M&A is a consulting firm that focuses on serving our client’s needs through a variety of services.
We focus on all aspects of diversity, also known as “diversity of thought.” Everyone, and we really mean everyone, has something to bring to the table. Our associates are all about helping our clients make space for each person.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
Last summer, M&A was honored to be chosen, along with the Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute and University to administer a two-year State of Ohio grant for the NW Ohio - Toledo Minority Business Assistance Center (NWO MBAC). M&A and NWO MBAC staff have been working hard over the past seven months and have already helped a lot of minority-owned businesses.
What business challenges keep you up at night?
For me, it's the challenge of thinking through the best ways to serve clients of the future. We know that the next diversity & inclusion (D&I) challenge is always right around the corner. I want to ensure that my team is always prepared, so we can help our clients.
When you’re not working, where in the Toledo Region do you like to spend your time?
Personally, I enjoy the MetroParks and running on the trails. Another one of my favorite hobbies is playing the electric bass guitar. Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed playing at several local venues and I’m looking forward to getting back to that soon.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
Know your priorities before making life-changing decisions, whatever that decision is. For me, my priorities have always been God, family and work.
In addition, the golden rule has always helped me. It helps me keep my priorities straight, no matter the circumstances.
What trends/insights are you finding in your field/market?
More and more organizations are realizing that there is a big difference between the main functions of human resources and diversity/inclusion program support and management. While both functions are incredibly important, I’m encouraged to see more companies investing in these areas as two separate but coordinating functions.
Tell us about organizations/charities that you are passionate about.
There are so many wonderful organizations and charities in our area, here are a few that I am passionate about:
- Minority Business Assistance Center of NWO Ohio
- Mom’s House
- Special Olympics
- The Ability Center
- M&A’s Culture Building Institute
- Ohio Unity Coalition
- Women of Toledo and HerHub
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