TPG Member Spotlight: Shaun Mosley
We interview our members to learn more about the wonderful people in the TPG community. This time, we hear from Shaun Mosley.
Name: Shaun Mosley (he/him)
Role: Designer / Researcher at Nava PBC
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
In a sentence or two, what is it that you do?
By day, I’m designing with public servants to make their services simple, effective, and accessible to all. With the remaining time, I follow abolitionist principles to make Georgia one of the best states for Black people to live in.
Why are you excited to be part of Technologists for the Public Good?
The community! Everyone there is passionate about moving the field forward. I’m grateful to be a part of this strong community. I’ve already made great connections, so I’m even more excited to see what we are able to create in the future.
What do you love about where you live?
Being in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment is such a blessing. It’s unbelievable to be here during such huge historic moments and movements, like Black Voters Matter. It’s a land of rich history, culture, and passion. Super optimistic for the future that we will create.
What does the field of public interest technology need most right now?
Public Interest Technologists need to look beyond the field of technology. In order to change people’s minds and shift the culture of government, we need to elevate to leadership positions. Yes, that includes politics. And it means stepping away from our prestigious titles as Technologists.
Many of our goals - influencing budget priorities, making hiring equitable, and having power shared - requires more than design research and coding abilities. Note, every technologist doesn’t need to start a political campaign. But more of us should follow the lead of Garlin Gilchrist of Michigan and Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio, because the change we hope to see will require support and allies in all avenues.
What are your go-to books or resources that you recommend to folks?
The Dictator’s Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita has substantially changed how I think about power, the effect it has on us, and the dynamic it creates within all groups of people. It’s now a book I hope will get taught to high schoolers to have the awareness of organizational and political power. A second book on power is Corruptible by Brian Klaas which has influenced me to recommend that more people ought to step up for leadership opportunities.
How can people get in touch with you?
I'm happy to connect with people anytime! Find me on LinkedIn and Mastodon.