I had an open and enlightening interview with Shawn. We talked about how avoiding discussions about race really limits our ability to grow and connect as a society, and having tough conversations is the only way forward. I appreciate his candor and his knowledge when it comes to diversity and racism.

Shawn Newell is a resident of Cottonwood Heights, serving on its city council. He serves as a community integrator working as the vice president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP, a former Commissioner on the Governor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission, and heads the Utah Multicultural Civic Council and is a member of the ME4U coalition. 

Shawn is a member of the Utah Manufacturer’s Association Board, the workforce and Economic Development Advisory Board at Salt Lake Community College where he has served as the Alumni Council President for Salt Lake Community College and a Trustee for SLCC. 

Mr. Newell is a Civility Ambassador for World Civility through iChange Nations. Additionally, he serves on the Utah Courts Committee for Self-Represented Parties, a member of the Utah State Board of Education, and as a President’s Ambassador for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Newell also serves on the Utah State Department of Workforce services as an appointed Board member.

Shawn is a graduate of the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College and has a Masters of Management degree from the University of Phoenix