Chantée L. Christian (BA Communication '05) pursued her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at George Mason University. Since graduating with her Bachelor's degree from GMU and also a Masters of Business from Webster University, Chantée has had an amazing journey pursing her professional career in many different areas!
She currently is "a 2021 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honoree, a three times Amazon International best-selling author, has an award-winning podcast called My Best SHIFT and conversational series Unspoken Truths of Being Black, a TV Producer/Host, and the leader of an innovative coaching and consulting company also called, My Best SHIFT". Chantée will also be hosting the Conscious Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. on April 4, 2025!
We recently chatted with Chantée and asked her about her time as an undergraduate student at GMU, about her amazing journey to where her career path has taken her, and what her advice would be for prospective students interested in Communication as well as students pursuing their degree in Communication.
What has your career path been like since graduating from GMU?
"Since graduating from GMU, my career path has been dynamic and full of evolution. I initially explored opportunities in PR, but when those didn’t materialize, I pivoted toward management consulting, where I’ve spent the past two decades specializing in Program/Project Management, Organizational Change, DEI, and Strategic Planning. Along the way, I earned my MBA and numerous certifications, including becoming a certified facilitator. This allowed me to develop impactful training programs across industries.
In addition to consulting, I embraced my creative passions as a 3x Amazon International Best-Selling Author, TV Producer/Host, and the driving force behind My Best SHIFT, a coaching and consulting company. Through my award-winning podcast, My Best SHIFT, and the Unspoken Truths of Being Black series, I’ve blended storytelling, communication, and social impact. My journey has been about leveraging both strategy and creativity to foster growth, change, and inspired action.”
Do you believe your degree in Communication has helped you acquire a job or at least has given you the skills to do so?
"Over the years, I explored various roles, always leveraging my communication background, even when it wasn’t front and center. About four years ago, I found myself fully embracing the communication world once again—this time on my terms. Through writing books, launching a podcast, and starting a publishing company, I’ve been able to combine my passion for storytelling with the skills I honed as a Communication major. It’s been a journey of growth, evolution, and rediscovery."
Where you involved in any student orgs/clubs/any Mason COMM related orgs?
"I wasn’t directly involved in a lot of student orgs. However, I was a PRSA/PRSSA member; and editor for the student union newsletters."
Did you have any favorite professors or advisors?
"Mike Dickerson – he was the first person to tell me my writing was at a graduate level and that I should consider going to graduate school."
What was your favorite class at GMU?
"I can’t recall the name of the class, but it was a COMM class about women in communication. I remember realizing how badass women have been in history and how the creativity via written word was used for more than entertainment."
What advice would you give to current COMM students?
"Figure out what makes your heart sing, and then find ways to do more of that—while getting paid for it. I didn’t follow the traditional path of a communications major; however, the skills I gained nearly 20 years ago have been with me every step of the way. From consulting, coaching, being an author and being If you’re serious about working in your field, take the internship, even if it's unpaid. When I was in school, I prioritized paid work over internships, and it impacted my opportunities in PR after graduation. Your early choices matter, so make them count!"
What advice would you give to students (college or high school) interested in pursuing a COMM degree?
"My advice to students interested in pursuing a COMM degree is to lean into exploration—communication today is vastly different from when I was in college. You have endless opportunities to test out areas that intrigue you, so take advantage of that. Focus on what comes naturally to you and think about how you can sharpen those skills. Remember, practice leads to improvement, not perfection. Be intentional with your energy: What impact do you want to have on the world? Your path should align with that purpose. Whether it’s storytelling, influencing change, or amplifying voices, communication is a tool to make a difference—use it wisely."
Did you do an internship during college/Did you take COMM 450 (Internship in Communication)?
"No. However, I think people should do at least one internship while in college!"
Do you have any other thoughts or feelings about your experience as a Communication student and with the Department of Communication at George Mason University?
"It allowed me to put proven skills behind my natural abilities and helped me find my "happy place." I always loved writing but wasn’t drawn to traditional English courses, and I had a creative streak without a clear direction. My COMM classes opened up a world of possibilities, showing me how to channel my creativity into meaningful work. The Department of Communication gave me the foundation to pursue a path that wasn’t typical but was authentic to who I am, blending what I love with what I’m naturally good at."
Learn more about Chantée and connect on social media:
2025 Conscious Leadership Summit
October 09, 2024