Shawn has been a dedicated Mentor, Counselor, Coach and Program Director for more than 25 years and has been a trusted resource for youth, educational leaders and elected city officials, guided by the fundamental belief that, “Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy on earth.” Recognizing the need for high-quality programs rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), Shawn founded the STEAMulating Young Minds Imagination (SYMI) Academy. Appointed by the city’s Mayor and Chief of Police, Shawn also serves as the Bridgeport Community & Police Youth Collaborative (BCPYC) Liaison.

Shawn D. Byrd is a native and life-long resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from The Virginia State University. He is a proud Life Member of The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and serves on the Board of Directors for the fraternity’s Northeastern Province. He is the proud father of three amazing children, Chelsea, Chad and Chloe. Shawn looks to enhance the programming and lives of scholars in the Black Rock/West End area of Bridgeport for years to come.