Think Bold Awards

Receiving the Justice and Advocacy Trailblazer Award at the Think Bold Honors Ceremony was one of those rare moments in life where time feels like it stands still. Standing on that stage, alongside Belkis Plata, reflecting on the years of hard work, challenges, and countless stories from our clients, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s not often that those of us in justice and advocacy get to pause and celebrate, but this moment was unforgettable.

First off, I want to express my deepest thanks to the Think Bold Festival & Conference, VyStar Credit Union, and the incredible community that makes moments like these possible. To be acknowledged in a room filled with leaders and changemakers from all walks of life is humbling beyond words. This award isn’t just about Belkis and me; it’s a celebration of everyone we’ve worked with and for over the years.

Advocating for justice and empowering underserved communities has never been a solo effort. It’s about people, connections, and an unwavering commitment to fairness. Our firm, Plata Schott Law, was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a voice, even when the odds are stacked against them. Some days are tough; sometimes, it feels like you’re swimming upstream. But every victory, big or small, fuels the fire to keep going. Because when you see the courage in your clients’ eyes, when you witness someone finding hope in a seemingly hopeless situation—that’s when you know the fight matters.

This award also gave me the chance to reflect on the importance of collaboration. The work Belkis and I do, the strides we’ve made, are only possible because of the incredible people standing with us. Our team has been a driving force, working tirelessly to ensure our clients are heard and their rights upheld. They remind me daily that true impact happens when we lean on each other’s strengths and combine our bold ideas.

Bold leadership is about more than having a title or a platform. To me, it’s about asking hard questions and being brave enough to challenge systems that don’t work for everyone. It’s about taking that leap, even when you’re not sure of the outcome, and being willing to fail, learn, and try again. Above all, it’s driven by the belief that change is possible, no matter how distant it may seem.

To anyone reading this, I want to share a little advice that’s gotten me through the hardest days in advocacy: find your “why.” What gets you out of bed and keeps you fighting? For me, it’s the belief that everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they’ve gone through, deserves justice. Once you connect with your “why,” you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

This experience has left me feeling inspired, hopeful, and ready to take on the next challenge. I hope this serves as a reminder to all of us that change starts with bold ideas, but it’s the action, collaboration, and relentless push forward that turns dreams into reality.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Thank you to Belkis for being not just a partner but a fearless advocate in this work. And thank you to this community for believing in the power of justice.

Here’s to dreaming big, working hard, and inspiring others to lead boldly.

– Shannon Schott