Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has launched the IPS Alumni Spotlight to celebrate its graduates and their varied journeys. Shamika Anderson, a 2004 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, recently shared her experiences with IPS.

Anderson, who hails from Indianapolis, has developed a 13-year career in telecommunications and security industries. She began in customer service and progressed through the ranks. Her management philosophy is centered on empowering her team to achieve well-defined goals.

As the founder and owner of Y.E.S. Consulting, Anderson oversees over 1,500 subcontractors nationwide and was instrumental in generating $1.4 billion in revenue in one quarter. Previously, she managed fiber optics projects at Comcast and worked in global supply management at Stanley Black & Decker.

She holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, and an associate degree from Ivy Tech. Anderson serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for PACE and was elected Financial Secretary for Jack and Jill of America’s Indianapolis Chapter.

Her community involvement includes a decade-long role with the Miss Indianapolis Black Expo Scholarship Pageant.

Reflecting on her time at IPS, Anderson stated: "Being an alumnus of Indianapolis Public Schools was a formative experience that provided me with valuable real-world lessons." She credits teachers like Mr. Camden at School 99 and Mr. Vernon Williams at Arsenal Technical High School for mentoring her when she faced challenges.

She also highlighted learning fractions as crucial: "I learned how to do fractions! This was important to me as I didn’t have anyone in my household to help me with my magnet homework!"

Despite challenges such as large class sizes and limited after-school activities due to transportation issues, Anderson's persistence helped her succeed academically and professionally.