Biography

Dr. Shane B. Scott is an advisor, coach, small business owner and senior pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church–a112-year-old historic landmark in Los Angeles. He has been serving the South Los Angeles community since his arrival in 2011 from Fresno, California. Under his leadership and vision, the church has increased its membership and become a strong voice for the advancement of social justice in transforming the quality of life for its community. He was raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to provide for her family. Through his early experiences, and inspired by his mother’s example, Pastor Scott learned early on the value of hard work, the need to maximize opportunities, and more importantly, he was called to serve his community by providing opportunities to break cycles of generational poverty through the power of entrepreneurship. In 2015, Pastor Scott founded Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MCDC) as a separate, stand-alone 501C3 with an independent Board of Directors. MCDC is committed to transforming the Watts community from the fringes of marginalization into a vibrant, healthy community of productive citizens. Their mission is to inspire, support and empower the people of the Watts community by identifying and addressing disparities in education, mental health, and economic opportunity. MCDC uses a “Three Pillars for Community Change” platform that simplifies these challenges into three core areas: Mental Health, Financial Health, and Physical Health. To promote and support the creation of generational wealth, MCDC has a special focus on small business assistance, with several initiatives available to community members free of charge. Dr. Scott is a change maker who advances the issue of equality and inclusion through MCDC. In addition to MCDC’s focus on economic empowerment, health and wellness and the welfare of children, the organization proactively organizes to strengthen the political power of the African American community. He is a sought after speaker for various political forums, townhalls, workshops and conferences. Dr. Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Stillman College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as well as a master’s degree in divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the Westin Berkeley, Calif. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary.