Nedda Shayota, vice president of Sigma Associates Inc., is making a mark beyond the business world as a community and cultural leader.
A 2006 alumna of Wayne State University Law School, Shayota plays a key role in the expanding Sigma, a Detroit-based multi-disciplinary consulting firm delivering a full range of engineering, program management, construction management, information technology and staffing support services to clients throughout the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of the country.
Although she doesn’t formally practice law day-to-day, Shayota says the critical thinking skills and deep understanding of business law she gained at Wayne Law have been invaluable tools in moving the family business forward as it transitions from first generation to second generation.
“My two brothers and I all have very defined roles and complementary skill sets,” Shayota said. “I am focused on strategic planning, business development, marketing, staffing and, of course, legal.”
With a passion for the arts, Shayota pursued an art history degree from Wayne State and graduated with honors. Upon graduation, she began working at Sigma and found she had a great deal to offer to the business. She quickly moved up within the company and in 2003 decided that a law degree would significantly enhance her ability to continue adding value to her expanding role.
Wayne Law was her first choice.
“I would put Wayne State’s Law School up against any other school,” Shayota said. “It was a great education and an outstanding experience. We are fortunate to have such an excellent teaching staff. We have judges teaching classes and professors litigating in front of the Supreme Court. Our program is unique in that we have the privilege of having many of the best working lawyers in the region leading and guiding our students.”
Shayota advises potential law students interested in business to get some practical experience before jumping into law school.
“I know it seems like a natural progression to go right to law school after undergrad, but I would advise students to get a few years of work experience first so that they can understand how they might apply that law degree upon graduation,” Shayota said. “Then, make sure that you take electives that you feel would be valuable assets. There’s tremendous value in having a legal perspective in all areas of business.”
Beyond her role within the company, Shayota provides leadership and support within the community. She is a member of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors, a board member of the Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts and a member of the museum’s Building Committee. She is also a board member of the Mayor’s Residence Restoration Society.
She has served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Michigan Humanities Council, board member for Vista Maria, founder and member of the New Leaders of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, executive board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council and steering committee member of the Detroit Historical Society Campaign.
Obviously, Shayota believes in volunteering.
“I have received far more than I have given,” she said. “I encourage everyone to find a cause that speaks to them and become a volunteer. It provides a great opportunity to not only give back, but also align with others who feel as passionately about a cause as you do. Life is a constant journey, and we are always working to better both ourselves and our community.”
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