Ateba Whitaker, a Lecturer in the Management Department at the Gatton College of Business and Economics, brings corporate experience from Pepsi and Nike. With a background in corporate environments, Ateba transitioned to social enterprise work, founding Shoe Revolt, a 501(c)(3) organization, to auction celebrity shoes to fund and raise awareness for human trafficking shelters in the United States. Later, she founded Unreasonable Kids, a 501(c)(3) social enterprise addressing social justice issues in education, where she serves as Chief Education Officer.At Gatton, Ateba educates and coaches students in MGT 320: Principles of Human Resource Management, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She also instructs MGT 352: Social Enterprise Development, delving into business solutions for social issues. Ateba actively champions women's leadership as the LeadHer Women Executive Gatton Student Club advisor, empowering members for C-suite roles. Additionally, she advises HISA (Heard International Student Association), fostering belonging within the international student community and extending her commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts.In 2024, she was honored as the Faculty Member of the Year, nominated by students, and recognized for going above and beyond in her service to the Gatton student body. Beyond academia, Ateba was appointed by Mayor Linda Gorton to serve on the Commission for Human Rights, addressing local human rights issues. She is also a Racial Justice and Equity Commission member, dedicated to listening, discussing, and creating empowering solutions that dismantle systemic racism. Her involvement in initiatives like the Fall Mayor's Second Chance Employment Conference and other endeavors showcases Ateba's commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, diversity, and belonging both on campus and within the broader community.
