Influential Woman · Legal and Business services
Nyanza Shaw
Founder & Principal Attorney, Shaw Esquire
Los Angeles, CA
Her Story
About Nyanza
Inspired to become a lawyer to protect artists' rights in the media space, Nyanza Shaw has built her career around advocacy, strategic counsel, and service. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of attorneys and professionals and believes in leading with authenticity, creating opportunities, and helping others build meaningful, impactful careers.
Beyond her practice, Shaw serves on the boards of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and Step Up. She is also a member of the Recording Academy and the Television Academy and serves on the Advisory Council for TEC Leimert, reflecting her ongoing commitment to leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nyanza
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Know who you are and understand your value. When you're confident in what you bring to the table, you'll never question whether you belong in the room. You'll know you're there because you have something meaningful to contribute and that your presence adds value.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Focus on learning, being curious, and doing great work. Be someone people can trust, ask questions, and don't be afraid to raise your hand for opportunities, even before you feel completely ready.
Most importantly, know who you are and the value you bring. Build genuine relationships, find mentors who will challenge and support you, and remember that every experience is helping shape your career. There isn't one right path to success, so don't compare your journey to someone else's. Stay true to yourself, keep showing up, and trust that your consistency, integrity, and hard work will open doors.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, and service are the values that guide everything I do. I believe in doing the right thing, leading as my authentic self, and using my experience to help others grow and succeed.
Whether I'm advising a client, mentoring a young professional, or serving my community, I want people to know they can trust me. At the end of the day, I hope I'm remembered not just for what I accomplished, but for how I showed up and the impact I had on others.
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