ATHENA winner Samantha Scott sets example by building people-centered community solutions

Samantha Scott witnesses challenges in her community and responds by building solutions.

Years of working with local nonprofits have led Scott to see gaps in community assistance that leave many people facing job and life challenges struggling to find steady, long-term support.

In 2013, Scott helped launch the Muskegon-based business Preferred Employment & Living Supports to help meet that need. The organization focuses on providing employment and daily support for people facing barriers.

That commitment to making a difference earned Scott the 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg.

“What sets Samantha apart is not just what she has accomplished, but how she leads,” Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rachel Gorman says. “Her transparency, courage, and encouragement create spaces where others can grow, where women can envision new possibilities, and where community always comes first.”

Under Scott’s leadership, Preferred Employment & Living Supports has grown from serving 20 clients to more than 800 people across several counties, including Muskegon and Ottawa. The organization now operates three sites and has an annual budget close to $2 million.

Her work goes beyond her business. Scott is active with the Rotary Club of Muskegon, Women Who Care, and other local nonprofits. She also speaks up for direct support professionals at the state level and works with regional groups to strengthen health care and family supports.

The Lakeshore caught up with Scott to talk about her work and what inspires it.

The Lakeshore: You co-founded Preferred Employment & Living Supports, which now serves hundreds of people across several counties. What inspired you to start the organization, and how has its mission evolved?

Samantha Scott:  I always knew I wanted to own a business, but what ultimately inspired Preferred was seeing firsthand the meaningful impact that caregivers and support professionals had on individuals and families in my own community. When the opportunity arose to build an organization that met a clear and urgent need, I knew it was the right path.

While our services have grown significantly, our mission has remained rooted in empowerment. 

We exist to help individuals with disabilities live higher-quality and more independent lives, but that mission extends beyond those we serve. It also encompasses the employees, families, and community partners who are part of Preferred. Over time, our work has deepened into a holistic commitment to supporting everyone connected to our organization.

TL: Under your leadership, Preferred Employment & Living Supports has grown to three program sites with nearly a $2 million annual budget. What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of managing that growth while keeping people at the center of your work?

SS: One of our most significant challenges is managing growth within the financial constraints of our field. Human services operates on tight budgets, and high turnover is common nationally. Supporting our staff while maintaining high-quality services requires constant creativity, advocacy, and resourcefulness. We are always exploring sustainable revenue avenues and building strong community partnerships to help stabilize and strengthen our work.

The greatest reward, however, is the people. Every day, we have the privilege of supporting individuals in our community as they gain independence, build confidence, and thrive. Watching our staff grow into leaders, seeing families feel supported, and witnessing individuals achieve meaningful milestones make every challenge worthwhile.

TL: You’ve promoted eight women into leadership roles at Preferred Employment & Living Supports, seven from within. What practices or philosophies help you create pathways for women to thrive and lead in your organization?

SS: We focus heavily on both personal and professional development. For staff who aspire to lead, we help set individualized growth goals, offer leadership and skills-based training opportunities, and support educational pursuits that build confidence and competence.

Flexibility is also key. Many women at Preferred are balancing families, school, or caregiving responsibilities, so we prioritize flexible scheduling and work arrangements to ensure they can succeed in every part of their lives without having to choose between them.

We intentionally match opportunities with individual strengths by creating new programs or projects that align with a staff member’s talent and leadership potential. This approach fosters organizational growth while giving emerging leaders meaningful, hands-on experience.

TL: In addition to your work at Preferred Employment & Living Supports, you’re involved with Rotary, Women Who Care, and several local nonprofits. How does your community advocacy influence the work of your organization, and where do you see emerging needs in West Michigan?

SS: My community involvement keeps me closely connected to the issues, conversations, and needs emerging across West Michigan. Serving on boards and participating in organizations like Rotary and Women Who Care allows me to raise awareness about the importance of disability services and the realities individuals and families face. Sharing our mission with community partners creates valuable connections and helps strengthen local support for our work.

West Michigan continues to see rising demand for disability services while funding struggles to keep pace. We need ongoing collaboration between community members, local businesses, and all levels of government to ensure these services remain accessible and sustainable. Advocacy and awareness will continue to be critical as our region grows and diversifies.

TL: The ATHENA principles emphasize courage, collaboration, and giving back. How do these values show up in your leadership at Preferred Employment & Living Supports, and how do you hope to inspire future women leaders through your example?

SS: Encouragement and support are central to my leadership. I want my team to feel confident in their abilities, supported when challenges arise, and safe to make mistakes and learn from them. Our strongest teams are those that collaborate, share ideas openly, and trust one another. In our leadership meetings, we regularly discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions together, modeling the kind of teamwork I hope to instill throughout the organization.

Giving back is part of our daily work. Preferred volunteers within the community, partners with local organizations, and encourages our emerging leaders to serve on boards and participate in service-based groups. Investing in our community strengthens our organization and deepens our connection to those we serve.

Ultimately, I hope future women leaders see me as someone who leads with trust, care, and consistency. My goal is to inspire others to lead with authenticity, lift others as they rise, and bring a sense of joy and compassion to their communities.