Devin L. Scott III is a dedicated leader, advocate, and mentor with a strong background in labor relations, community activism, and youth development. Born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1972, he is the eldest of three siblings—Tanisha Scott, Corey Scott, and half-brother Darius Scott.
At the age of 16, Devin became a single father while still in high school. Despite the challenges, he successfully raised his son, Devin Scott II, while completing his education, graduating from Pontiac Northern High School in 1990. He briefly attended Delta College in 1991 before enrolling at Ferris State University in 1993. In 1994, he discovered he had a daughter, further deepening his commitment to family and personal growth.
Devin has been married to Sharnita Scott for 21 years. He is a proud father to Devin Lamarr Scott III (36), Ebony Johnson (33), Madison Scott (20), and Christian Scott (17), as well as a grandfather to Devin Lamarr Scott IV and Mila Rose Scott.
Devin attended Ferris State University from 1993 to 1999. In 1995, he took a break from his studies to gain full custody of his eldest son, returning in 1996 while balancing fatherhood and academics. During his junior year, he took on additional responsibility, bringing his daughter, Ebony, and younger brother, Corey, to live with him while Corey also attended Ferris State.
During his time at Ferris State, Devin was a passionate advocate for student rights and diversity initiatives. In 1998, he and a group of peers led a successful non-violent student protest that resulted in significant policy changes, including:
Establishing a student-involved faculty hiring panel
Preserving the Minority Retention Program, which provided academic and personal support for minority students
Advocating for a professor facing dismissal, securing him a professional recommendation and access to a top rehabilitation program
His leadership and dedication earned him the 1998 NAACP Image Award for Student of the Year and the Malcolm X Leadership Award.
As President of Entertainment Unlimited, Devin was responsible for organizing major entertainment and educational events on campus, featuring notable figures such as Outkast, Run DMC, Weird Al Yankovic, De La Soul, Montell Jordan, Jon B, Jamie Foxx, and Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale.
After graduating, Devin began his professional career at Cross Roads for Youth Juvenile Facility, where he developed a college exposure program that successfully helped two young men enroll at Ferris State University in 2000.
He later transitioned into media, working at 92.3 FM before joining the City of Pontiac’s Employee and Labor Relations Department in March 2001. Over 10½ years, he played a pivotal role in labor negotiations, successfully negotiating two labor contracts independently and assisting in six others.
In June 2021, Devin and his family organized a peaceful unity march in Farmington Hills, bringing together over 200 citizens from various communities to advocate against racial injustice and police violence.
Devin is a passionate motivational speaker, committed to inspiring and empowering others through his life experiences. He enjoys traveling, fitness (biking, jogging, weightlifting, martial arts), and hosting gatherings with family and friends.
With a lifelong commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and community empowerment, Devin L. Scott III continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.