This week we had the opportunity to talk to entrepreneur and advocate Shannon Garrett about civic leadership and knocking through doors traditionally closed to women.
Shannon shares her experiences from time spent advancing equity and inclusion in civic life throughout the United States, and working alongside thousands of candidates, elected officials, social activists and civic-minded organizations.
Shannon runs her own consulting firm, SMG Strategies, is founding partner of Civicize.Me, and serves as a board member and trainer of VoteRunLead, a national tech nonprofit unleashing the power of women as leaders in democracy.
Shannon Garrett
Operating under a personal mission statement of “Honor. Empower. Amplify.,” Shannon is a nationally recognized trainer, strategist, civic engagement consultant and leadership coach.
Shannon’s commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in civic life has introduced her to communities throughout the United States, where she has worked alongside thousands of candidates, elected officials, social activists and civic-minded organizations. Her consulting firm, SMG Strategies, combines over 20 years of electoral, legislative and legal experience with humor, mindfulness and a no-nonsense approach to building a more active and diverse democracy. Her leadership trainings and coaching services are known for breaking down fears about living a publicly political life and helping individuals embrace their civic ambitions. Shannon is also cofounder and board chair of VoteRunLead, a national tech nonprofit unleashing the power of women as leaders in democracy, and is a founding partner of Civicize.Me, a civic leadership certification program for aspiring change agents. Through SMG Strategies, VoteRunLead and Civicize.Me, Shannon intentionally and directly addresses the impact of intersectionality on political leadership in order to welcome more individuals into the civic space and strengthen our democracy and civic institutions.
Shannon is also an adjunct professor in the public and nonprofit administration graduate program at Grand Valley State University, and sits on the Leadership Committee of Michigan Voice. In her spare time, she enjoys running, tent-camping and “auntventures” (memory-making adventures with her niblings). She has served as an elected precinct delegate, and is former chair of the City of Holland’s Human Relations Commission. Shannon is a graduate of Alma College and the University of Minnesota Law School.
Follow Shannon:
SMG Strategies — https://www.smgstrategies.com
Civicize.Me — https://www.civicize.me
VoteRunLead — https://voterunlead.org
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