Influential Woman · Disability Advocacy and Education
Shannon Horne
Disability & Education Consultant & Advocate
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
To me, success is living with purpose, advocating with courage, and leaving every person I meet feeling seen, heard, and empowered.
Shannon Horne · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon Horne is a disability and education advocate whose life and work are rooted in the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.
Living with cerebral palsy since birth, she has transformed her personal experiences into a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunities and empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential..
For more than 15 years, Shannon has partnered with students, families, and educators to navigate special education, advocate for individualized supports, and help young people build confidence, independence, and meaningful futures. Her work is guided by the belief that every student learns differently and that education should celebrate those differences by creating pathways for success.
A former Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2010,, Shannon continues to use her platform to champion disability inclusion, accessibility, and self-advocacy. She is also the future founder of Emberlight School, an innovative educational vision centered on individualized, flexible learning where students of all abilities can learn, grow, and succeed together in an inclusive environment.
Outside of her professional work, Shannon embraces life with curiosity and adventure. She is an adaptive sports enthusiast, lifelong learner, self-proclaimed foodie, sunset chaser, and beach lover who treasures time with family and friends.
Whether advocating for systemic change or encouraging one person at a time, Shannon believes the greatest impact comes from leading with compassion, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that every voice deserves to be heard.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination to overcome the challenges of living with cerebral palsy and to my commitment to advocacy. My experiences have shaped my resilience and motivated me to speak up for others, while also pushing myself to grow personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"The best piece of career advice I ever received was: never chase a title—chase your purpose. Titles can open doors, but purpose is what changes lives."
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being an advocate is difficult but the most rewarding experience. Stick with it, learn and grow. Keep going even when it gets hard because it is worth it . I promise!
Don't spend your life trying to fit into someone else's definition of success. Build a life that reflects your values, use your voice to open doors for others, and never underestimate the power of kindness. The world doesn't need another copy—it needs the unique gifts only you can offer.
Be the woman who leaves every room, every person, and every community better than you found it. Because in the end, success isn't measured by what you've accomplished, but by the lives you've touched along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the continued lack of consistency in how supports and services are implemented for individuals with disabilities, particularly within education, healthcare, and transition planning. Even when laws and protections exist, access often depends on systems, location, and awareness, which can create unnecessary barriers for families.
At the same time, one of the greatest opportunities is the growing awareness around inclusion and the shift toward more individualized, person-centered approaches. There is also a stronger voice from self-advocates and families than ever before, which is driving meaningful change and accountability.
For me, this moment represents both urgency and possibility—the chance to not only advocate within existing systems, but to help build new models like Emberlight School that prioritize equity, dignity, and true inclusion from the start.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I strive to live with integrity, lead with compassion, and serve with purpose. Those values guide every decision I make because I believe that who we are is far more important than what we achieve.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.