Her Story
About Shawanna
I started out in TV news as a producer for several years, both in the Chattanooga market and in the Charlotte market. I then moved into marketing and advertising, starting in copywriting and then moving to the production side because I have a natural gift for deadlines, timeliness, and keeping projects on track. After that, I went into education because I believe in community, family, and our kids, and I believe that when you can share the right and necessary resources to people, they can thrive. I then moved back into the marketing world doing brand strategy for a healthcare company here in Chattanooga, but I really didn't care to be a part of the corporate culture because there was no community piece to it. I'm all about people and how we can impact and change people's lives beyond just the branding. I then went into the criminal justice system, starting work at the DA's office, helping folks get back on their feet after being arrested. I was able to help provide wraparound resources, get people jobs, mental health services, substance misuse services, and housing. That work was beautifully hard - sometimes you took it home, sometimes the stories were unbelievably heartbreaking, but you got to see the people as opposed to the mugshot. I then led that charge at a local nonprofit helping re-entry, and eventually I walked away because I knew there was something more I needed to be doing, and nature was still calling me. So H2O Life became the thing, and to this day, it's still the thing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shawanna
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think the most important advice, in whatever industry you're in, whatever you're doing, is to be unapologetically and authentically who you are. Don't be afraid to do something that looks different or that doesn't fit societal norms. Because, quite frankly, I, as a Black woman, should not have summited Mount Kilimanjaro at the age I did, and I did. The sky is limitless. There is no limit. So whatever your heart's desire is, go for it. And keep going.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in community, family, and our kids. I believe that when you can share out the right and necessary resources to people, they can thrive. I'm all about people and how we can impact and change people's lives. Rest is non-negotiable for me - I carve out time to rest every day, and it's on my calendar. I have to honor it. We've embraced this grind culture that is sometimes unhealthy if you don't know how to manage it. I'm all for grinding and getting the work done, but you have to carve out time to rest, otherwise you'll face burnout. I've burned out before, and I'm not my best self when that happens. You cannot pour from an empty cup. We have to take care of ourselves and prioritize ourselves before we give and do so much for others. It's not selfish, it's smart.
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