Her Story
About Sunshine
Sunshine Shepherd, MPA, serves as K-12 STEM Outreach Manager for the Education team at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho. With five years of experience at the laboratory, she leads and coordinates a broad portfolio of K-12 STEM outreach initiatives, overseeing requests for classroom visits, career panels, community events, nuclear science nights, high school symposia, and summer programming. Her leadership has helped expand access to engaging, hands-on STEM experiences, including nine weeks of STEM summer camps that served 575 children last year. Collectively, her programs reached more than 60,000 students, families, and community members through 330 events during the past fiscal year.
A first-generation college student, Shepherd brings a deeply personal commitment to expanding educational opportunities and creating pathways into STEM for students from underserved communities. She earned her bachelor's degree in Native American Indigenous Studies from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Idaho State University, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Her passion for education is rooted in her family and community experiences and is reflected in her dedication to bringing meaningful STEM opportunities to students across Idaho, including communities and Native American reservations that have historically had limited access to STEM resources and career exposure.
Throughout her career, Shepherd has built her work around community engagement, educational access, student leadership, and STEM workforce development. She is passionate about helping young people see themselves as future scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders while connecting them with authentic learning experiences and STEM professionals. She approaches both her professional and personal commitments with a strong work ethic, a willingness to give 110 percent, a genuine desire to help others, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality. Through her leadership at Idaho National Laboratory, Shepherd continues to invest in the next generation and strengthen connections between STEM education, community, and opportunity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sunshine
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to walk through the doors that are opening for you and not say no simply because you are afraid. I do not think I would be where I am today if I had not been willing to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace opportunities that initially made me nervous, whether that meant getting up to speak in front of others, meeting someone new, learning a new skill, or exploring a new hobby. Those experiences have helped me grow, build confidence, and discover opportunities I may not have pursued otherwise.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to recognize that you have a place at the table and to make your voice heard. I have learned that people truly value the perspective and contributions of women, so it is important to speak up, be confident in your ideas, and share your perspective whenever you have the opportunity. Never underestimate the value of your voice or feel that you need to wait for permission to contribute. You deserve to be at every table and in every room where important conversations and decisions are taking place, so step forward with confidence and make the most of every opportunity.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is having enough people available to meet the needs of the communities we serve. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities to make a lasting impact by being part of students’ lives and supporting them in STEM from an early age through college. I value the opportunity to encourage students as they grow, follow their educational and career journeys, and help connect them with resources and experiences that can shape their futures. I am especially passionate about bringing meaningful STEM opportunities and greater access to Native American communities and reservations, where increased support and exposure can open doors for students and their communities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are hard work, strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to giving my very best in everything I do. I believe in giving 110% effort, taking pride in the quality of my work, and focusing on quality over quantity. I also value being there for others and offering help whenever it is needed. Whether in my professional responsibilities or personal life, I strive to approach everything with dedication, purpose, and the goal of giving my absolute best.
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