Shannon McNamara
Shannon McNamara
founder of SHARE in Africa
creating her own charity...
Shannon founded SHARE in Africa in 2008 when she was 15. She learned that just 5% of Tanzanian females finish high school and their supplies are scarce. Shannon was determined to help. That summer, she and her family brought 500 lbs. of donated school supplies to a rural village in Tanzania and SHARE began!
getting worldwide recognition...
In honor of Women’s History Month, Oprah Winfrey highlighted Shannon as an “exceptional female” in March 2009. And in 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama praised Shannon at the International Women's Day event for "her inspiring & extraordinary achievements."
changing lives one book at a time...
SHARE established after-school reading programs; collected donations of 33,000 books, thousands of school supplies, and dozens of laptop computers and e-readers. SHARE has also built school libraries and even has constructed a dining hall that can seat 1,000 students!
conquering the world...
Shannon has spread awareness for SHARE by giving 50+ presentations across the country, and many television, radio and print interviews including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Seventeen Magazine. She's received numerous awards such as the National Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
Q&A
What's been your most rewarding experience since founding SHARE?
On a personal level, when I went back to visit Tanzania most recently, I was able to see one of the girls I worked with years ago when I began this organization. She was just a little girl then who could barely speak English. And today she’s a beautiful woman applying to college! It was so rewarding to follow the journey of this woman and see how education changed her life.
How have the young girls in Africa impacted your life?
The girls in Tanzania have definitely changed my perception on life. When I’m at home struggling with work or school, I look at things from their perspective and realize there are so many things I forget to be thankful for.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Something my parents always told me, and it sounds so simple, but it’s to be kind and do the right thing. For every situation you’re faced with in life, just simply choose the kindest path. It never hurts to be kind.
Words of Wisdom
"It’s important to voice your opinion and not apologize for your thoughts or ambitions. When you’re very proud and vocal about what you want, and don’t shy away from it, you’re able to accomplish a lot more."
more about me...
a female i look up to is...
Jane Goodall. I’ve always been interested in animal’s rights and Jane has been a big hero of mine in that field. She went out there and did such incredible work.
something i've noticed during my trips to Africa...
is how grateful the women in Africa are. When I think about the conditions they live in, their school environment or the meals they eat, I realize my problems really aren’t as big as I perceive them to be.
image sources: SHARE Custom Ink