Shannon McNamara founded SHARE in Africa in 2008. She has been recognized by the Obama administration and was invited to deliver an address at the White House for the International Woman's Day 100th anniversary celebration hosted by Michelle Obama.
Shannon has traveled to Tanzania 8 times over the past 11 years to implement literacy programs.
Shannon serves as SHARE's spokesperson through television, radio and newspaper interviews. She has delivered 50 presentations and keynote speeches in the US, Europe, and Africa, for organizations including Operation Smile and the United Nations Youth Assembly.
She has published "SHARE" in Ordinary People Extraordinary Planet (2011), articles for Oprah's Angel Network, and "Feeding the Book Famine," for "Winning the Future: President Obama and Young Americans" a blog featured on the White House website.
In addition to her work with SHARE, Shannon has served on several nonprofit boards, including the United Nations Teen Advisory Board and Girl Scouts of the USA Advisory Board.
She has been named a Global Teen Leader for the We are Family Foundation, a National Woman of Distinction for the Girl Scouts of the USA, a National Honoree for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and has been given a Youth Achievement Recognition award from the United Nations Foundation.
Prior to her service work in Africa, Shannon volunteered in Peru, Costa Rica, and India.
Shannon graduated from Rice University with a major in Sociology and a minor in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities. She lives and works in New York City.