Shannon McNamara, Founder and Board Member

Shannon, 18, is a freshman at Rice University, in Houston, Texas, majoring in Women's Studies.

In addition to her work with SHARE, Shannon serves on the United Nations Teen Advisory Board to promote youth involvement in the Girl Up campaign.  She was also named a 2011-12 Global Teen Leader for the We Are Family Foundation’s Three Dot Dash Initiative. Shannon is a National Girl Scout Consultant for Girl Scouts of the USA.  Shannon recently served as a judge on the National Selection Committee for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.  Prior to her service work in Africa, Shannon volunteered in Peru, Costa Rica, and India.

July 2011 marked Shannon's 4th summer doing field work for SHARE in Tanzania.  Shannon's efforts have been recognized on the national and international level. Please click 'Read more" for a partial list of honors and awards.  shannon@shareinafrica.org

Awards and Honors

United Nations Foundation International Youth Achievement Award

National Young Woman of Distinction, Girl Scouts of the USA

National Prudential Spirit of Community Award - One of America's top 10 Youth Volunteers

National Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Award

Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

Saint Michael's College Book Award

Honor Student Magazine Profile

YMCA Volunteer of the Year

Youth Honor Award, Skipping Stones Magazine

Kids Who Care Scholarship - Regional Winner

Girl Scout Gold Award

Teen Activist of the Month, Teen Voices National Magazine

Outstanding Student Achievement Award, Somerset County School Boards Association; Business & Education Alliance

President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005