Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Donnelly
Hi Shannon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Shannon Donnelly is the visionary Executive Director of The Center for Social Equity Support, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity and social equity in the cannabis industry. Her journey in the cannabis sector began in 2007, when she emerged as a leader and advocate for transformation. In 2022, As the only female former Cannabis Process Navigator at the City and Country of Denver, she successfully navigated regulatory challenges and led Colorado’s Cannabis Cares program, facilitating the licensing of over 20 social equity applicants which has helped her refine her passions for equity in Cannabis, resulting in the creation of The Center for Social Equity Support 501(c) 3. At The Center Shannon oversees all organizational functions and drives strategic partnerships to advance the mission of social equity. “I am driven by a profound vision for the cannabis industry – one that champions inclusivity and fosters positive change,” she states. In addition to her role at the center, Shannon consults for prominent cannabis brands, leveraging her expertise to fuel growth. She also serves as an Professor at MSU Denver, nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. With 16 years of experience, Shannon combines her business management skills with a passion for positive change. Outside of her professional life, she owns Betty’s Petals, a flourishing flower business, and remains committed to envisioning new possibilities for the industry’s future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Reflecting on my own goals, I had a pivotal moment while working with a business coach. We reviewed my involvement in various businesses, and I expressed my desire to work full-time with social equity entrepreneurs, although I doubted it could become a reality. Around that time, I applied for the Cannabis Process Navigator position with the City of Denver. This was a newly created role focusing on licensing businesses, and I made it to the final round as the second candidate but didn’t get the job. I thought maybe it just wasn’t meant for me and that I should move in a different direction. However, in 2022, the position opened up again, this time emphasizing support for social equity entrepreneurs. I knew I had to seize this opportunity. Initially, I received an email saying I didn’t get the job, but shortly after, I got a call for an immediate interview. I was ecstatic, and this time, I secured the position. Had I not spent those years from 2018 to 2022 helping social equity entrepreneurs for free, I wouldn’t have landed this role, which now allows me to pursue this work full-time. This journey taught me two important lessons: never give up on your goals, even when they seem out of reach, and if something is truly meant for you, it won’t miss you.
During my time at the City, I often heard that it would be impossible to get traditional cannabis businesses to collaborate with or support social equity entrepreneurs. I refused to accept that as the final word. Despite facing numerous barriers that excluded social equity entrepreneurs from critical conversations, I took matters into my own hands and founded a nonprofit, The Center for Social Equity Support. Through strategic outreach and education, I demonstrated the value of collaboration to cannabis businesses and secured direct donations from them. This experience reinforced that while obstacles may exist, they aren’t insurmountable. It’s about understanding the challenges, dismantling them piece by piece, and finding a way forward through persistence, strategy and an innovative mind. With the right approach, even the most resistant industries can move toward greater inclusivity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Center for Social Equity Support?
The Center for Social Equity Support is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity and social equity in the cannabis industry. Our inaugural incubator program, focused on empowering social equity entrepreneurs in the cannabis manufacturing sector. Our collaboration with professional partners within the industry play a pivotal role in making this program a success and equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools needed to be competitive. Our incubator program is designed to offer comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, access to manufacturing resources, and guidance through the intricacies of the cannabis industry. This program is envisioned as a launching pad for social equity applicants to successfully establish and expand their businesses. The Incubator Program is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs who qualify for social equity status in Denver and are eager to introduce their products to the market. This initiative is not just a program; it’s a commitment to nurturing talent from underrepresented communities, ensuring they have a fair shot at success in the burgeoning cannabis industry. Understanding the hurdles that come with breaking into the cannabis market, the program offers an unparalleled support system.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me often starts with connection. Whether that’s making a positive impact in my community or just finding real fulfillment in whatever I do is when I am able to do the work that fuels my passions in my personal and professional lives. I find that when I am connecting with those around me, whether that be making special bouquets for my neighbors with extra flowers I have from doing Betty’s Petals work or workshopping a business idea with an entrepreneur from The Center for Social Equity Support is when I am truly the most fulfilled. I want to serve as a catalyst for positive change in every asset and use the successes and lessons I have had to help others find their way in their personal journeys. Growth is huge, too. I love seeing progress in my personal development and expanding my skills. It’s such a good feeling to know you’re moving forward. Then there’s innovation. I feel that I am always wanting to expand upon my own ways of thought and I really admire people who can adapt to change and are always looking for new ideas. That kind of flexibility opens up exciting opportunities and helps you stay ahead. Building strong connections with others and creating a culture of being open and innovative can really drive everyone’s success forward. So, in a nutshell, I see success as a mix of connection, experiencing growth, embracing new ideas, and nurturing strong relationships. It’s about creating something meaningful that resonates with me and those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://socialequitysupport.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.e.donnelly/#
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/socialequitysupport/#
