Grants officer
PBS Reno, Nevada
Age: 26
In three words: “Passionate, creative, driven”
What colleagues say: In her first year with PBS Reno, Shannon has taken our grants program to new heights. She has secured over $350,000 in new funding while maintaining the grants the station currently receives. She also has worked tirelessly to support our growing education program, Curiosity Classroom, securing financial support from new foundations and funders. She is a very talented writer, and quickly learned and improved upon the station’s “voice” in grant proposals.
What Shannon says
Decision to work in public media: When my grandma, mom and aunts moved to the United States, PBS was how they learned English. Growing up in rural Nevada, PBS was pretty much the only entertainment we had. It was my little window to art and culture around the world.
Joining public media was an opportunity I jumped on immediately. I knew that teaching wasn’t my path, but I wanted to be a part of bringing accessible educational programs and services to my community.
Key accomplishments: Securing a state grant for our Curiosity Classroom program. I had only been in my position for a few months and had never worked on a state grant proposal — nor had I experienced a proposal rejection. When the first application was denied, I was extremely upset. With reassurance and support from my team, we reassessed and revised. The second proposal was approved, and we are now heading into year two of funding.
Inspired by: My mom and grandma are my greatest inspirations. Their perseverance has had a profound impact on me. They taught me self-worth, and how love and kindness can manifest in different forms.
Advice for young public media professionals: Be confidently curious. There are so many people to learn from in public media who are excited to teach you new things.
Advice for public media leaders: Have trust in your team. Have the wisdom to guide but the open-mindedness to listen, collaborate and take a chance.
Funniest thing that’s happened on the job: I submitted a proposal and accidentally referred to the person by the wrong title. I received an angry, passionate email in reply. Words were bolded, underlined and italicized. I was mortified! My boss helped me write a very nice apology that maintained my dignity. The individual replied with a sweet and simple, “No problem. Have a great week!” The tone change nearly gave me whiplash.