Women We Admire: Shannon H. Lee

Give us four words that describe you: 

Learner, Ambivert, Compassionate, Auntie

What was your first job?

My first job out of university was with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme in rural southern Japan, where I had the opportunity to teach English in seven public schools and serve as an ambassador for cultural exchange in my community. I was lucky enough to work with and learn from both Japanese teachers and JET colleagues from so many different parts of the world. It has infinitely shaped my perspectives on how culture influences actions, as well as the way we communicate and connect with others. I've been passionate about international work since then. 

What do you do now? 

I am currently on the job hunt due to COVID-19 impacts, but I focus on international expansion, program operations, and project management in education and the social impact sector. Most recently, I served as Senior Manager of International Expansion with Girls Who Code, a non-profit working to close the gender gap in technology, leading the organization's first-ever international expansion and operational processes across India, Jordan, Canada, and the United Kingdom. 

What are you reading now?

I'm currently reading The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival written by one of my mentors, Amra Sabic-El-Rayess. Her memoir accounts her gripping story as a survivor of ethnic cleansing in 1990's war-torn Bosnia & Herzegovina. While it's a young adult book, I highly recommend it as her thought-provoking journey issues parallel warnings of a divided America today and her story propels me - and hopefully others - to take action so that history doesn't repeat itself. 

What inspires you?

I'm most inspired when people come together in diversity of thought, backgrounds, and approaches to support each other and to problem solve collaboratively. I find my drive working across different teams and groups to discover and execute on a path forward. During these past months of change, I've also come across even more inspiring women who generously share their expertise and networks in support of others and I strive to carry this mentality forward in both personal and professional spaces. 

What is one intention you have for the next three months?

Having been thrust into a new normal due to COVID both in terms of lifestyle and employment, I am taking the time to reflect deeply and re-examine what really drives me, be intentional about applying my strengths and passions, and set aside judgments and expectations that I've been telling myself over the years. I hope to take this time to set an authentic course of action in my professional life that feels true to myself and my purpose, rather than being driven by the purpose of my job or otherwise.