How I’m Fulfilling My Purpose
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

How I’m Fulfilling My Purpose

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July 27, 2016

Written by Sara Blackburn, United Way Intern

Shannon Reed is the financial stability Portfolio Manager for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. In this role, Shannon works to improve the lives of those in our four-county region by helping address the financial stability needs within our community.

Shannon focuses on issue areas such as homelessness, financial stability, reentry, and black male achievement. He sits on a variety of organization boards to learn about how United Way can continually improve the community. He also helps plan and manage Project Homeless Connect (PHC), an annual one-day event where individuals in community who are homeless or are experiencing homelessness are provided access to a variety of free services ranging from housing recourses to medical screenings to haircuts. It is because of Project Homeless Connect that Shannon has a pair of tube socks hanging in his office. He says the socks serve as a daily reminder to consider both the big picture and the smaller details within this important role.

With Shannon’s drive and motivation, it is unsurprising that he was asked to apply to the Master Series for Distinguished Leaders, a program that empowers young African Americans to better themselves. Every 2 weeks for 6 months, he traveled to Washington, D.C. to further develop his leadership skills. “That opportunity changed my life,” Shannon said. It is because of what he learned in that program that Shannon says he is the person he is today. Since completing the program, Shannon has been working on creating a technical platform that will change how people access resources locally and nationally.

Personally, Shannon is a person you are drawn to. His energy is contagious and he leaves you feeling inspired to make a difference. In Shannon’s office, he has the phrases, “what is your purpose?” and “why am I here?” written on his whiteboard. Shannon explains that these are written so he is constantly reminded to be the best person he can be, especially for those who he serves. 

About the Blogger

Sara Blackburn is the Brand Journalist Intern at United Way and a graduate student at Arizona State University. Sara enjoys writing stories of the programs and people making a positive impact on our community.

 

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