Shannon Cohen
Shannon Cohen is the founder and principal of Shannon Cohen, Inc. [dba Community Ventures]. Shannon is an award-winning industry leader and sought-after strategist, innovator, and inspirational leader. Through Shannon Cohen, Inc. Shannon has served several entities including but not limited to, The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency, Henry Ford Health System, Kids Food Basket, Network180, Heartside Ministry, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI, Mercantile Bank, Camp Blodgett, and United Way.
Shannon has created, managed, and scaled several movements, initiatives, and incubator efforts with a special focus on vulnerable populations. Shannon is a W.K. Kellogg Foundation fellow, an Encore Innovation Fellow with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and has received several awards for her work and service. Shannon is an adjunct professor for the College of Community and Public Service at Grand Valley State University. She is passionate about empowering emerging and existing leaders to be transformative in the communities they serve.
Most recently, Shannon birthed ‘Tough Skin, Soft Heart’. Tough Skin, Soft Heart is a leadership wellness movement designed to support the emotional health of difference makers. Tough Skin, Soft Heart features three tiers – an inspirational blog, motivational speaking, and a product line featuring portable affirmation products. One of her blogs, ‘Frenemies’ was published in the Huffington Post in 2016.
Shannon is a co-founder of Sisters Who Lead, an affinity circle birthed out of a research study Shannon facilitated with Patricia Sosa VerDuin entitled, ‘Invisible Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Championing the Voices and Inclusion of Female Leaders of Color in West Michigan.’
Pat Sosa Verduin
Pat is the Principal of Mobius Coaching, working as a transformational coach with diverse social leaders.
A Latina with 40 years as an established leader in social justice. A powerhouse giving leadership in public, nonprofit, and private spaces. Scaling movements and serving as a thought leader and partner to executives and front line leaders. Someone who relates to the head and heart issues that come with leadership.
A love and curiosity for the human spirit providing space for mutual learning. Building on the strengths in others that he/she have yet to acknowledge, realize or recognize in themselves.
Founder of a nonprofit and past Executive Director of Ready for School. A Kellogg Foundation Leadership Network Fellow. The Lakeshore Athena 2012 recipient.
A story about truth, equity and transformation. What is your soul telling you that your heart has yet to hear.
A life long resident living along the beautiful shores of West Michigan with her husband Ken her high school sweetheart. The mother to four amazing young men.
www.patverduin.com