Shannon O'Malley
I am an advocate for social change driven by the power of brand and storytelling.
From working with local grassroot non-profits to corporate philanthropy at Nike, my experience spans a spectrum of issues, communities, and opportunities for impact.
My career has taken me to Thailand, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and all across the United States, and the vehicle has always been the human story.
Prior to starting my own consulting practice, my work consistently leveraged creative storytelling to explain complex issues and move people towards action. You can find more about each of these below:
The SOLD Project
Originally conceived as a documentary project on the sex trade in Thailand, The SOLD Project evolved into a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and prevention.
I held various roles with The SOLD Project (recently rebranded as The Freedom Story), supporting their development efforts in the United States and facilitating volunteer engagement in Thailand.
Learn more at thefreedomstory.org
Girl Effect
The Nike Foundation leveraged the power of branding to create Girl Effect, aiming to end global poverty by investing in adolescent girls.
I coordinated operations for Girl Effect University, facilitating global workshops to design programs and policies in collaboration with girls themselves.
Learn more at girleffect.org
The Life Story
The Life Story is an online platform elevating the voices of survivors of sexual exploitation. It shares the realities of women in the U.S. sex trade and highlights the opportunities they see for change.
For the duration of this project, I primarily played the roles of producer and strategist. This tool was built in deep partnership with survivors, alongside a documentary film maker, creative agency, and subject matter experts, led by brew advisors for the NoVo Foundation.
Learn more at thelifestory.org
These projects have profoundly influenced my practice, emphasizing the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to social justice and community engagement work. I prioritize centering the voices that are often marginalized and elevating the expertise of those with lived experience. This requires time, thoughtfulness, and ample resources, but it is essential in order to honor and provide dignity to the communities we strive to support.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
I attended the University of Arizona, where I played lacrosse and graduated with a degree in Communication before pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at Hult Business School in London.
While my work revolves around social and community impact, my commitment extends beyond the professional realm. As a mentor in the Women in International Affairs Network, Majority Leader for SuperMajority, and volunteer troop leader with Girl Scout Troop 6000 designed specifically for girls in the New York shelter system, I am committed to creating a more just and equitable world for all women and girls.
Community Involvement
Full portfolio & resume available upon request.
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