Shannon Foy is an inspiration. Her story, not unlike that of so many young people who were raised in a broken home, is sad, heart breaking and emotional. The life Shannon has built for herself is one of hope, perseverance, courage and the indomitable spirit. Raised in poverty and with only her self determination and desire for a better life she has overcome obstacles of which most of us cannot relate but can certainly sympathize. From a chaotic childhood being shuffled about between neglectful, abusive and drug abusing parents to an elderly grandmother and foster care Shannon has come into her own as an independent successful woman.
Despite the misfortune of her childhood Shannon now makes a difference in the lives of children every day as a special education teacher. Shannon's own experiences and having a sister who has intellectual and developmental disabilities drove this courageous young woman to stand up for herself, to stand independently to make a difference in not only her own life but in the lives of her students and anyone whom she meets along the way. with her masters degree from Cambridge College Shannon has by sheer will and determination not to become another statistic, come to represent the truest meaning of self reliance, determination and success. Having built a stable life, earning a degree and fulfilling her goals of independence and getting off the system Shannon does not remain idle nor complacent.
She has recently become active in the GLBT community volunteering her time and energies to HR Pride and was recently voted on as Secretary of the Board. Shannon pursues her duties as a volunteer with the same determination and drive that has brought her from the brink of being yet another statistic to the success she is today.
Having come to terms with her sexuality and coming out at the age of 14 she has lived openly as a lesbian for more than a decade. This spring Shannon decided that she needed to be part of the effort to end bigotry, earn respect and gain acceptance for the GLBT community. In March of this year Shannon found herself at a Pride meeting and this is where I had the pleasure of first meeting her.
When I met Shannon she was sitting in the gallery at a Pride meeting. She saw the importance of becoming involved after seeing how poorly the community as a whole was represented. When meeting with Shannon weeks after that Pride meeting we sat at one of her favorite restaurants and discussed how she could best become involved.
Shannon shared with me her beliefs, her talents and her goals and we set out on campaigning to have Shannon elected to the board. Having been elected to the board Shannon again stepped up and was voted in by her peers to the position of secretary. Now with the biggest event of the HR Pride's events calendar around the corner Shannon has continued to show that drive and determination and works tirelessly with the board of HR Pride and the community to ensure that this 28th annual Pride event is the biggest and best yet.
When considering my first feature interview for w4wlife I knew it had to be a woman of integrity, strength and exceptional character. I think I have made the right choice.
Shannon Foy is a remarkable young woman whom I know will inspire you to take a second look at your own life, and all that you can do to make a difference in your life, the lives of others and the community.
Special Thanks To:
Stylist: Wanda Evans
Hairmasters Studio, Virginia Beach, VA
Wardrobe: Forever21, H&M, Target
Jewelry: Christina's Crystals, Virginia Beach, VA
Christina Moscone
Location: The Artists Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA
Photography: Adam Goodlens, Stephaney Williams
additional photos courtesy of Ms. Foy
