Shannon is a bold leader known for breaking barriers to advance an inclusive and sustainable economy and creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo. Shannon is one of Canada’s most sought-after finance consultants and trusted voices on women’s entrepreneurship for educators, government, industry and the media.
Shannon was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel. Shannon is the Co-founder of The Finance Cafe, the CEO of Pestun Consulting and a Senior Advisor for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.
Shannon holds the values of being a:
Her commitment to advancing equality has been widely recognized. In 2018 she was named a SHEInnovator by SHEInnovates Alberta – a pilot chapter for UN Women and in 2019 was a finalist for the Diversity Ambassador of the Year award by Women in Finance – Canada.
Shannon is an appointed member of the Mount Royal University board of directors and a board member at NPower Canada.
A proud Cree Metis woman, Shannon recently created the Gifting circle for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, the first community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurship.
Shannon is a lifelong learner who holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and a diploma in Marketing from Mount Royal University. She resides in Calgary, Alberta, Treaty 7.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
