Meet Shannon Booker | Growth Focused and Results-Driven Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Booker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Darby, Pennsylvania a suburban town right outside of Philadelphia. Growing up, compassion for others and community involvement was something that my parents instilled in me. I watched my parents give selflessly and and make sure others had what they needed while taking care of their family and maintaining their careers as a factory worker and a childcare provider. Being apart of that type of upbringing impacted me greatly which has been displayed within my career and through community impact. I’ve worked in Higher Education where my work focused on student development and engagement and later transitioned into Corporate Learning and Development. Through community impact I’ve created an organization around my passion of running that focuses on uniting and celebrating the diversity within the running community while addressing and raising awareness about social issues affecting marginalized groups. People who know me would describe me as someone with a big heart who loves helping others and is always smiling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When your passion and purpose comes together, amazing things happen. I am the co-founder of Social Fitness ATL. We are an organization built around social awareness whose purpose is to unite and celebrate the diversity within the running community through inclusive engagement and community impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
With me being the active outdoorsy type person this week long trip will be filled with exploring the Beltline, our parks, hiking and other cool outdoor adventures. Now that we are somewhat getting back to normal I would make sure there’s some type of nice festival taking place in the city for us to check out at Piedmont Park. We would travel a little out of the city and do a hike a Sweetwater Creek State Park to go on a hike and I’ll also take them to Shoot the Hooch! Other activities would included exploring the MLK, Jr and other African American historical sites, Ponce City Market Rooftop, renting bikes and riding around the city. First place I’m taking them to eat is Slutty Vegan because you can’t have an ATL experience without going to slutty vegan. Other food places would be Negril Village, BQE, Old Lady Gang, Kempers Cafe (Jamaican Food), Aamar Indian Cuisine, and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint for some great food and live music (I hope the open back up soon!) As far as hanging out we’d go to The Battery, Top Golf, Roller Skating at Cascades or Gold Glide Skating Rink, The Painted Pin or whatever else may come to mind. Before they leave on that Sunday I’ll have come with me to my Sunday run with my running crew Movers + Pacers you can follow us on IG @MoversandPacers and after that we enjoy some food at Atlantic Station on the patio or upper-deck of Hobnob Tavern.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Can you please update this section to read as follows:

-I must give a big shoutout to my running family Movers+Pacers because of their unwavering support and how it has aided in the continued success of my organization. Every time I have an event they are there and if I needed help with anything I can always depend on them. A big thank you and shout out to my co founder Kenny Boone, what started out as an idea to do a run to bring the running community together turned into a movement that has been making a difference here in Atlanta. Finally a big shout out to Bamn & James of Atlanta Run Club for their support and the impact they are making in the Atlanta community and beyond.

Instagram: @Book1914, @SocailFitnessAtl

Image Credits
-Adrienne Maybin of Amplified by Adrielle
Yabi Demisse of Demi Visualz