This Monday, we are featuring Junior League of Charlotte member Shannon Eckard as part of our Member Monday series. Shannon is the vice chair of the WearHouse committee and is currently a campus director at the University of Phoenix. Read more about the Greensboro native below.
1) Thanks for taking time to share some personal insights with us today. Can you give us some background information about you?
I’m originally from a small town outside of Greensboro, North Carolina, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. I’ve lived in North Carolina for most of my life though I did move across the border into Fort Mill seven years ago. I moved to Charlotte after working in Chapel Hill as an inside sales manager for several years. My now-husband was relocated here for work – he’s an accountant – and we’ve absolutely loved Charlotte. We were married in 2005 and have two children. Our oldest, Marissa, turns nine in August and our youngest, Marshall, turns six in a few weeks. They love driving each other – and sometimes me – crazy! We also have a sweet-natured rescue dog named Zoey who is almost three. In my free time, I love to read (almost exclusively fiction), travel, and sew. I’ve taken several sewing classes in Waxhaw and I’ve enjoyed learning a new hobby. I currently work as the campus director for University of Phoenix in Charlotte, and manage the operations, marketing and academic functions within the North Carolina market.
2) What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?
The best decision I’ve ever made was starting my family. From marrying my college sweetheart to getting to be mom to two sweet little people, I’ve enjoyed my time with my family immensely. I love exploring the city together, playing board games, having dance parties and introducing my kids to movies and books that I also love. Creating your own family unit makes you feel like you are actually a grown up (or as grown up as you can feel anyway!).
The worst decision I’ve made would have to be not taking full advantage of the learning opportunities that were available to me during college. I absolutely loved my time in Chapel Hill but I focused too heavily on the social aspects and not heavily enough on actually learning. Now that I’m older, I would love to have time to study history and art and philosophy but back then, I really just wanted to spend time with my friends and simply get through the rest. If I could go back, I would take more courses, read more, and really focus on learning from those around me.
3) What woman inspires you and why?
It’s a great time to be a woman! There are so many admirable women who are shaping the course of the future and stepping into leadership roles throughout the country. I admire so many women but one who particularly stands out to me is Glennon Melton of Momastery. She is an activist and philanthropist. I admire her honesty, her strength, her focus on family, and her willingness to fight for what she believes in passionately. She focuses on kindness, compassion, empathy, and love in her work and I strive to focus on the same ideals. It can be difficult to speak up, especially during such a divisive time in our society, but I am inspired by women who fight the good fight for what they believe to be right.
4) From start to finish, what would your ideal day be like?
Well, I would absolutely be somewhere tropical, just to set the stage! I would sleep in, which for me means around 8 am (kids ruin sleep!). I would have a delicious breakfast somewhere outside by the water while reading a great book. I would go for a walk admiring the beautiful landscape. Then, I would change into my swimsuit to lounge away the day by the pool while reading, sipping cold cocktails, chatting with my loved ones, floating in the water, and napping. Someone would bring me food and drinks so I wouldn’t have to think about a thing. I’d go into my clean, beautiful, peaceful suite late in the afternoon for a quick siesta and shower. Then my husband would take me out to a lovely dinner by the water. We would talk, laugh, and enjoy great wine before calling it a night. Ahhhhh … perfection.
5) What keeps you up at night?
I have an ability to turn it off pretty well once I get home so I don’t have too many sleepless nights. When I do worry, I worry about the future. I worry about the hate that seems more prevalent in our society than I’ve ever seen before; I worry about violence in our schools; I worry about children who are hungry and who aren’t in ideal homes where they feel loved and have what they need. But then I remember the groups like Junior League who are focused on making the world a better place and who give tirelessly of their time and resources to make a difference. Focusing on all of the good in the world and trying to multiply it is a much better use of time so I try to redirect my thoughts there.
6) If you could tell your 23-year-old self-one thing what would it be?
Take care of yourself! You can’t help others and make a difference if you haven’t first taken care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, wear sunscreen, do things that you enjoy, spend plenty of time with your friends, exercise, and don’t sacrifice yourself or your desires to try to make anyone else happy. You are in charge of you – make the best of your time on earth by making yourself happy!
7) One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love karaoke and can lay down an old school gangster rap with the best of them! Also, another little-known fact, I was once on an MTV game show but I didn’t win …
8) How has the Junior League of Charlotte helped you develop your potential, taught you something unique, and/or given you an opportunity that you never would have had otherwise?
My time at the Junior League has been very rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to organize philanthropic events that make a difference to children within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system. I’ve met amazing ladies who are making a difference in our community. I’ve learned about Board leadership and service through the Get On Board program. I’ve recently moved into a leadership role within the WearHouse. I’ve been able to present at a training and development event to a group of inspirational ladies. The Junior League has provided me with the opportunity to impact our community in a meaningful way with a group of amazing women.
Written by Marielle Harris
