Shannon Boshears

As a fundraising and marketing professional, I’ve had an extensive and fulfilling journey with such valuable organizations as Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Heifer Foundation, Heifer International and UA – Pulaski Technical College. My current position is vice president and chief philanthropy officer at Arkansas Hospice where I oversee the fundraising efforts for the organization. The mission of Arkansas Hospice is to enhance the quality of life for those facing serious illness and loss by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional and spiritual care.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Biggest challenges in my career

It can be challenging to convince others that it's ok to do things differently than what they're used to doing. You don't have to do things a certain way just because that's the way it's always been done.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Nonprofits offer change and create hope. Our work gives people choices where they thought they had none. I keep coming back to witness the transformation that takes place when someone decides to seek help and receives it.

How I knew this was my passion

My first project trip with Heifer International was to stay in a village in a remote jungle in Thailand. There, I discovered a shared humanity in its purest and simplest form. I was fundamentally and forever changed.

My first job and what it taught me

My first job in my profession was a part-time, temporary position at a local public relations firm. I learned to always do more than the job asks and bring everything you have to the table. That gets you promoted. And it did.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Arkansas Hospice. It’s my goal to make sure Arkansas Hospice isn’t a best kept secret. Everyone needs to know about the important work we do. End-of-life care is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

Best career moment so far

Securing my first $1 million charitable donation was a thrilling moment. The best part was calling the head of the organization to tell them we had received the gift. Screams of joy, laughter and tears defined the moment for us.

Best advice I ever received

My dad always asked me, "Would you rather be right or rich (happy)?" In business and in your personal life, having to be right only leads down a lonely path to nowhere. Be quiet and know peace.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

The first rule of improvisation is SAY YES. The second rule of improv is, SAY YES AND... In the world of improv, you must always AGREE -- not to agree, but to show respect for what your partner has created.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Throughout life, I've written many gratitude lists to help me refocus. It forces me to reflect on the things that I take for granted and can't see right in front of me.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Fundraisers are givers, not takers. We connect people and missions. We provide donors with opportunities to pass on their values and valuables to others who will benefit from their generosity. Fundraising isn't scary, it's fulfilling for all involved.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

I have to take care of myself first. Am I tired? Sleep. Am I hungry? Eat. Until those things are taken care of, don't try to figure out the rest.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Biggest challenges in my career

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

How I knew this was my passion

My first job and what it taught me

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Best career moment so far

Best advice I ever received

A skill I never expected to need in this field

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

I can't start my day until

Coffee

Hobbies

Music and cooking

Binge watch

Food Network

Last good read

“Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics” by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermann

Favorite meal in town

Sea bass at Kemuri

Best recent local discovery

Beer cheese fondue at Brood and Barley

Latest splurge

A new house!

Most-used app

Facebook

Dream vacation

Italy

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