Shannon Laine, a 2012 graduate of the Master of Nonprofit Management program at Washington University in St. Louis, was selected as a 2020 St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Honoree. Laine is the CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis. As president and CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis, Laine helps educate and inspire kids and their families to make great choices so they live healthier lives. She also is a adjunct faculty member for the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (formerly University College).
What do you do to support your community?
Beyond reinventing health education in our community, I support the St. Louis community by sitting on boards and committees through the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, Affinia Healthcare Friends Council, Washington University and Forest Park Forever.
What’s your favorite activity outside the office?
My favorite activity outside the office is traveling. Each year, my son and I take a trip somewhere we have never been. I believe these trips not only bring the two of us closer together, but provide an opportunity to introduce him to new cultures and places, and shape his view of the world.
What’s one word that would describe you?
Resilient.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A veterinarian.
What’s your favorite St. Louis restaurant?
Café Natasha.
What’s the biggest risk you ever took?
When I graduated college with a psychology and early childhood education degree I wanted to take the opportunity to be completely irresponsible before settling into my career. I packed up everything that I could squeeze into my car and, with no job, no money and no place to live, I moved to Los Angeles. I became a nanny for a movie star, worked on Rodeo Drive and in less than a year earned my way into the Screen Actors Guild.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have lived with Crohn’s disease for 20 years. Crohn’s is a chronic disease that affects the digestive system and currently has no cure. I personally understand the importance of making healthy life choices so I can achieve optimal health.
Past:
I previously held a fundraising position for the Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University.
Present:
As president and CEO of HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis, helps educate and inspire kids and their families to make great choices so they live healthier lives.
Future:
My goal is to have the greatest possible positive impact on the health of a community.
The 40 Under 40 publication and event honors 40 professionals in the St. Louis region under the age of 40 (as of Feb. 8, 2020). The honorees are leaders who are improving and innovating business, their companies and the community.
Note: this post was originally published in the St. Louis Business Journal.