“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.”
– Maya Angelou
About
Learn More About Me
Wisdom • Truth • Fortitude
DETERMINATION & CURIOSITY
How It Started…
Growing up in Chicago, I plowed through obstacles, determined to make more of my life than my surroundings offered. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and succeeded as one of relatively few African American women working in computer technology. My proud accomplishments stood out, however, against a backdrop of consistent racial prejudice and microaggressions. I internalized these devaluing experiences over the course of years. It bruised my confidence and tarnished my sense of self.
It wasn’t until my own daughter started getting teased at school that I realized how long I had been weathering attempts to diminish my uniqueness. I, too, had been bullied as a child. I told my daughter, “You are beautiful, smart, and confident, and I need you to own that power. You have the power within you that nobody can take away from you.”
It was the moment that awakened me to the fact that each of us owns our power. It comes from our uniqueness within. And so began my life’s work to empower others … but I also had to remember to empower myself!
EMPOWERMENT
Other Initiatives
Girls Are Powerful
In 2013, I launched Girls Are Powerful, an organization that inspires girls to recognize and embrace their natural qualities of being beautiful, unique, smart, confident, determined and powerful. Over the past eight years we’ve connected with more than 3,500 girls and young women and their families through empowerment programs, events and conferences, mother-daughter events, parent/caregiver circles, and creative publications.
The Collective WELLS
As Girls Are Powerful has grown, it became clear that the GRP mission and values hold deep relevance for adults. In 2020 I co-founded the Collective WELLS where we tap into the elements that allows us to know Wonder, embrace Empowerment, embody Love, mindfully live our Legacy and foster Synergy.
OneLuv BTS
The mission of OneLuvBTS is to create a positive and delightful space for learning and celebrating BTS, a Korean Pop Band, as we celebrate ourselves in every aspect of our lives by embracing their empower message of self love.
GRP Adventures: The Series
Created by mother/daughter duo, Shawntan and Jalyn, the Girls Are Powerful book series aims to inspire and encourage the next generation of girls and young women to embrace their individuality, hone their POWER and confidently walk in the direction of their dreams and goals.
The Girls Are Powerful book series follows Gracie R. Powers and her friends as they learn that they are each powerful in their own, unique way. Follow along on their adventures as each girl learns to find and embrace their own strengths to make a positive impact on their lives and the world around them. Throughout the series, young girls learn that power not only lies in strength, but can also be found in confidence, determination, uniqueness, being bold and being beautiful.
RECOGNITION
In the Media
Speaking with Kristi Piehl on the Flip Your Script podcast-
Check out this episode of #FlipYourScript, featuring our founder and CEO, Shawntan Howell! She shares how the lessons she’s teaching girls are applicable to improve our workplaces, communities and homes. @iamshawntan
Meet another #LOTT Workshop 3 Speaker!
So happy to have had an opportunity to speak with the LOTT fellows this morning! Thank you for inviting me to share my journey of empowerment and motivations to incorporate into your personal journey.
Shawntan featured on My Founder Story
My Founder Story highlights women-owned businesses and the female leaders behind them. “Shawntan imagines a future where confident girls grow into powerful women who are changing the world.”
Read their piece about Shawntan’s entrepreneurial spirit on the MFS website.
Shawntan nominated for National Philanthropy Day Award
Shawntan was nominated for a National Philanthropy Day Award through the Minnesota Association of Fundraising Professionals, which seeks to highlight community members who are exemplary in their fundraising, philanthropy, and other efforts to make our community a more inclusive and welcoming place.
Shawntan nominated for WaveMaker Award by TeamWomen
Shawntan was named to the short list for the WaveMaker Award, granted to a woman who is making waves through the demonstration of an outstanding achievement, entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, or leadership within their profession or the community.
You Are Powerful! How to Use It to Empower Others with Shawntan Howell
Shawntan was a guest on the Forethought Planning podcast on February 2, 2021 to discuss how to empower others with host Shannon Foreman.
Daughter inspires mom to create products and programs serving girls
Herself360 shared Shawntan’s story.
Shawntan at the 2018 Be the Change Award Ceremony
Shawntan explains her motivations in this video produced for the award ceremony hosted by HandsOn Twin Cities.