ACE Faculty

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NAME: Shannon Penn

COLLEGE: Berkeley City College

TITLE: Instructor, Master Mentor

DEPARTMENT: Learning Resources

INVOLVED WITH ACE SINCE: 2008

ACE COURSES TAUGHT/TEACHING:
Five-Day Experiential Learning Institute (FELI)
Social Justice Research Course (SJRC)
Foundation Course (FC)
Team Self Management (TSM)

REASON FOR BECOMING INVOLVED WITH ACE:
The ACE mission is the perfect match for my personal goals as an Educator. I have been promoting education and economic self-sufficiency in my community for many years and ACE addresses this connection. The ACE material is a powerful tool because it uses a holistic approach when addressing the needs of college students in low-income communities. I also believe it’s a universal tool that can serve everyone interested in building a stronger self and community.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

Shannon Penn leverages her expertise in social work, education and business to promote economic self-sufficiency in her community. Shannon earned a Master's Degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. She began her career at Child Protection Agencies where she served high-risk populations. This experience ignited her interest in education and economic empowerment in low-income communities.  She also started her own business focused on real estate investments and eventually small business consulting and training. Shannon is now recognized as a Master Trainer in the non-profit community. She oversees a team of business instructors at a Microenterprise Development Organization. She also managed a loan fund for a California Financial Development Corporation that supports minority small business owners. Shannon also has a long history with curriculum development and teaching. She teaches a business course that helps low-income women build businesses and increase their assets. She is currently an Instructor in the PERSIST program at Berkeley City College which supports basic skills students. In the classroom, she utilizes adult learning methodologies that support retention and build community. Over the years, she has been invited to lead a host of seminars and workshops in her community on a variety of topics including personal empowerment, business, leadership and social welfare. In her free time, she enjoys her family, great food and live music.