Shannon McDonald has been with Breakthrough New York (BTNY) since 2018, starting as a volunteer and, in 2022, stepping up as chair of the Associates Board. Over the past few years, Shannon’s leadership has helped the board grow in size, community, and impact. She’s passionate about BTNY’s mission to create educational equity, knowing firsthand the transformative power that access to great education and mentorship can have.
In 2018, Shannon was looking for ways to support her community and was drawn to Breakthrough New York’s work in education, which she credits as a major factor in her own success. She first got involved at BTNY’s annual Mock Interview Day, working with students to build their confidence and interview skills. Seeing their determination and the commitment of the BTNY team inspired her to deepen her involvement. Eventually, this path led her to chair the newly formed Associates Board in 2022, where she now plays a key role in guiding BTNY’s impact, particularly within the college program and fundraising initiatives.
A driving force behind Shannon’s work with BTNY is her belief in the transformative power of mentorship. During her college years, she had a professor who not only recognized her potential but also guided her toward her passion for journalism, ultimately helping her land her first job. Inspired by this experience, Shannon has made mentorship a cornerstone of her leadership at BTNY.
Under her guidance, the Associates Board has developed a formal mentorship program focused on BTNY’s college students and recent college graduates. This initiative creates opportunities for students to receive personalized support as they navigate pivotal decisions, such as choosing internships, exploring career options, and preparing for life after graduation and into the workforce.
“It felt like the perfect fit,” Shannon said, emphasizing the Associates Board’s focus on college students and beyond. “Our board consists of professionals 10–15 years into their careers. We remember those days entering the workforce, and some of us are already transitioning into new career paths. We offer guidance, support, and understanding that resonates because we’re not that far removed from that time in our lives. Additionally, we can serve as a bridge to connect students and graduates with opportunities they might never have known existed.”
Now in its third year, Shannon envisions the Associates Board as a lifelong partner for students as they navigate the complexities of higher education and early careers. She and the board are building a system where members connect with college students to help them navigate internships, explore different careers, and determine what they want to do after graduation.“The students I’ve met through BTNY are so hardworking and motivated. My hope is that, as a board, we can continue being a resource for them and help them find opportunities that truly align with their passions.”
“Access to a high-quality education should be a basic human right,” Shannon says. “But too often, where you live can determine the quality of education you have access to.” She adds, “education is the key to unlocking a new life and realm of possibilities. It provides us with the tools to decide our own destiny. Success, of course, comes from a fundamental drive to do well, but without education and resources to allow that spark to ignite passion, the journey becomes much more difficult.”
This realization drives her work with BTNY, where she’s especially inspired by the organization’s personal approach—meeting students and families exactly where they are, helping them find schools that are the best fit, and supporting each student’s unique journey for over a decade. For Shannon, this personal, student-centered approach is what sets Breakthrough New York apart and makes her proud to be part of the mission.
