Shannon Woods
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Professional
Professional Overview
Shannon Woods is an experienced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional with a strong background in the apparel and sportswear industry. As the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion lead at Brooks Running, she is responsible for driving strategic initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Additionally, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, where she collaborates with industry leaders to advance diversity and representation across the running community.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her role as Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Brooks Running, Shannon is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive DEI strategies to attract, retain, and empower a diverse workforce. She works closely with cross-functional teams to identify and address systemic barriers, promote inclusive practices, and foster a sense of belonging among employees. Under her leadership, Brooks Running has seen a significant increase in the representation of underrepresented groups in both entry-level and leadership positions.
As the Co-Chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, Shannon plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry's diversity and inclusion agenda. She collaborates with coalition members to create educational resources, organize events, and drive initiatives that drive progress towards a more equitable and inclusive running community.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Shannon held several positions within the apparel and sportswear industry, including Senior Apparel Developer and Apparel Developer II at Brooks Running, as well as Designer, Women's Apparel at Eddie Bauer and Product Development Assistant at Cutter & Buck. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong passion for product development, a keen eye for design, and a commitment to driving positive change within the industry.
Academic Background
Shannon holds a Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising from the University of Washington, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy development
- Workplace culture and employee engagement
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Product development and design in the apparel and sportswear industry
Professional Impact
Under Shannon's leadership, Brooks Running has achieved notable successes in its DEI initiatives, including a 25% increase in the representation of women and people of color in leadership roles and the implementation of comprehensive unconscious bias training for all employees. Additionally, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition has expanded its reach, engaging with over 500 industry professionals and launching several impactful programs to support underrepresented groups in the running community.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in the apparel and sportswear industry and her proven track record in driving meaningful change through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Shannon Woods is a respected and influential DEI professional. Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments and her ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders make her a valuable asset to both Brooks Running and the broader running community.
