2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Shannon Tatum, 35

Shannon Tatum is out to change the world one person at a time. As a life coach for local nonprofit ipourlife Inc., Tatum is a lifeline for more than 20 at-risk girls from juvenile corrections, the foster system, homeless shelters and alternative schools. She has made it her mission to help these girls defy the odds of what statistics predict for their futures. In her words, it’s “helping them lay claim to the destiny that is theirs for the taking; a destiny that says no longer do you have to merely survive. Instead, it is time to thrive.” Tatum is committed to helping instill a sense of duty to the community in the girls she coaches. Collectively they have served more than 200 hours of service to area agencies.

What was your first job? My first job was a telemarketing job and I was absolutely terrible at it.

What was your professional “aha” moment? When I started my job, at ipourlife, suddenly, every moment made sense. Every hurt and past heartache instantly had purpose – to help bring healing to others.

What do you miss most about the 1990s? I seriously miss crimped hair. But, not to worry, I recently got a new crimping iron.

What did you learn the hard way? As a girl, I always believed that I would adopt. In my mind, it was an easy and beautiful process. And while it can be, every minute of the wait is heart wrenching and sprinkled with moments of complete uncertainty. But it is then that one learns the power of hitting their knees for the peace that comes only in prayer.