2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Shonna Crawford, 39

Shonna Crawford is on a mission for literacy that knows no borders. Crawford has maintained a focus on her personal and professional passion to arm young people with a strong literacy foundation. She launched a literacy lab on the Evangel campus in 2015 providing free tutoring services to over 100 area children in kindergarten through 12th grade and serves graduate students in education with a practicum experience. Crawford leads a student service trip to Belize biannually to teach in schools, and her leadership also can be seen at Evangel through mentorship of student teachers and her numerous presentations at educational conferences around the country.

What was your first job? I loved babysitting when I was younger, but my first official job on a payroll was at a golf course driving the cart that collects all the golf balls on the driving range.

What is your theme song? Typically I choose a new theme song for each year to capture how God is at work in my life. This year my theme song is, “Trust in You,” by Lauren Daigle.

What did you learn the hard way? “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

What do you miss most about the 1990s? Rollerblading with my friends.

Have you ever met a celebrity? Ree Drummond, aka “The Pioneer Woman,” and her family.