Number of years in CURRENT position: 2

3 skills that you use every day in your position: Problem solving, cultivating relationships, and effective communication.

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: Predictable Profits Playbook by Charles E. Gaudet II

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: Start each day with positive affirmations and quotes, it works!

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Introducing President Biden at a Micron Technology event in October 2022. He then told my story at an SBA Women’s Business Summit event at the White House back in March of this year. I am proud to be on the Board of National Electrical Contractor’s Association and the Central New York Community Foundation’s Black Equity & Excellence Fund. I started as an apprentice in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2007 and now am proudly a Licensed Master Electrician with more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry.

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? I started this company with no money and no experience owning or running a business. Everything I know has been learned through either trial and error or learning from the experiences of others. I have been fortunate to have surrounded myself with other leaders that are some of the best in their respective industries. I read a lot and stay abreast of market trends to stay relevant.

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? “Something powerful ignited, she knew she would have to be a significantly better professional than those around her to create opportunity for her future. She refuses to settle for lesser standards, quality, or leadership. Shawni develops herself and her organization ahead of the industry’s expectations. She makes her peers proud to be in her presence, exercises humility, and empowered leadership, and embodies a role model for rising leaders to aspire to.” - K.A. Stacie Alexiou, CEO at WATT+FLUX.

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