MORTAR
Shannon Hooten is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in organizational effectiveness and strategic management at MORTAR since May 2018. In current role as Chief of Staff, Shannon enhances operational efficiency and drives growth through strategic initiatives. Previous positions at MORTAR include Director of Culture & Strategy, Strategic Director, Program Manager, and Retail and Events Manager, showcasing a strong background in strategic planning, project management, and program oversight. Shannon serves as an Advisory Council Member for Dolr, focusing on student loan debt solutions. Prior to MORTAR, roles included Sales Coordinator at Doran Manufacturing, Freelance Content and Copy Editor for Rare Elements Foundry, and various positions at Toys"R"Us. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Organizational Leadership from Xavier University and ongoing pursuit of an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Southern Indiana.
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MORTAR
Honestly, it can be very difficult for urban entrepreneurs to start or maintain existing businesses – especially without an existing business background or access to resources. In areas like Over-The-Rhine, the development moves so quickly that it may feel like catching up – or keeping up is an impossible goal. Our plan is to implement a ten-week business course designed to help low-income urban entrepreneurs build or expand their dream businesses, giving them the tools to help them grow with their neighborhoods. The curriculum we are using has been proven and pioneered by LAUNCH Chattanooga targeting a similar demographic. We believe that Cincinnati is definitely ready for a program like MORTAR that will lead to improved quality of life, business ownership, job creation and a flourishing local economy. While Over-The-Rhine is definitely our epicenter, we believe that the MORTAR program will have a ripple effect in surrounding areas, becoming a magnet that draws in entrepreneurial students from all around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, therefore having an even broader reach and impact. Through education, guidance and mentorship, we will be able to effectively challenge the perceptions of how entrepreneurs are built and what their legacies will become.