For more than two decades, Shannon O’Brien has been a well-recognized social and political force in California’s Inland Empire. A native of Carson, California, Shannon’s middle-class upbringing combined both opportunities and challenges—experiences she now credits with shaping her empathy, resilience, and unrelenting drive. Reflecting on her childhood in her first book, she shares, “Writing my book was cathartic. I read chapters that caused me to relive past hurt, yet I could tell the hurt had subsided when I would actually smile and just shake my head while reading.”
Determined to close the “achievement gap” for children in her community, Shannon co-founded Children’s Resources, Inc., providing educational programs and scholarships for Inland Empire students and families for nearly 30 years. Her impactful initiatives include “Bully Proof” parent workshops in partnership with the Verizon Foundation, a Teen Anti-Bullying Leadership Institute in collaboration with the City of Fontana, and chairing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Youth Symposiums at local schools.
Shannon’s dedication extends to civic engagement and political leadership. She served on the Fontana Unified School District Board of Education (2013–2014) and co-founded Neighbors United of the Inland Empire in 2019 alongside her husband, Jason O’Brien, Sr., and Dr. Denise Sterling-King. Over the years, she has earned recognition from Congressional, State, and County leaders, including:
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“Hero” Award – Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation, 2019
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“Woman of the Year” – Assembly Member Freddie Rodriguez, 2018
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SHERO Award – Sacred Sistahs, Inc., 2015
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Community Honoree Award – Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, 2015
Shannon holds a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and a Master of Public Administration from CSU Long Beach. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Jason O’Brien, Sr., for 34 years. Together, they raised a son, Jason Jr., and are proud grandparents to Jacob O’Brien.
Through her decades of service, leadership, and advocacy, Shannon O’Brien exemplifies the power of leveraging experience, education, and community commitment to inspire change and elevate others.