The Back Story
We all have one, right? It's that thing that makes us all unique. The thing that makes us different. It's also one of the things we all have in common. So here's mine....(In the interest of time and your nerves, I'll try to hit the highlights).
My name is Shannon Denean Hill Duncan and I am the inquisitive, loquacious, bright, second-born of Marshall Sr. and Mollie Ann (you will hear me mention these two A LOT because well, they're the best parents on earth). I have one older brother who tormented me during my childhood and definitely needs to put some it for my therapy bill (J/K...he's pretty awesome). I was born and raised in Decatur, GA (yes, the one from ALL the hip hop songs) and I am grateful that my parents had the good sense to ship me across the county to a Magnet School for High Achievers. Had they not, I never would have met by besties Atiya & R. Denise (you'll hear ALL about them...promise).
Skipping ahead a bit...I graduated from THE University of Georgia (Go Dawgs) with a degree in Journalism (emphasis in Public Relations) which I have not used until now. I went on to get my MBA from Walden University. UGA was one of life's greatest experiences. It was at this hallowed institution where I learned some of life's most important lessons like how to be a feminist, how to get along with anyone and how to take shots of brown liquor without throwing up (thanks Scott). It was there that I got my first taste of pageantry and won my first title as Miss Black University of Georgia.
A few years after graduation, I met a cute guy while getting my oil changed at a car dealership. He asked me out on a date despite the fact that I was wearing a stained t-shirt and some real raggedy cut off shorts. Five years later, we got married and have been doing this thing called marriage since. Jorome is one of the most supportive, understanding men I have ever met. Marriage is one of the best decisions either of us has ever made. Some days we can't stand each other. Some days we can't stand without each other.
We liked each other so much that we decided to procreate. Six years after living the DINK life (double income, no kids), this mid-sized ball of amazing catapulted on the scene and made us real grown ups. Motherhood is the single hardest, most amazing thing I've ever done. KidWonderful (as he is known on the internet) is our rambunctious, lively, funny, bright, demanding, opinionated two-year old who keeps me on my toes, makes me laugh, drives me to drink, and makes my life better than its ever been.
Somewhere in there I also found time to fall in love with community service. I consider myself an advocate for women and girls, especially in the Atlanta community. I've been a member of Junior League of Atlanta for what seems like forever and I also serve on the board of Sporty Girls, Inc.