Meet Shannon Donnelly

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Donnelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I feel like entrepreneurship was in my blood. I grew up with a mother who ran Piñata Mexican Restaurant in Littleton—if you were around in the ’90s, chances are you ate there! Watching her build something from the ground up, create jobs, and bring people together over food gave me a front-row seat to what business could be when it’s rooted in community, I was almost making margaritas at 5 and serving tables by 7.
My first dive into business was actually in the traditional cannabis market. It wasn’t legal then, but it taught me a lot about risk, hustle, and meeting demand. From there, I started a kickball league that became its own little movement, and then a clothing brand—each venture building on the last. Now, I’m a multi-business entrepreneur operating in both regulated and creative industries.
The throughline in all of this? I never waited for someone to give me permission. My thought process has always been: Where is there a need, and how can I fill it in a way that brings people together and adds real value? I don’t just start businesses—I build ecosystems.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Center for Social Equity Support is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity and social equity in the cannabis industry. Our inaugural incubator program, focused on empowering social equity entrepreneurs in the cannabis manufacturing sector. Our collaboration with professional partners within the industry play a pivotal role in making this program a success and equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools needed to be competitive. Our incubator program is designed to offer comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, access to manufacturing resources, and guidance through the intricacies of the cannabis industry. This program is envisioned as a launching pad for social equity applicants to successfully establish and expand their businesses. The Incubator Program is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs who qualify for social equity status in Denver and are eager to introduce their products to the market. This initiative is not just a program; it’s a commitment to nurturing talent from underrepresented communities, ensuring they have a fair shot at success in the burgeoning cannabis industry. Understanding the hurdles that come with breaking into the cannabis market, the program offers an unparalleled support system.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big believer in showing people the real heartbeat of a city—so we’d skip the touristy stuff and head straight to some local gems. We’d start the day with breakfast burritos and horchata coffee at a Whittier café, then hit the botanical garden or take a walk through RiNo to see the beebop into different shops.

If it’s a weekend, we’re definitely hitting a market or a community event; I love the Casita Cutie events put on by Izzy Blaze. For dinner, we’d grab something crave-worthy and low-key—probably patzcuaros or something at Denver central market, I love the bacon fried rice there —and cap the night at a dive bar, maybe Willians Tavern or Dons, unless im feeling garden vibes, then Cirrus. I want people to feel the culture, not just see it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Michel Defanbau showed me that business doesn’t have to look like a boardroom to be real and impactful. He taught me how to read the room, trust my instincts, and move with both strategy and soul. His mentorship gave me permission to lead as myself—not some polished version of what I thought leadership was supposed to look like.

Erica Craven Lyons has been the definition of grounded power. She holds space for complexity, challenges without ego, and taught me that long-term change happens through consistent relationship-building, not just big moments. Her presence and advocacy helped me stay rooted in purpose during some of the most pivotal moments of my career.

Website: https://socialequitysupport.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.e.donnelly?igsh=N21zdGt2YW9sMmM2

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannondmj

Other: https://www.instagram.com/socialequitysupport?igsh=NHdra253aXlnY3hj&utm_source=qr

https://borntosharecannabis.com/

Image Credits
Stephanie Didier