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

Hi Shawnae, how do you think about risk?
My entire life has been about taking risks and pushing myself to my deepest capabilities. I became a national figure skater at age 8, and went on to be a scholared Division 1 volleyball player in college. Graduating with honors in Communications, I am proud to have had a successful career in television for over 20 years.

When I was 26 I won the title of Miss USA 1998 placing top 5 at Miss Universe out of 90 countries.

This was when my life took a major shift and I was diagnosed with a rare form of Ménière’s disease losing 60% of my ability to hear.

Seeking support from the best hearing aid company in the world, Signia formerly owned by Siemens, I became a world wide Ambassador traveling to 12 countries advocating for those with hearing loss.

I have Signia to thank for my ability to hear, and for saving my life, because during a routine hearing exam, we found my brain tumor for which I have been surviving for seven years now. It is most likely benign and inoperable for which I just completed radiation this last May to stop its growth by 90%.

I suffer from vertigo and tinnitus which is tolerable, however episodic, and I am grateful to have the ability to raise my boy/girl twins as a single Mom at 53, working from home.

Everything I do is for my children, and navigating my real estate investments, at home Esthetics Spa, and online social selling business affords me the freedom to do things on my terms, and for that I am incredibly blessed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve learned that you can’t allow your adversity to define you, and instead you should let it fuel you. You can continue evolving if you choose to, and continue growing and leaning new skills at any age. Just dive in, and learn as you go.

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 would take my friend to a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in the summertime, and definitely head downtown to Rioja to enjoy the best artichoke mousse tortellini in town (a James Beard award winning dish).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mel Robbins – Let Them

Signia Hearing Instruments (because of the previous slide)

They helped me when I was at my lowest point in my life, as well as saved it if my tumor had gone undiagnosed. I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://missusa98@mymonat.com

Instagram: @shawnaejebbia

Facebook: @shawnaejebbia

Image Credits
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