Our Team

We are Olympians, World Championship Medalists, National and World Record Holders and World Class athletes.  We are the proud recipients of a US Department of State Grant that supported our August 6, 2022 Inaugural “Empowerment Through Sport Camp”. 

We are passionate about imparting the hard-earned wisdom and life experiences that come from being leaders in our industry to guide our youth into becoming the next generation of leaders empowering others through sport.  

  • CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

    Shannon Rowbury is a San Francisco native and 3-time Olympian. Through her diligent work in the high school classroom and on the Track, Shannon was heavily recruited as a student athlete and earned a full athletic scholarship to Duke University. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, she earned her Master's Degree in Humanities, with an emphasis on Women’s Studies. Shannon co-founded Imagining More Foundation in 2012 to encourage young women in sports and support cross-cultural awareness.

    In 2017, Shannon had the honor of representing the US Department of State as a Sports Envoy to Morocco on the topic of “Women’s Empowerment through Sport.” During her 15 years as a professional athlete, she continued to advocate for equity in women’s sports. While pregnant in 2018, she helped create the first ever NGB maternity policy for USA Track and Field and supported Nike in their creation of athlete maternity policies. Shannon currently works for Parity, a sports tech startup focused on creating equity in women’s sports. She currently resides in San Francisco where she and her husband are raising two biracial children, and she continues to give back to the local community through coaching and youth clinics.

  • MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Andy Chan holds multiple academic degrees. In 1993 he graduated from UCLA with a degree in Physiological Sciences, and in 1997 he graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine with a Doctorate Degree in Podiatric Medicine. Additionally, in 1999, he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sports Management.

    Andy is passionate about supporting and serving his community as evidenced through his long-term work with the following non-profits: President, Pamakid Runners Club (2008-present); Sports Manager, Special Olympics Northern California (1998-2003); Facilities Coordinator, Sacred Heart Cathedral (2003-present); Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Sacred Heart Cathedral (1998-present).

  • CO-FOUNDER, TREASURER & SECRETARY

    Pablo Solares is an accomplished professional track and field athlete with multiple national titles and the current holder of two Mexican National Records. He is also a commissioned painter and mural artist, who has hosted multiple solo and group exhibits throughout the years.

    Pablo currently works at Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) where he is the Director of Fondo Adelante, one of less than 100 latino CDFI leaders in the country. The mission of this San Francisco based non-profit is to advance a national equity movement by building Latino prosperity, community ownership and civic power.

    Pablo received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Visual Arts from Rice University in 2008, and his Master’s Degree in Finance from EGADE Business School campus Monterrey in 2010.

  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Paula is an energetic and resourceful self-starter with a long track record of successfully managing all aspects of complex conferences, symposia and events. She is valued for her ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.

    Paula’s Statement:

    “I like to compare event planning to preparing a 7-course gourmet meal. Taking multiple components that must all come together at the same time in a seemingly effortless manner is a labor of love and no simple task. Through thoughtful, meticulous planning and by paying close attention to even the smallest of details, I have successfully served my long-standing clients for over 30 years. Whether it is a single day event, a thought-provoking symposium or a robust, multi-day social program, my objective is always the same: think outside-the-box to create a lively yet professional environment that engages the mind and body and captures the imagination of the participants.”