Shannon Downey is owner of Chicago’s premier green event company, Pivotal Production. After a life altering eight month backpacking trip around the world, Shannon realized that she needed to take her skills, ideals, passion and eight years of experience in marketing and events and focus them into a business of which she could be proud. Two-and-a-half years later, she couldn’t be more happier or more proud of her business, her B Corporation status and Pivotal’s ever growing team! Shannon is committed to changing the way people celebrate and is an avid believer in the importance of collaboration. She is a faculty member at DePaul University and is elated to be a future tenant of the Green Exchange. She is committed to a true triple bottom line [people, planet and profit] and is a passionate supporter of the arts. Shannon is most thankful for all of the important people in her life that helped create and shape Pivotal. (
pivotalchicago.com)
How I came to be doing what I do…I realized that I had found my passion and decided to foster it so that I would never have to “work” another day of my life. So far so good!
Favorite summer activity…Kayaking.
Favorite hidden nature spot…Well if I told you…it wouldn’t be hidden anymore now would it? Ok, ok, Great Esker Park in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Best place to grab a meal…Essence of India (Mmm…Shahi Paneer).
How I clear my head…Busting a mean groove always clears my head.
Something about me that surprises people…I was a national tap dancing champion in high school and I’m gay—the dresses throw people.
If I could carve out more time for myself, I’d…Find more ways to get into trouble.
Things I love about Chicago…The people, the vibe, the art scene, the green spaces, my house.
Favorite getaways…Oooh, that’s a hard one. I love to travel. Top 3: Miami, Florida, Chiang Mai, Thailand and Seville, Spain.
How I unwind at the end of the day...It depends on the day of the week, but it’s either guilty pleasure reality TV or some fantastic piece of fiction.
