I nominate my BAMtastic wife Shanna because she is about to compete in a 60-mile mountain bike race this weekend. Riding a mountain bike 60 miles is itself an ambitious goal but to attempt it while meeting huge challenges at home, work, and in the community is almost ridiculous. She’s the best mom. Period. Evidenced by our kids who are 4 and 5 years old and are the smartest, sweetest, most beautiful, happy, and healthy kids in the world. Shanna does all of the hard things: Makes homemade and healthy meals, reads them at least three books every night, and doesn’t allow any video games. Honors their thoughts and feelings and teaches them good decision making. She’s incredible at her job. In college, Shanna was one of 2 girls in a civil engineering class of 82. She had no female professors in her major and was often the only girl in the classroom. One of her professors would ask her at least once per session, “Shanna, are you getting this? Do I need to go over it again?” As if there were a gene only occurring on Y-chromosomes that allowed students to understand the subject. Her career has had similar challenges – like when people are referred to her, then ask to speak with an engineer, as if some mistake had been made. For the record, she is just as real and is more accomplished than most engineers in her field. Shanna is also very compassionate and supportive of community initiatives. She teaches young girls about career opportunities in engineering and other STEM fields, and supports other organizations focused on kids, families, arts, and the less fortunate. She’s ever improving and working on self-development. She works hard to continue learning and stay up on current events, is a voracious reader, accomplished pianist, half-marathoner, sprint triathlete, traveler, and so much more.
-JJ
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