Shannon Hough: Shield of Sisters
Shannon Hough is a Kentucky native, a Navy veteran, and the Founder and CEO of Shield of Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women veterans who have endured military sexual trauma (MST).
Growing up as an Army brat near Fort Knox, Shannon was surrounded by military life from an early age. She later became the first woman in her family to join the military, enlisting in the United States Navy. She is also an Army wife, and a Marine Corps and Army mom — service runs deeply through every part of Shannon’s story.
During her Navy service from 1992 to 1997, Shannon survived a sexual assault by a military police officer. For the next 30 years, she carried that trauma in silence, turning to alcohol, food, and money as coping mechanisms. She shares openly that the weight of what happened pushed her to the edge, including moments of contemplating suicide. Three decades later, she finally sought help, a turning point she describes as instant, life-altering, and something she felt compelled to share with others.
“I created Shield of Sisters so I could help my sisters overcome what happened to them as well.”
Shield of Sisters: Rebuilding Lives Through Community
Shield of Sisters began three years ago after Shannon met four other women who had also survived military sexual trauma. “I had never met anyone else who was assaulted,” she said. “I knew immediately I needed to help.” She understood the pain of silence and the cost of going 30 years without a voice and she refused to let another woman walk that road alone.
From that moment, Shannon stepped boldly forward and what started as an idea rooted in compassion quickly grew into a nonprofit that provides women with community, resources, advocacy, and hope.
“Our mission is to help MST survivors thrive and not just survive what has happened to them. We help them recover from the betrayal and find as many resources as possible to be successful in living their lives to the fullest.”
Shannon’s unwavering dedication is at the heart of the organization. Early on, a mentor warned her that 95% of nonprofits fail within their first two years. Rather than deter her, it fueled her. Last year, Shield of Sisters received a $100,000 grant from the state of Wisconsin, a powerful testament to the impact of their work and the need for it. Now past the three-year mark, they are continuing to grow and create life-changing experiences for survivors.
How to Support the Mission
The mission behind Shield of Sisters will not be possible without the incredible and generous donations they receive.
“Funding is so critical right now, if someone wants to support us, they can do so through our website. They can also support us by sharing our message to as many people as possible. Networking is how we have grown to the size we are in 3 short years.”
Shannon’s Key to Resiliency
“When someone tells me I will likely fail, my first reaction is “WATCH ME”.”
She shares that there have been many bumps along the way but the one quote that sticks with her is:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
This quote keeps her going on the hard days and the amazing days and the days that seem like they will never end. If she could leave you with one thing, it would be: “Never stop trying, just because one thing doesn’t work, doesn’t mean the next thing won’t. When we give up, we lose.”
Shannon’s story is a reminder that when one woman finds her voice, she helps others find theirs too. If you feel led, share her mission so more women can find the support they deserve.
To learn more about Shannon and Shield of Sisters please use the links below:
