Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Sneed. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Shannon Sneed worked as a project manager at AFL-CIO MD DC.
Recently, former Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez picked Shannon Sneed, a former Baltimore City council member, as his running mate in his bid to become Maryland’s next governor. While they were not successful, they were less than 1% percent away from winning, coming in second place.
On December 8, 2016, Shannon Sneed was sworn in as Baltimore City Councilwoman for District 13, representing Armstead Gardens, Belair-Edison, Berea, Butchers Hill, Ellwood Park, McElderry Park, Middle East, Orangeville, and Washington Hill. On the Council, Shannon is a fierce advocate for the residents of District 13, stands up for transparency and fairness in city government, works to strengthen our neighborhoods, and fights for policies that protect the families and children of Baltimore City.
Shannon has dedicated her career to being a voice for those unable to speak for themselves. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a master’s degree in Communication Management from Morgan State University, Shannon worked as an assignment editor and producer for Baltimore’s Fox45 and WJZ Channel 13. She saw firsthand what was happening on the streets of Baltimore – both the good and the bad – and began advocating for people by telling their stories. As a professor at Coppin State, she empowered her students through the art of public speaking and became a fierce proponent of the importance of public higher education in Baltimore.
In 2011, Shannon ran for City Council and launched the most successful write-in grassroots campaign in Baltimore City history. Described as a “David and Goliath race”, Shannon personally knocked on thousands of doors and came up only 43 votes shy of winning. After hearing the stories of so many District 13 residents, she was inspired to leave the broadcast world and dedicate her life to serving her community. Shannon joined the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and worked with people across Baltimore to help them find jobs. She then went on to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters to recruit mentors to work with Baltimore’s youth.
In 2016, Shannon ran again to represent District 13 on the Baltimore City Council, defeated a two-time incumbent, and made the commitment to be a full-time councilperson and advocate for the people of Baltimore. As Councilwoman, Shannon has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation.
Shannon’s first piece of legislation was the Displaced Service Workers Protection Act, which gives city janitorial, security, building maintenance, and food preparation employees 90 days to get their affairs in order if their contract is not renewed. Later, she introduced a bill requiring all top officials in Baltimore’s government to live within the city in order to help secure local talent and keep tax dollars in Baltimore.
Shannon then fought to expand lactation accommodations so that working moms don’t have to choose between the health of their baby and their career. She expanded the ability of the Community Relations Commission to investigate workplace discrimination and co-sponsored the bill to raise the minimum wage to $15. During her term, Shannon sought to eliminate obstacles for qualified job-seekers by introducing a bill to end marijuana testing (Mayor Brandon Scott implemented the bill in 2021) for many Baltimore City jobs, and she co-sponsored a bill to allow victims of police brutality to speak their truth and heal from past trauma.
Every member of Shannon’s legislative office lived in District 13, and they regularly walked the alleys, planned neighborhood cleanups, and attended community events. She had an open-door policy and sat down with every constituent and business owner who wanted to talk about how to improve Baltimore City. Shannon knew when City Council policies were working for the people of Baltimore – and when they were not – and she was determined to continue to fight for every Baltimore citizen.
Shannon and her husband, Ramond, live in Reservoir Hill in West Baltimore with their three-year-old daughter, Rae.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My life has never been a smooth ride, but I love all parts of my life, and I would not trade it for the world. Being a woman in politics has not been easy. I am judged before I even open my mouth, and it is a fact that men are not.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a fearless champion for working families. I have a history of leading on major issues that have a direct impact on Baltimore City residents.
I have a spotless reputation in both my professional and personal life. I am funded by the working men and women of Baltimore and reject business and downtown monied interests. The reason I am like this? I was raised by a strong single black mother who showed me values, loyalty, compassion, and action. Thanks, Mom.
I have fought for issues I believe in head-on. I believe the risks are worth the reward. I am no stranger to taking risks for my principles. In my first term as councilwoman, I fought to pass legislation to create jobs and protect hard-working families, as evidenced by the bills I put forth and the majority I passed. See below.
Bill 19-0409 – To end the practice of using “gag orders” as a condition of settlement between the Baltimore Police Department and victims of police misconduct. This bill allows victims to speak about their experiences.
Bill 17-0048 – Baltimore’s Displaced Service Workers Protection gives city janitorial, security, building maintenance, and food preparation employees 90 days to get their affairs in order if their contract is not renewed.
Bill 18-0276 – Expanded lactation accommodations so that working mothers don’t have to choose between the health of their baby or their career.
Bill 19-0446 – Introduced legislation to stop testing applicants for marijuana who apply to city jobs.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Ask for what you need and go after what you want. I have told people I love what you have done. Please work with me and teach me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Shannonsneed4Baltimore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsneed4bmore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonSneed4MD
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shannonsneed4md
