Meet Our Staff
Shannon Smiley Destinations Manager
It was on a park bench in southern Spain where Shannon first believed in the life-changing power of travel. There, she sat and watched life unfold: kids holding balloons, women chit-chatting, birds singing, couples arguing, parents loving. On that bench, she first saw past the different language, clothing, food, customs and realized people are just people. The passion that ignited has since developed into a life-long commitment to help other people, regardless of ability or background, experience the truths and joys found in experiencing a world bigger than our own.
Upon her return from a semester in Europe and completion of her Technical Journalism degree at Colorado State University, Shannon saw someone (who she’d later find out to be Jordy Oleson) wearing a Ribbit T-shirt at the gym. Thanks to Google, she got connected with Global Explorers and spent 2007 & 2008 working on various multi-media projects as a volunteer. Shannon served as the Leading the Way Fellow for the 2009 and 2010 travel seasons, the U.S. National Parks Program Coordinator for the 2011 season and is now currently the Global Explorers Destinations Manager.
Born and raised in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, a love of the natural world is part of her DNA. A few interests: Exploring new ways to enjoy the outdoors; Fresh ideas that make you feel new again; Yerba Mate; Making something out of nothing; Perfectly placed commas or strategic brush stokes; Yoga; Evening walks; Hope; Mountain biking; Unedited emotion; Snowboarding; Seeing what’s around the next corner; Ice cream; The perfect cup of coffee; Language.
