### Biography of Nichola Shannon
#### 1. Early Life
Nichola Shannon was born on March 5, 1985, in Portland, Oregon. The daughter of a school teacher,
Mary-Anderson, and an architect,
John-Shannon, Nichola grew up in a nurturing environment that emphasized the importance of education and creativity. From an early age, Nichola exhibited a keen interest in the arts, particularly in writing and literature. She attended Lincoln High School where she was editor of the school newspaper and graduated as valedictorian in 2003.
#### 2. Career
After high school, Nichola attended the University of Oregon, where she majored in English Literature. Upon earning her bachelor's degree in 2007, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in publishing. She started as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her keen eye for promising literary works and her ability to work closely with authors to bring out the best in their manuscripts.
In 2012, Nichola transitioned into the digital media space when she joined
Simon-Doe’s innovative startup, Readify, as a content strategist. Here, Nichola helped pioneer new formats for digital storytelling. By 2015, she was promoted to Director of Content, overseeing a significant expansion in both audience and revenue.
In 2018, Nichola made a bold move and launched her own publishing company, "Echo Press," which focuses on promoting underrepresented voices in literature. The company has since gained recognition for its impactful publications and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Nichola’s career is marked by several notable achievements. At HarperCollins, she was instrumental in the publication of several bestsellers, including "Whispering Shadows" by
Elizabeth-Moore, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2010. At Readify, she led the development of an award-winning app that transformed traditional reading into a more interactive experience, gaining millions of downloads worldwide.
Since founding Echo Press, Nichola has been recognized in Forbes’ "30 Under 40" list for her innovative work in the publishing industry. Under her leadership, Echo Press was awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovator's Award in 2021 for its commitment to publishing diverse voices.
#### 4. Personal Life
Nichola is married to
Michael-Brooks, a fellow entrepreneur and childhood friend. The couple has two children and resides in Brooklyn, New York. Nichola is an avid reader and continues to write, with her essays and short stories appearing in various literary journals. She is also involved in several charitable organizations that focus on education and literacy, believing strongly in giving back to the community that has contributed to her success.
Nichola Shannon's life reflects her passion for literature and her commitment to fostering a more inclusive literary community. Her influence continues to grow as she shapes the future of how stories are told and shared in the digital age.