Shana is an account executive for the Denver Newspaper Agency and handles the day-to-day activities of all of their clients including cultural organizations, non-profits and sports teams, like the Broncos, the Avalanche and the Pepsi Center, to name a few.
“Once the sponsorships and partnerships are in place, it’s my job to keep the clients happy,” she says. Shana is passionate about sports so it doesn’t hurt that many of her clients are some of the biggest sports teams in the country. “My secret fantasy is to be the new Melissa Stark - the ABC Monday night sideline reporter/commentator. I’d love to be in front of the camera, asking all the right questions,” she says. “But my real strength is relationship building and not journalism, so realistically, I am in the best possible position for my skills to mix with my passions.”
Shana grew up 50 miles north of Denver in a very small town. “My high school graduating class had only 88 people, and everyone knew your business. And although sometimes it was hard to live in such a microcosm, my community was like a family, so I had to learn to get along with everyone. That’s one of the reasons I love living in Denver because it’s really a small town at heart. The circles I run in, the people I know, we all watch each other’s backs, and care about each other. “
After graduating from CSU in 1993, Shana stayed in Ft. Collins for three years and worked as an account executive at a graphic design firm, but when she turned 26, she says, “I really needed a life change, so I packed up my car and drove to Southern California. I was there for a year, then the company relocated to Denver so I came back with them. My stay in California was really a great experience for me; I rediscovered myself spiritually and emotionally.”
After relocating to Denver, the company she was working for went under and she took a job doing sports marketing promotions for Jacor (now Clear Channel) and eventually left for her current position at The Denver Newspaper Agency.
Shana is single and currently house hunting and condo shopping in Denver. “I want to commit myself to Denver wholeheartedly,” she says. “And, at some point, when the timing is right, I’d like to find someone who wants to share it all with me. But it would have to be someone who is not intimidated by everything I’m doing and who wants to share in it. And if not, then it’s just me moving forward. I do hope my future includes a significant other, but I can’t spend my time wondering why I’m not with someone, instead, I usually spend my time thinking, what else can I do?”
What are your volunteer activities? I am a young professionals co-chair for Mask Acquisitions for the Mask Project for Hospice of Metro Denver, the co-chair for the silent auction for Generations Cancer Foundation and founding board member of Societe Nouveau.
Which social event is your favorite? There are two: the Mask Project Gala because hospice is such an important piece of society and everyone will be touched by hospice at some point. It’s such a selfless organization, I love it. Also Booze, Booze and Boxing, formerly Sushi, Sake, Sumo event. Amy Venturi has gathered such a young dynamic group of people who give so much of their time and educate the young professionals of Denver about Cancer and what it means and how it touches everyone’s lives. GCF gives us a direction and a purpose to helps us give back and that’s a great thing that people our age have an outlet.
Favorite Restaurant? The Palm
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? When I was 27, I was at my first black tie function, a fundraiser for Governor Wilson held in a home in Beverly Hills and I met Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was inching by and he tapped me on the shoulder and introduced himself to me. He was funny and charming and we hung out at the party all night and he made it easy for me to learn how to handle myself in a room with a lot of big wigs and celebrities and he really put me at ease.
If your life were a movie, who would play your part? Some people say I look like Jennifer Anniston, but I feel like Sandra Bullock because she’s quirky, independent, and smart and has a great sense of humor. There’s a lot more to her than meets the eye.
Saturday night at midnight is most likely to find you: Having been at the Palm with my friends, at home, asleep in bed.
Do you have any Pets? No
What one word describes you best? Vibrant
What word would you like others to use to describe you? Real, approachable, down to earth
What was your first job? I was 15 and I worked as a sales person in a five and dime store in Windsor, Colorado
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I am about ten minutes late to anything.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Shallowness
What is your greatest indulgence? Shoe and handbag shopping- just shopping period.
What is your current state of mind? Driven and very comfortable with myself.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Stepping out of my childhood shoes and into my adult shoes and getting rid of a lot of childhood issues. And giving the eulogy at my biological father’s funeral.
What is your most treasured possession? My grandmother’s engagement ring, I wear it every day.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty and sincerity
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Unconditional friendship
What is the best advice you have ever received? Live life with no regrets.
