The Indianapolis City-County Council on July 16 presented a Special Resolution to former Recorder Media Group president Shannon Williams, honoring her years of service to the Indianapolis community and tireless efforts of advocating and educating readers of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Indiana Minority Business Magazine.
Williams began her career with the Recorder in September 2000 as marketing and circulation manager and held multiple leadership positions that spanned 18 years of service at the historic publications.
During her tenure at the helm of the Recorder, Williams demonstrated superior business acumen and tremendous skills in the areas of leadership, communications and advocacy. She continuously evolved the newspaper and the magazine, making both publications financially sound and editorially viable. Williams is credited with advancing technology, attracting younger readers and increasing the institution’s community presence. She was also a strong advocate for the minority community, oftentimes addressing considerable issues of concern and maltreatment of marginalized communities in her weekly column that was one of the most popular aspects of the newspaper.
“We at the Recorder Media Group are extremely grateful for Shannon Williams’ countless contributions to our community,” said José Lusende, vice president of strategy and external relations for the Recorder Media Group. “We are pleased to see her lasting legacy being recognized by the City-County Council with this Special Resolution.”
Williams has earned numerous local, regional and national recognitions for her journalistic excellence, community advocacy and vast leadership skills. She made history as the first African-American to serve on the Hoosier State Press Association and she was also featured in Ebony magazine as one of the country’s emerging leaders.
In addition to her work at the Recorder, Williams served as a board member of the Crossroads of America, Edna Martin Christian Center, Indiana Sports Corp’s President’s Council, Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation, IUPUI University Library, National Newspaper Publishers Association and The Oaks Academy. Williams, a graduate of Broad Ripple High School and Jackson State University is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Circle City Chapter of The Links Inc.
Williams is now senior vice president of community engagement at The Mind Trust, an education nonprofit organization that seeks to empower families through education. In her new capacity, she works with community stakeholders to improve educational outcomes for families regardless of socio-economic status.
Shannon Williams receives award from City-County Council
