Impactful Women of the 918: Shannon Luper

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

Shannon Luper believes that her work gives people a second chance – whether that’s a parent in prison learning to reconnect with their child, a young girl discovering her leadership voice or someone in recovery reclaiming hope. “For me,” she says. “this isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. When someone realizes their worth and begins to walk in it, it creates ripples of change that can touch generations.”

Luper leads programs and initiatives that support vulnerable populations for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. “I facilitate parenting classes in prison, develop leadership curricula for young girls and run a 12-step, faith-based recovery program.”

Informed by her deep faith, Luper wants those she serves to know that they are not defined by their trauma or struggles. “They can write a new story for their life.”

Beyond her Girl Scouts work, Luper is involved in many youth mentorship and women’s leadership programs such as Women Helping Other Women, Birthright Living Legacy, the Oklahoma Fatherhood Initiatives, the Oklahoma Homeless Children and Youth Initiative, just to name a few.

“I also invest time in building nonprofit initiatives that connect resources to those who often fall through the cracks,” Luper says. “Volunteer work matters to me because it’s an extension of my heart.”

While she believes that Tulsa has a “strong spirit of community and collaboration,” she feels there is work to be done in addressing cycles of poverty, homelessness and the barriers that keep people from accessing mental health and reentry support. “I believe more investment in prevention, mentorship and long-term support systems could create lasting change.”

Luper encourages everyone to be involved in volunteering, or just connecting with neighbors. “Every action plants a seed.”