Along the way, she has balanced family life, education, and career growth in ways that inspire those around her.
Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shannon grew up in a lively household as the fourth of five children. “Having siblings, especially adopted ones, taught me empathy and patience early on,” she recalls. Her father was a medical sales representative, and her mother worked as a stay-at-home mom until Shannon was ten. Later, her mother became the secretary at her elementary school.
“They both supported everything I did,” Shannon says. “From sports to academics, they encouraged me to try new things and always taught me to keep learning.”
Sports were a major part of Shannon’s childhood. She played basketball, softball, and volleyball and even joined the high school dance team. Alongside athletics, she developed a love for reading that continues today. “I’ve always been curious. I read everything from fiction to biographies,” she explains.
After completing her education, Shannon began her professional journey in accounting. She spent 12 years mastering the field, building a strong foundation in finance and operations. “Accounting taught me discipline and how to look at details without losing sight of the bigger picture,” she says.
During this time, Shannon also focused on her growing family. She married her high school sweetheart, with whom she shares two sons. “Family has always been the most important part of my life,” Shannon says. “Everything I do, I do with them in mind.”
Even while enjoying her accounting career, Shannon never lost sight of a long-standing ambition: to become a lawyer. Twelve years into her career, she applied to the part-time law program at Marquette University while continuing to work full-time.
The journey was not easy. On her very first day of law school, her oldest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “That was one of the hardest days of my life,” she says. “I remember sitting in the car before class and thinking, how can I do this? But my husband and our son’s care team encouraged me to go. I went to class that night, and that decision changed everything.”
Shannon gave birth to her youngest son during law school and graduated while balancing the responsibilities of full-time work, studies, and parenting. “It was exhausting, but it was worth every moment,” she recalls.
After graduating, Shannon transitioned into corporate law, joining a global legal department as a Securities Attorney. She later advanced to Associate General Counsel, overseeing Securities, Corporate Governance, and managing the company’s trademark portfolio.
“My background in accounting was a huge advantage,” Shannon explains. “Understanding the numbers and financial processes gave me insight that helped me guide legal decisions more effectively.”
Her colleagues describe her as diligent, strategic, and approachable. Shannon credits her leadership style to her parents and early experiences in sports. “Teamwork and support have always been central to how I lead,” she says.
Shannon has also emphasized the importance of balance. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking cupcakes, traveling, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. “Life isn’t just about work,” she says. “Finding joy in simple things keeps me grounded and motivated.”
Her sons, now 23 and 18, reflect her influence. Her oldest recently graduated from college with a finance degree, and her youngest is a college freshman interested in sports law. “Watching them grow and chase their dreams has been incredibly rewarding,” she notes.
Shannon’s career is defined not just by achievements, but by resilience. Facing personal challenges while pursuing ambitious goals taught her the value of perseverance. “I learned that it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she says. “Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most meaningful rewards.”
Her story demonstrates that leadership is as much about empathy and support as it is about expertise. Shannon combines her technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and personal experiences to guide teams, solve complex problems, and create lasting impact.
Shannon Kobylarczyk’s path from accounting to corporate law shows that career transitions are possible, even under difficult circumstances. She balances a demanding professional life with family, personal joy, and meaningful leadership.
“Follow your passion, even if the timing isn’t perfect,” she advises. “Keep learning, keep growing, and surround yourself with people who support you. That’s how you achieve fulfillment, both professionally and personally.”
Her journey is a reminder that resilience, dedication, and a focus on what truly matters can lead to success on multiple fronts—proving that it is never too late to pursue your true calling.
Read more:
Shannon Kobylarczyk: From Numbers to Law
