In this episode of Pathfinders, host Jeff Lamb sits down with Shannon Foxx Day, a passionate advocate for GIS, leadership, and women in the geospatial field. As the host of the podcast Geographers Without Borders, Shannon shares her journey from municipal GIS analyst to program manager, reflecting on her passion for people, her leadership philosophy, and her advocacy for young women in GIS. Her message, "Everything is fixable," serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and optimism in navigating challenges in both personal and professional spheres.
“You need to take away judgment and focus on understanding why someone made the decisions they did. People are usually doing the best they can with the information they have.”
About
Shannon Foxx Day is a seasoned GIS professional with a wealth of experience spanning municipal work, program management, and geospatial advocacy. Currently leading a diverse team of developers, analysts, and field surveyors, Shannon’s career trajectory reflects her unwavering commitment to using GIS to better communities and empower individuals. As the host of Geographers Without Borders, a podcast dedicated to highlighting diverse stories within the GIS community, she combines her technical expertise with her passion for storytelling and mentorship.
P.A.T.H.
Passion
Shannon’s passion lies in the intersection of technology and humanity. Her work in GIS began with analyzing dangerous intersections in Colorado, where she saw firsthand how GIS could save lives. This early experience ignited her drive to use GIS as a tool for community improvement. Beyond her technical work, Shannon’s advocacy for women in GIS and mentorship efforts reflect her deep commitment to fostering inclusivity and growth in the field. She describes her joy in connecting people, stating, "I love helping people navigate their career paths and see them succeed.
Action
From laying traffic count tubes at dawn to managing multi-base projects, Shannon’s career has been a testament to action-driven leadership. As a program manager, she’s built platforms for her team to thrive, offering guidance, resources, and opportunities for growth. Through her podcast, she’s amplified underrepresented voices in GIS, spotlighting trailblazers who are reshaping the industry. Her work with Women in GIS further exemplifies her dedication to breaking barriers and creating spaces for women to excel. Shannon’s leadership mantra, "Be strict with yourself and generous with others," exemplifies her empathetic and empowering approach.
Tenacity
Shannon’s journey has not been without challenges. From navigating career transitions to addressing systemic barriers in the workplace, her resilience shines through. Reflecting on moments of adversity, she emphasizes patience and persistence: “Affecting change takes time. Tenacity is about sitting tight, staying the course, and believing in the outcome.” She also shares her perspective on setbacks, saying, "When the bad stuff happens, you realize it’s not the end of the world—it’s just another step in the process." Her ability to adapt and push forward has not only defined her career but also inspired those she mentors.
Humility
Shannon’s humility is rooted in her belief that leadership is about service. She candidly shares her own missteps and emphasizes the importance of accountability, noting, “If you’re going to have a successful team, they have to trust you as much as you trust them.” Shannon views her role as a leader as one of advocacy and support, saying, "My job is to take care of the people who report to me. Their success is my success." Her openness to learning and adapting underscores her genuine care for her team and community.
Final Thought
Shannon’s closing message resonates deeply: “Remember the people behind the tech.” In an increasingly automated and data-driven world, she urges us to center empathy and collaboration, recognizing the human stories behind every GIS project. Her call to action? To foster environments where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to create meaningful change. She leaves us with a powerful reminder: “Everything is fixable. Break it, learn from it, and move forward together.”
Contact
Connect with Shannon Foxx Day on LinkedIn or tune in to her podcast, Geographers Without Borders, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. She is also active with Women in GIS and welcomes opportunities to mentor and collaborate.
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