Shannon Steel: Woman Representative of the American Dream 

Shannon Steel always had a feeling that she was meant to achieve great things. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Shannon attended Martin Luther King High School and earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Houston, where she graduated with a degree in Economics with honors and was a regular on the Dean’s list.

But Shannon was not content to stop there. She pursued further education and went on to complete a certificate in finance from Harvard Business School Online. With this impressive background, Shannon embarked on a journey that would lead her to achieve a number of impressive milestones.

At only 23 years old, Shannon became the youngest stockbroker at AXA Advisors, earning recognition as one of the most successful brokers at the firm. Shannon won numerous awards and increased retired clients’ portfolios by 15-20%. She was even awarded the General Motors account to manage and strategically invest their 401k, pension, and buyout funds for retirees.

Shannon’s success continued as she solidified financial transactions and assisted with the proper allocation of funds for numerous companies, families, and businesses. She also became the mandate for BPC, the government-owned commercial bank of Angola, helping African governments raise millions for a government humanitarian projects. She was recently nominated to be Ambassador for Central African Republic and is currently building hospitals, schools and other humanitarian projects.

Shannon Steel exemplifies visionary leadership. Her extensive experience in private banking and executive positions has demonstrated that one can achieve anything with determination. Recently, she acquired an Embassy Suites by Hilton and converted it into a Wyndham hotel, showcasing her drive for success and dedication to excellence.

As one of the youngest female hotel owners in the nation, Shannon has broken through the glass ceiling and paved the way for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her success has garnered numerous awards, including the distinguished 2019 Wyndham Hotel and Resorts Developer of the Year award.

Shannon’s achievements extend beyond the hospitality industry. As CEO of Steel Private Bank, which has over $3 billion in assets, she has established herself as a successful businesswoman. Additionally, her hedge fund invests in projects that positively impact under-served communities and has become one of the fastest-growing hedge funds in the industry. 

In a tribute to Detroit’s civil rights icon Sarah Ray, Shannon Steel acquired her historic house and has a dream to turn it into a museum and a haven for the elderly, where they can find affordable and cozy living. She also intends to cultivate a community garden on the lot, where people can appreciate nature and celebrate Sarah’s bravery and commitment.

Shannon’s commitment to making a difference in her community has earned her recognition, including the 2022 Beautiful Machine Magazine “Woman of the Year” and the 2021 Shero Award. Her efforts have been acknowledged by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Detroit City Council. She was also elected to the Finance Committee for Brenda Jones’ congressional campaign.

Shannon’s story serves as an inspiration to those striving for greatness. Her perseverance, determination, and unwavering commitment to success remind us that anything is achievable with a clear vision and hard work. Shannon Steel is a true trailblazer, and her accomplishments highlight the power of passion and resilience.