Shannon Briley

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

It’s so nice to meet you as well! My name is Shannon Briley, and I am originally from Louisiana. I am currently based in the Humble/Houston area, where I serve as the Program Director at Face to Face Enrichment Center. I have a background in education and spent several years as a teacher before transitioning into nonprofit leadership. I am passionate about working with youth, empowering individuals, and creating opportunities that positively impact families and communities. My work allows me to combine my love for education, mentorship, and community service to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about living in the Humble/Houston area is the sense of community. There are so many opportunities to connect with people, support local organizations, and make a difference. I love being in an area where community involvement and helping others can have such a meaningful impact.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I serve as the Program Director at Face to Face Enrichment Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities. Our mission is to build communities, one person at a time.

We provide programs and resources that help young people ages 10–19 develop academically, socially, and personally. Some of our signature programs include C.O.P.E. (Community Organizations and Programs that Empower), which focuses on mentoring, academic support, leadership, and personal development, and Cookies & Convo, which creates a safe space for young people to have meaningful conversations about relationships, communication, boundaries, peer pressure, and making positive decisions.

Our goal is to give young people the tools, encouragement, and support they need to recognize their potential and become confident, productive members of their communities.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice is to make sure you are passionate about what you are doing and that you understand your purpose. Don't start something simply because it looks good or because someone else is successful at it. Understand the need you are trying to meet and who you are trying to serve.

Also, don't be afraid to start small. You may not have all the resources, connections, or answers in the beginning, but consistency, patience, and a willingness to learn will take you a long way. Most importantly, don't allow setbacks to convince you that you aren't capable of succeeding.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One of the most rewarding things is hearing from parents and seeing how much their children have grown through our programs. Knowing that a young person has become more confident, communicates better, or feels comfortable enough to open up and ask for guidance reminds me why this work is so important.

Sometimes the greatest feedback isn't a formal compliment. It's seeing a young person who once struggled with confidence begin to believe in themselves and recognize their own potential.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Face to Face Enrichment Center continuing to grow its reach and impact throughout the Houston area and beyond. One of my goals is to expand our programs into more schools and communities, allowing us to reach young people who may not otherwise have access to mentoring, academic assistance, and personal development opportunities.

I would love to see our programs become a resource that schools, families, and community partners can consistently rely on. Ultimately, I want us to continue building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and changing lives.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about nonprofit organizations is that they simply ask for donations or provide temporary assistance. There is so much more to nonprofit work than that.

Nonprofits play an important role in addressing community needs, creating opportunities, advocating for families, and providing resources that can make a lasting difference. It takes strategic planning, relationship building, community partnerships, and a tremendous amount of dedication to create sustainable programs that truly serve people.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit work is having the resources to meet the needs of the community while continuing to grow and expand your programs. There is often a greater need than the resources available.

I've learned that building strong relationships and partnerships is essential. I focus on connecting with businesses, schools, community organizations, and individuals who share our vision. I've also learned to be creative, resourceful, and persistent. Sometimes you have to find another way to accomplish your goal, but you can't lose sight of why you started.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up in the '80s, my favorite music artist was MC Hammer! I loved his music, energy, and unforgettable dance moves. He brought so much excitement to the music scene, and his confidence and unique style made him stand out.

My favorite athlete was Michael Jordan. I admired his determination, competitive spirit, and dedication to being the best. He showed that talent is important, but hard work, discipline, and perseverance are what truly set you apart. His famous mentality of never giving up, even when faced with challenges, is something I still appreciate today.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Absolutely! I want to give a special shoutout to the Face to Face Enrichment Center team, our leadership, volunteers, community partners, donors, and everyone who continues to support our mission.

It takes a village to make a difference, and I appreciate the people who believe in what we do and help us create opportunities for our youth. Most importantly, I want to shout out the young people we serve. They are the reason behind the work, and watching them grow, overcome challenges, and discover their potential makes everything worthwhile.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and Face to Face Enrichment Center by visiting our website and following us on social media. We regularly share information about our programs, upcoming events, community partnerships, and the positive impact we're making in the lives of young people.

Website: https://www.facetofacecenter.org

Instagram:

- @the_facetoface

- @thecopeprojectnola

- @facetofacehouston

TikTok: @the_facetoface

Facebook: Face to Face Enrichment Center

We welcome everyone to follow along, share our mission, and learn how they can get involved in making a difference in our communities!