Name: Shelby Pedersen
Current Profession(s): CEO of ICAN
Please describe your role(s) in your profession(s): I serve as CEO of ICAN, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free access to high quality out of school time programs in communities where they would otherwise not be available. As CEO, it's my job to ensure the organization is adequately resourced to fulfill it's mission and vision. I also have the privilege of working hand-in-hand with our board of directors to set our plans for the future and build our brand in the wider community.
Please describe your pathway to your current profession(s): For the past 20 years, I've developed a career in the nonprofit sector, motivated by my passion for helping others. I started my career in chamber work doing business development, where I honed my love of working with people and the business community in particular. From there, I entered into the nonprofit sector as a fundraising professional, working with individuals and businesses to advance the missions of organizations doing important work in education-adjacent fields. In 2016, the role of CEO opened at ICAN and I was honored to have the opportunity to take that next step in my career.
What is your education/training background? I have a bachelors degree in marketing and a masters degree in public administration, both of which have provided me with invaluable skills to grow my career and advance my impact in the nonprofit sector. I also hold a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) distinction, having contributed 15+ years to the profession.
Advice you'd give to your younger self: If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to come at everything in life with a learners mindset. It's very easy to believe that your ideas are the best ideas, even the right ideas. It's harder to acknowledge that we might not know enough on our own to get to the best solution, even with considerable experience and training. A learner's mindset allows us to leverage the unique experiences, skills and gifts that others bring to find a great solution - one that represents the best outcome for everyone, not just those with the loudest or most powerful voices.
Who has influenced you? I have been blessed to have so many influential people and leaders in my life. From the very beginning, my parents have supported and encouraged me in everything I do...making sure I knew, without question, that no matter how big my dreams were, I had the ability to march toward them. I've stumbled along the way, but I've also had the privilege to work for incredible leaders who set a high standard for me but also supported me through mistakes and encouraged me to live a balanced, happy life. I hope to provide those same leadership gifts to those I lead today.
Tell us about anything you are passionate about outside of your profession(s): When I'm not working, you'll find me planning my next travel adventure, reading, gardening and spending time with my family. I'm also passionate about community and economic development. I have served on several boards that support local communities and businesses, including the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and East Valley Partnership boards.
Please feel free to tell us anything else that you'd like to share: I'm honored to have been selected as a 2024 Arizona Cardinals Women's History Month Community Spotlight. I believe in the power of individuals to make a big impact, especially when we work together. I hope this spotlight serves to inspire young, upcoming female leaders to dream big and lean into their passions!
