Founder, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Shannon Watts
Shannon Watts is a mother of five who, prior to founding Moms Demand Action, was a stay-at-home mom and former communications executive. The day after the Sandy Hook tragedy, Shannon started a Facebook group with the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. The online conversation turned into grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, with nearly 5 million supporters. In addition to her work with Moms Demand Action, Watts is an active board member of Emerge America and Rise to Run, two of the nation’s leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office.