We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Toner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leaving my corporate finance job to pursue building my nonprofit, Protect Her Inc., full time has been the biggest, life-changing risk I’ve taken. I went from being a financial advisor at a leading global firm to founding a foundation focused on menstrual education for adolescents. Trading a prestigious brand name for building something from scratch felt like diving into unknown waters, but it was a call from my intuition I had to answer. This decision was deeply personal – at 15, I nearly lost my life to Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome, and during my corporate years, I was actively involved in educating others while healing my own painful periods. I learned so much about the menstrual cycle, which I refer to as a woman’s internal rhythm, that could have transformed my adolescent life. When I realized providing this education was my life’s purpose, I knew it was time to leave the corporate world.
I’m still in the first year of this transition, and I’ve embraced even more change by moving from Boston to LA to be in a more wellness-progressive environment. Though I’m no stranger to big moves, this one has felt the most grounding of them all. The past six months have brought tremendous personal growth and new knowledge. It’s only the beginning, but I can confidently say I’m on the right path.

Shannon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the nonprofit world began while healing my own menstrual health challenges, a battle that started with a near-death experience at age 15 due to Menstrual Toxic Shock. What began as a personal healing journey revealed a widespread need for better education and resources. Today, my foundation revolutionizes menstrual education for adolescents, focusing on practical knowledge rather than just biology.
We take a unique approach by starting education at age 7, before girls experience their first period. Our certified female educators create comfortable learning environments where girls discover what to expect, explore various menstrual products, and understand their cycle’s impact on their wellbeing. Our programs explain how hormonal changes throughout the month naturally affect energy and mood patterns, and how to support these shifts through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.
Unlike traditional school programs that focus solely on anatomy, we emphasize real-life application: managing first periods, choosing appropriate products, and recognizing how hormonal fluctuations influence daily life. We help girls distinguish between normal and concerning symptoms, empowering them to advocate for their health when needed.
What makes me proudest is seeing the lightbulb moment when someone – even those well-versed in women’s health – learns something new about their body. This validates our mission to transform how society approaches menstrual education and health literacy.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Gary Vaynerchuk’s podcasts have profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial mindset. His direct, no-excuses approach resonates with my competitive nature. I appreciate his tough love philosophy and ability to deliver unfiltered business insights that cut straight to actionable advice.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In my field, and nearly every industry, relationship building is the cornerstone of success. The ability to genuinely connect with others and demonstrate authentic care creates ripple effects throughout your business journey. Strong relationships yield invaluable support, learning opportunities, and network connections – all crucial elements for growth. Moreover, the quality of your relationships and your reputation are intrinsically linked, each strengthening the other as you build your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.protectherinc.com
• Instagram: shannon_toner / protectherinc
• Facebook: Protect Her Inc
• Linkedin: Shannon Toner
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissMoonCycle
• Other: Tik Tok: Missmooncycle