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Shannon Galpin
Human Rights Advocate - Author - Artist - Program Director - Keynote Speaker
Shannon Galpin is an activist, author, and social entrepreneur who co-founded Endangered Activism with her daughter Devon when Devon was 12 years old.12 Endangered Activism is an organization that focuses on wildlife conservation, endangered species, and inspiring youth activism through field research and creative storytelling methods.26
Background and Activism
Shannon's journey into activism began after experiencing a traumatic sexual assault at age 18, which later influenced her work on women's rights and gender violence.1 She became particularly focused on these issues in Afghanistan, where she worked for over a decade on various projects related to women's rights.4
Notable Projects and Achievements
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Afghanistan Initiatives: Shannon was involved in several projects in Afghanistan, including:
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Endangered Activism: This project, co-created with her daughter Devon, aims to:
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Other Activism: Shannon has been involved in various causes, including climate justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and Black Lives Matter.2 She was also the lead behind Frisco's Black Lives Matter mural.5
Approach to Activism
Shannon believes in combating apathy and encouraging people to find their passion for creating change.1 She emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and community-led initiatives in driving social and political change.2 Her work often involves using art, humanitarian efforts, writing, and various forms of protest to raise awareness and inspire action.2
Highlights
UCI chose to honor a known abuser. And then David Lappartient allowed him to choose which cyclists would join their sponsored evac. Most Afghan cyclists were left behind. I know this because I evacuated them myself. By road, car by car and then housed them in Pakistan for months trying to find other countries to take them. This included the captain and members of original women’s national team cyclists - the ones nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Do you know who wouldn’t help me? One guess…. UCI.
But they were happy to take the credit when they brought them all to Switzerland for a goodwill race after they got to safety.
All the while they shielded Fazli at their Swiss HQ.
This investigation took 2 1/2 years and from what I can tell gives no reparations to those he hurt. But at least Fazli can no longer pretend he is the good guy. Nor can those who stood beside him.
Paris please welcome the arrival of three Afghan sisters. Benafsha is a wheelchair basketball player, Nargis was a journalist and a former hnational handball team goalie. Salina was a student when the Taliban took over Kabul. They escaped to Pakistan two years ago, and last night flew to Paris. They will arrive tonight. This is great news.
But there are so many layers of indignities, corruption, and instances of sports or human rights federations abandoning them or actively preventing them from getting to safety. At a time when the world is working to recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan and Iran, the story of how Afghan women are treated outside of Afghanistan must be shouted. I have been sickened over the past three years as young women forced to flee are dehumanized and abused and ignored as they seek safety.
May their home in France be met with kindness and joy as they rebuild their lives. If you have community there please reach out, they have a long road ahead.
