Shannon Kobylarczyk’s career path is anything but typical. From his long career in accounting to his rise to senior legal status, Shannon has always combined commitment, curiosity and resilience.
She has balanced family life, education and career development in a way that inspires those around her.
Growing up in Green Bay: Lessons that last
Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shannon grew up in a busy household as the fourth of five children. “Through my siblings, especially adopted children, I learned empathy and patience at an early age,” she remembers. Her father was a medical sales representative and her mother worked as a stay-at-home mom until Shannon was ten years old. Later, her mother became a secretary at her elementary school.
“They both supported everything I did,” says Shannon. “From sports to academics, they encouraged me to try new things and always taught me to keep learning.”
Sports were an important part of Shannon’s childhood. She played basketball, softball and volleyball and even joined the high school dance team. In addition to athletics, she developed a love of reading that continues to this day. “I’ve always been curious. I read everything from fiction to biographies,” she explains.
Start a career in accounting
After completing her training, Shannon began her career in accounting. She spent 12 years mastering the field and building a solid foundation in finance and operations. “Accounting taught me discipline and how to pay attention to details without losing sight of the big picture,” she says.
During this time, Shannon also focused on her growing family. She married her high school sweetheart, with whom she has two sons. “Family has always been the most important part of my life,” says Shannon. “I keep her in the back of my mind in everything I do.”
Transitioning to Law School: Pursuing a Long-held Dream
Although Shannon enjoyed her career as an accountant, she never lost sight of a long-standing dream: becoming a lawyer. Twelve years into her career, she applied to study law part-time at Marquette University while continuing to work full-time.
The journey was not easy. On the first day of law school, her eldest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “That was one of the hardest days of my life,” she says. “I remember sitting in the car before class thinking, How can I do this? But my husband and our son’s care team encouraged me to go. I went to class that night, and that decision changed everything.”
Shannon gave birth to her youngest son while she was in law school and completed her degree while balancing the responsibilities of full-time work, studying, and raising children. “It was tiring, but it was worth every moment,” she remembers.
Climb the legal ladder
After graduating, Shannon transitioned into corporate law and worked as a securities attorney in a global legal department. She later rose to associate general counsel, where she was responsible for securities, corporate governance and management of the company’s brand portfolio.
“My background in accounting was a huge advantage,” explains Shannon. “Understanding the numbers and financial processes gave me insights that helped me make legal decisions more effectively.”
Her colleagues describe her as hard-working, strategic and approachable. Shannon credits her leadership style to her parents and early experiences in sports. “Teamwork and support have always been central to my leadership,” she says.
Balancing family, work and personal joy
Shannon also emphasized the importance of balance. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking cupcakes, traveling, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. “Life isn’t just about work,” she says. “When I find joy in simple things, I stay grounded and motivated.”
Her sons, now 23 and 18, reflect her influence. Her oldest recently graduated with a finance degree, and her youngest is a freshman interested in sports law. “Watching them grow and pursue their dreams has been incredibly rewarding,” she notes.
Lessons in Resilience and Leadership
Shannon’s career is characterized not only by success, but also by resilience. Facing personal challenges while pursuing ambitious goals taught her the importance of persistence. “I learned that it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she says. “Sometimes the greatest risks lead to the most significant rewards.”
Her story shows that leadership is as much about empathy and support as it is about expertise. Shannon combines her technical knowledge, strategic thinking and personal experiences to lead teams, solve complex problems and create lasting impact.
A journey that inspires
Shannon Kobylarczyk’s journey from accounting to corporate law shows that career transitions are possible even under difficult circumstances. She balances a demanding professional life with family, personal joy and meaningful leadership.
“Follow your passion, even if the timing isn’t perfect,” she advises. “Keep learning, keep growing, and surround yourself with people who support you. This will help you achieve fulfillment, both professionally and personally.”
Her journey is a reminder that resilience, dedication, and a focus on what matters can lead to success on multiple fronts—and proves that it’s never too late to pursue your true calling.
