Who Is Shannon Watts? Age, Biography and Wiki
Shannon Watts, an influential American gun violence prevention activist, was born on January 1, 1971. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in advocating for stricter gun laws and has founded the grassroots organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. As of 2025, Shannon is 54 years old. Her activism began in response to the tragic shootings across the nation, and she has since dedicated her life to raising awareness and advocating for policies that prevent gun violence.
| Occupation | Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Shannon Watts's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures for her height and weight aren’t publicly disclosed, it’s apparent that Shannon Watts maintains a healthy lifestyle, reflective of her active engagement in advocacy work. She typically appears fit and energetic, which is in line with her dynamic role as a public figure.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Shannon Watts is known to keep her personal life relatively private. As of 2025, she is reportedly single and focused on her mission to end gun violence. Previously, she has been married and has children, but details about her dating life have not been disclosed recently. This strategic privacy allows her to maintain a focus on her professional endeavors without added media scrutiny.
In 2017, Watts spoke out against United Airlines on Twitter after witnessing an agent deny boarding to two teenage girls wearing leggings in Denver International Airport. Watts added that the girls' father was allowed to board without incident, despite wearing shorts.
United later stated that the two teenagers were pass riders under the airline's company travel perk program who were subject to a stricter dress code, whereas leggings or yoga pants are acceptable for regular passengers.
Net Worth and Salary
Shannon Watts’ exact net worth in 2025 is not publicly disclosed; however, it’s estimated to be in the millions, considering her extensive career in activism, speaking engagements, and her role as a leader in the nonprofit sector. Her salary mainly derives from her work with nonprofits, speaking fees, and possible book deals.
Career, Business and Investments
Shannon's career is primarily rooted in her activism work. She founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The organization has significantly influenced local and national gun legislation. Beyond her activism, she is often invited to speak at various events, and her insights and expertise in gun violence prevention have made her a sought-after commentator on the topic. She may also invest in businesses that align with her values, but specifics on her investments aren't publicly documented.
Shannon Watts (born January 1, 1971) is an American gun violence prevention activist and the founder of Moms Demand Action. Watts has campaigned for a number of political candidates across the country, including President Joe Biden. In 2016, Watts became a board member of Emerge America. Watts also serves on the board of Advance Peace.
Social Network
Shannon Watts is actively engaged on various social media platforms, where she shares her insights on gun policy, updates on her organization’s progress, and broader social issues. She has a substantial following on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, which she uses to mobilize support and educate the public about gun violence prevention.
On December 14, 2012, a gunman had opened fire in Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut, killing 26 children and educators. The next day, Watts started a Facebook group to unite women against the gun lobby in the way Mothers Against Drunk Driving had united mothers against the alcohol lobby in the 1980s.
The Facebook page grew into a grassroots movement after volunteers contacted Watts about forming Moms Demand Action chapters in their own communities. Moms Demand Action now has chapters in every state and over 6 million supporters nationwide.
For over eight years, Moms Demand Action volunteers have stopped the NRA’s priority legislation in statehouses more than 90 percent of the time, and helped pass hundreds of gun safety laws across the country, changed corporate policies, and educated Americans about secure gun storage.
In the 2022 election, 140 Moms Demand Action volunteers were elected to public office.
Education
Shannon graduated with a degree in Communications from Purdue University. Her educational background in communications has undoubtedly contributed to her effectiveness as an advocate and speaker, enabling her to articulate her message clearly and persuasively.
Volunteers wear red t-shirts emblazoned with the Moms Demand Action logo to show their support and stand out at legislative hearings, protests and other events. In 2013, Moms Demand Action and Mayors Against Illegal Guns joined forces to become Everytown for Gun Safety. In March 2020, Watts campaigned with presidential candidate Joe Biden in Ohio.
Watts has given speeches at places such as Valparaiso University and Mountain Calvary Lutheran Church. Watts announced that she will be stepping back from her leadership role at Moms Demand Action at the end of 2023.
