Shannon Mischler, Owner of Sionainn Consulting, LLC.
At WBEC‑East, we believe that when women‑owned businesses are empowered, entire communities thrive. Shannon Mischler exemplifies this belief through a career—and now a business—rooted in impact, equity, and collaboration.
As the owner of Sionainn Consulting LLC and a Strategic Partner with Schooley Mitchell, Shannon helps organizations reduce operating costs across critical areas such as telecommunications, software, shipping, waste disposal, and payment processing. Her work enables clients to improve efficiency and sustainability—unlocking resources they can reinvest in growth, innovation, and their people.
But Shannon’s success story goes far beyond cost savings. It’s built on a lifelong commitment to empowering others.
Purpose‑Driven Entrepreneurship
Long before launching her business in late 2023, Shannon’s professional path centered on community impact. From exploring feminist liberation through film in her master’s thesis to developing programs that supported women refugees with limited access to education and employment, her work has consistently focused on advancing equity and opportunity.
Thus, starting her own business was a natural evolution.
“I wanted to create something that empowers organizations to achieve their goals while staying aligned with community needs,” Shannon shares.
Becoming a certified Women’s Business Enterprise was both a professional and personal milestone that reflected her values and her vision for the kind of business she wanted to build.
WBEC‑East: More Than Certification
For Shannon, WBEC‑East offered much more than a designation. It provided access to people, places, and conversations that helped her step into leadership spaces with confidence.
Through WBEC‑East, she connected with an incredible network of women business owners and professionals who shared insights that strengthened her approach. The certification boosted her visibility and credibility as a trusted leader, opening doors to collaborations with leading organizations across multiple industries.
“WBEC‑East gave me a seat at the table and helped me build relationships that continue to benefit my business and my personal growth,” she notes.
She is also deeply engaged in shaping the future of the network, serving on the WBEC‑East RISE Networking Committee and helping cultivate new opportunities for collaboration through upcoming RISE Network events.
Learning Through Connection and Mentorship
One of the biggest challenges Shannon faced early on was fully understanding the complexities of indirect cost reduction across multiple industries. Instead of trying to navigate it alone, she leaned into the power of connection, seeking guidance from senior women in her field—relationships that evolved into mentorships, partnerships, and long-term collaborations.
“Their insights helped me strengthen my business far more effectively than I could have on my own,” Shannon explains.
This willingness to ask questions, learn from others, and build relationships became a defining factor in her success.
A Guiding Insight: Trust the Process
Among the most impactful lessons Shannon gained through her WBEC‑East journey is simple, but powerful:
Keep going and trust the process.
Seeing women ahead of her who had faced similar—or even greater—challenges reinforced that success takes time, persistence, and authenticity. By leading with kindness and staying true to herself, Shannon has built a business grounded in trust and meaningful relationships.
Growth With Local Impact
Since joining WBEC‑East’s network, Shannon’s business has grown through increased access, visibility, and opportunity—particularly in the Greater Pittsburgh area, where the WBE designation is highly valued by corporate and public‑sector partners.
That growth has also enabled her to invest locally. She joined the Board of North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce, where she developed and financially sponsors its new 2026 Ambassador Program, strengthening engagement across main street businesses, neighborhood safety initiatives, and regional tourism.
Beyond her business, Shannon’s leadership and service extend deep into the community. She serves as Board Chair of the Alliance for Refugee Youth and Support & Education, is a member of the United Way of Southwestern PA, Women United and the Mon Valley Alliance Leadership Circle, and is part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence, Entrepreneurial Fellows Class of 2026. In 2025, she was honored with a Community Impact Award for her role in founding Schooley Mitchell’s corporate philanthropic partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
An Invitation to Join the Community
For entrepreneurs considering WBEC‑East, Shannon’s message is clear:
“WBEC‑East is more than a certification—it’s a community rooted in inclusivity, belonging, and unwavering support. You gain access to resources and relationships that help you grow personally, professionally, and financially—while lifting each other up along the way.”
Connect with Shannon
🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-johnston-mischler/
🌐 Website:https://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/smischler/about/
Share Your Story
Are you a small business owner with a story to tell? We’d love to feature your success next.
👉 Submit your story through our Success Story Form and inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
WBEC-East’s Women’s Business Center exists to provide training, resources, and coaching to meet entrepreneurs where they are—no matter their starting point. Mary Ellen’s journey illustrates that with the right mindset and a supportive community, every connection can become a stepping stone toward success.
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