Shannon Spruill, BBA, MSCIS
Shannon Spruill, BBA, MSCIS is a distinguished sales leader and senior account executive with Ingram Micro, where she has built a remarkable 28-year career managing hundreds of accounts across the Central and West Coast. Known for her high-energy, self-starting approach, Shannon excels at building strategic alliances with key decision-makers, enhancing customer relationships, and driving revenue growth. She acts as a quarterback for her clients, connecting them with the right internal teams, vendors, and resources to ensure successful outcomes. Her career journey spans technical support, licensing, finance, and sales, demonstrating her versatility and depth of expertise in the technology and IT supply-chain industry. Beyond her corporate achievements, Shannon is a published author, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She is the Executive Director and Founder of Parents Pushing Past Their Grief, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and financial assistance to parents who have lost a child. She also operates SMS Write On Publishing, LLC and SMS Creative Designs, empowering authors and creators through her publishing and creative platforms. Shannon has authored multiple books, including Tribulation to Victory: Birth of a Queen, which became a bestseller, using her personal experiences to inspire and uplift others. Her commitment to community service has been recognized with the 2018 Women Touching the World Award, reflecting her enduring impact both locally and nationally. Shannon also serves as a Deaconess and Sunday School Teacher at Faith Missionary Baptist Church. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Shannon now resides in Buffalo, NY, with her husband of 39 years, Esau Spruill Jr., and their three sons, Derek, Brian, and Patrick. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bryant & Stratton College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and earned a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. Shannon’s journey is defined by resilience, faith, and a commitment to empowering others, balancing a thriving professional career with a profound dedication to helping families navigate loss and inspiring women to embrace their personal and professional potential.
• Social Selling Foundations
• Learning Canva
• NETWORK +
• Certified Mental Health First Aid
• Bryant & Stratton College - BBA
• Boston University - MS
• 2018 Women Touching the World Award
• Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA
• Our Curls Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my relationship with God. Everything I have accomplished flows from His grace, guidance, and faithfulness in my life. I have learned that when I stay rooted in prayer, seek His wisdom, and trust Him even when the path is unclear, He orders my steps and opens doors that I could never open on my own.
My success is not just measured by outcomes, but by obedience—listening for His voice, surrendering my plans, and allowing Him to shape my character through both challenges and victories. God has sustained me in seasons of loss, growth, and transition, and He has used those experiences to strengthen my faith, deepen my compassion, and clarify my purpose. Simply put, my success is the result of walking with God, relying on Him daily, and believing that apart from Him, I can do nothing—but with Him, all things are possible.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to let purpose lead, not position. Titles change, roles evolve, and industries shift—but when your work is aligned with your values and calling, you remain grounded and effective no matter the season. I was encouraged to focus on integrity, consistency, and relationships, trusting that doors would open at the right time when I stayed faithful to doing excellent work.
That advice taught me to see my career not just as a ladder to climb, but as a stewardship—using my skills, influence, and opportunities in a way that honors God and serves others. When I seek wisdom, stay teachable, and work with excellence as unto the Lord, advancement becomes a byproduct rather than the goal, and fulfillment follows.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the IT industry to lead with confidence, curiosity, and character. Know that you belong in this space. Your perspective, problem-solving ability, and voice are valuable, even in rooms where you may be the only woman. Don’t wait to be fully “ready” before speaking up or stepping into opportunities—growth often happens while you’re learning.
Invest in both your technical skills and your relationships. Technology changes quickly, but integrity, work ethic, and how you treat people will always set you apart. Seek mentors, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. At the same time, stay grounded in your values and faith. Let God guide your decisions, especially in moments of uncertainty or challenge, and trust Him to open doors and sustain you when the industry feels demanding or overwhelming.
Finally, remember that success in IT isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you show up. Be dependable, stay adaptable, and walk with humility and confidence. When you combine excellence with faith and perseverance, you won’t just build a career—you’ll build influence and legacy.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Rapid Pace of Change
Technology evolves extremely fast—cloud computing, AI/ML, cybersecurity threats, and new frameworks emerge constantly. Staying current requires continuous learning and flexibility.
Challenge: It can feel overwhelming to keep skills up-to-date.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, service, and purpose.
Faith is my foundation. My relationship with God guides my decisions, keeps me grounded, and gives me clarity and peace, especially in challenging seasons. I strive to seek His wisdom in how I lead, serve, and show up for others.
Integrity matters deeply to me. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s difficult or unseen. Being honest, dependable, and consistent builds trust in professional relationships and strengthens personal ones.
Service is central to who I am. Whether in my career or my personal life, I want my work to make a positive impact. I value helping others grow, supporting those in need, and using my skills and influence to uplift people and communities.
Purpose ties everything together. I don’t separate who I am at work from who I am at home. I want my life and work to align with my values and calling, knowing that success is not just about achievement, but about faithfulness, growth, and leaving a meaningful legacy.
These values keep me centered, guide my choices, and remind me that true fulfillment comes from living and working in alignment with God’s will.