Shannon Watts, a mother of five and former communications executive, founded Moms Demand Action the day after the Sandy Hook tragedy by starting a Facebook group that grew into a national grassroots movement.

Now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the organization has chapters in all 50 states and nearly 11 million supporters. In addition to her volunteer leadership, Watts serves on the boards of Emerge America and Advance Peace, championing women leaders and community-based gun violence prevention.