Shan Foster is a dynamic and influential leader, widely recognized for his transformative work in fostering healthy solutions to diversity issues. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Fostering Healthy Solutions, LLC, he spearheads initiatives that tackle diversity challenges through education, training, and execution. Shan's multifaceted experience spans various sectors, including entertainment, financial services, technology, media, environmental services, and law enforcement.
His passion for diversity and commitment to anti-racism have positioned him as a visionary among leaders. Shan's impact extends to local and national news, corporate and higher education EDI efforts, as well as contributions to local and national non-profits. As the author of "What Hurt Didn’t Hinder," Shan shares a compelling story of perseverance, illustrating the possibilities of reconstructing masculinity, embracing diversity, and uplifting everyone in the process.
In addition to his role at Fostering Healthy Solutions, Shan serves as the Executive Director of AMEND Together at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. Under his leadership, AMEND Together has evolved into a nationally recognized program, with expansion to various states, including Texas, Virginia, California, Washington, Ohio, Alabama, and New York. The initiative engages men and boys to end violence against women and girls, with Shan actively recruiting, educating, and equipping advocates for violence prevention and cultural change.
Shan Foster is renowned for his enthusiastic leadership, gifted public speaking, and skilled facilitation. He explores the intersections of race, gender, and identity, captivating audiences at national and international corporations, regional and national conferences, local and state government entities, and collegiate and national sports programs, including the National Football League and Major League Soccer.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development, Shan's accolades during his collegiate basketball career are nothing short of extraordinary. Named SEC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, All-SEC four years in a row, NCAA Division I All-America, and playing for the USA Team in the 2007 Pan American games, Shan's impact on the court was matched by his leadership off the court. The Lowes Senior CLASS award winner, he finished his collegiate basketball career as the all-time leading scorer in school history and was drafted into the NBA by the Dallas Mavericks in 2008.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Shan's commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in various organizations. He served as a founding member of the Intrepid College Preparatory Charter School and contributed as a board member. Shan is also serves on the Nashville Predators GUIDER Board, as well as board member for Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Nashville Sports Council, and The Memorial Magic Collective. He’s also contributed to Nashville’s chapter of My Brother’s Keeper.
Shan Foster's impact extends beyond Tennessee, with advisory roles for organizations such as Nurture the Next (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee), 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Predators, and Vanderbilt University’s Black and Gold Club. Recognized for his contributions, Shan received the Nashville 2019 40 Under 40 award, the 2019 Nashville Emerging Leader Award, and was honored as Nashville’s 2020 Power 100 Disruptor. He is also recognized as one of Nashville's Most Powerful Influencers and achieved the distinction of being Vistage Worldwide’s Top Performing Speaker in both 2021 and 2022. Foster is a graduate of Leadership Nashville, Leadership Middle Tennessee, Leadership Tennessee, and Leadership Music.
Clients have consistently praised Shan's presentations, describing them as engaging, thought-provoking, and impactful. One testimonial commended his ability to connect business culture with the broader cultural context, emphasizing the influence on company culture. Others highlight Shan's capacity to make difficult and controversial topics relatable, accessible, and interesting, leaving audiences with actionable items that make a significant difference in their organizations and lives.
Shan's unique approach to presenting challenging material opens hearts and minds, offering a practical and realistic perspective on creating inclusion and belonging. The testimonials underscore the profound way Shan fosters positive change, making him a highly recommended speaker for organizations seeking to transform their approach to leadership, inclusion, and belonging.