Shan Rao

Executive Director
Shan Rao has spent the past decade focused on community-based nonprofit work. Originally from rural Minnesota, she created an initiative offering local opportunities for Southern Minnesota students in the literary, visual, and performing arts. She then spent six years in New York City, where she worked at a variety of literary and arts organizations, spearheading fundraising efforts and community-centered programming. Shan has worked with students in public school and performing arts settings. She holds a degree in English and Creative Writing from Fordham University. She is thrilled to be stepping into the role as Executive Director of Writing Coaches of Montana and to support this community-focused, student-centered approach to literacy work. Shan calls Missoula home and enjoys spending time in nature, scouring the local events page for exciting happenings, and writing poetry and fiction.