The frequency of mass shootings in America is terrifying, but Shannon Watts is demanding change. Shortly after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, the former PR executive and mother of five founded Moms Demand Action, an organisation that fights for public safety measures and takes a stand against lax gun laws. MDA recently worked to augment the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to ensure it will alert law enforcement when someone with a criminal background attempts to purchase a firearm. It's also helped pass laws in 25 states and the District of Columbia that work to disarm domestic abusers and has seen eight states start to require background checks before every gun sale. "When women get involved, things change," she told POPSUGAR. "Especially when the safety of their families and communities are at risk."
Badass Fact: Shannon is also a board member of Emerge America and Rise to Run, two organisations that recruit and train women to run for office.