NASHVILLE, TN, January 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shawn Johnson East has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Johnson East has established herself as a prominent entrepreneur and author, with a career spanning more than two decades. Since 2020, she has served as the brand strategy lead at the media company FamilyMade, where she is responsible for running her business, brainstorming the creative for videos, being on-screen talent, building brand partnerships, collaborating with companies and brands, monitoring conversion rates, and managing multiple platforms to attract audiences authentically. Her expertise in social media, marketing, sports marketing, brand management, audience engagement, consulting and product sales has positioned her as a leader in the digital and business landscape.
Since 2015, Ms. Johnson East has also been a YouTube content creator, documenting her journey and sharing insights into her professional and personal life, and has more than 1 billion views on her channel. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences across media platforms has significantly contributed to her brand's growth and influence. Her podcast Couple Things has reached #1 on the charts multiple times and has more than 53 million downloads. In 2025 alone, her videos earned more than 3.28 billion views amongst the more than 13.8 million followers.
Since 2012, she has also been hired as a speaker, delivering motivational talks and sharing her experiences as an elite athlete and entrepreneur.
Ms. Johnson East's athletic career began at age 12 when she became a professional elite gymnast representing the United States internationally. She competed under the guidance of dedicated mentors, agents and legal advisors who helped shape her early understanding of a life on purpose, and how to have a healthy approach to high-level sport, contracts and branding. Her gymnastics career culminated in participation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she achieved her dream by winning the gold medal on balance beam and earning silver medals in the team title, all-around and floor exercise events. She also secured five gold medals at the Pan American Games between 2007 and 2011 and was named all-around world champion in 2007.
Ms. Johnson East's public profile continued to grow through television appearances. She won season eight of Dancing With the Stars on ABC Television in 2009 and returned as a finalist for the all-star season in 2012. In 2014, she appeared on NBC News' Celebrity Apprentice and in 2025, she was a finalist on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test on FOX.
Her entrepreneurial journey began at age 12 when she started developing her own brand while balancing international competition schedules. By age 18, Ms. Johnson East assumed full responsibility for her business ventures, leveraging her experience reading contracts and managing endorsements she had secured from an early age.
A prolific author, Ms. Johnson East published her first book at age 16—"Shawn Johnson: Olympic Champion: Stories Behind the Smile." She followed this success with "Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far about Love, Faith, and Living Your Dreams," which became a New York Times bestseller in 2012, and the young adult novel "The Flip Side" a few years later. These works have resonated with readers worldwide and contributed to her reputation as an accomplished writer.
Her academic background includes coursework in business and nutrition at The Pennsylvania State University. This educational foundation has supported her ability to navigate complex business environments and build successful ventures.
Ms. Johnson East's commitment to civic engagement is evident through her service on several boards and charitable organizations. Since 2024, she has been a member of the board of trustees for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, contributing to initiatives such as building homes for impoverished families and supporting education and employment opportunities for children. She served on Minno's board from 2023 to 2024 and is also a trustee at Hope Sports. Additionally, she volunteers as a host for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital events and supports the Special Forces Charitable Trust by hosting their annual event.
Her achievements have been recognized through numerous awards including the James E. Sullivan Award from the American Amateur Athletic Union in 2009; Best Female United States Olympian by ESPN in 2008; Female Athlete of the Year by Associated Press in 2008; Longines Prize for Elegance in 2007; America's Most-Liked Sports Figure by Forbes Magazine in 2009; winner of season eight Dancing With the Stars; second place on its all-star edition; winner of season four Special Forces; top rankings among America's favorite female sports stars; multiple medals at world championships and Pan American Games; as well as being named a New York Times bestselling author.
Ms. Johnson East's efforts extend beyond board service. She is passionate about investing in women's professional sports leagues and teams, and has been a partner in the Angel City FC NWSL team and the Indy Ignite professional volleyball team, as well as supporting startup companies that align with her values of empowerment and opportunity.
Born in Des Moines, Ms. Johnson East enjoys spending time with her three children alongside her husband, Andrew East—a former National Football League player who spent most of his career with the Washington Commanders and Oakland Raiders—and participating actively in their school activities. She finds joy in keeping bees and cherishes fitness, cooking, and her role as a mother.
Looking ahead, Ms. Johnson East hopes to raise her children with strong values while continuing to expand her influence through new publications—including an upcoming book co-authored with her husband titled "The Courage to Commit"—and increased involvement in women's sports initiatives. She remains committed to using her platform responsibly to inspire future generations.
Throughout her journey, Ms. Johnson East credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her parents, mentors, and especially her husband, Andrew East—her greatest cheerleader—who has been instrumental in both their personal and professional lives. Together, they strive to demonstrate what is possible through dedication, teamwork, and the stewardship of the opportunities given to them.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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