Class of 1969 | Greenfield High School
Dedicated to demonstrating the importance of giving to others and the value of every person, Teresa Cooper Shook has had a tremendous positive impact on many lives through her teaching and her work as an attorney and activist.
Involved in every possible extra-curricular activity, Teresa graduated as part of the final Greenfield High School class of 1969. She completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Secondary Education at Southern Illinois University in 1979, followed by a Law degree at SIU. Returning to Indiana with her two sons, Teresa’s practice focused on family law. With a move to California (she passed the bar exam on her first try!), she continued in family law and social justice issues, representing underserved communities, advocating for youth and helping victims of domestic violence. A highlight was arguing a case before the California Supreme Court.
In 2000, Teresa relocated to Hana, Hawaii, where she lives today. Health concerns (and living in a remote area) altered her work focus and she turned to giving legal advice and teaching online. After retiring from law, she taught English/Literature and Social Studies overseas in Bali, Guatemala, China, Saipan, and Gabon. Teresa works with the local newspaper as a writer and editor.
Teresa’s nominators say, “She has opened the way for many women and others to realize their potential and ability to make a difference. Teresa is a strong, intelligent, educated and resourceful individual who works every day to make a change for the better.” In 2016-2017, Teresa became a catalyst for change in the U.S. and around the world. While respectful of the 2016 election results, she sensed a need to uplift those who were feeling the most discouraged. With her Facebook event inviting a few dozen friends to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, The Women’s March on Washington ignited. It spread like wildfire and brought more than 5 million people around the world together in Washington D.C. standing in solidarity for women’s rights and a fair, just and inclusive world. Another 600 marches were held around the country. As the founder and spark of this event, Teresa is overwhelmed with the positive impact it created. She is quick to note that a team of activists from across the country helped nurture the idea and caused it grow. Quoted in the Maui News in 2017, Teresa says, “I’m just anyone and anyone can make something happen. So don’t think it has to be up to someone else. No matter where you live, just do something. I had no idea this would be like this, but I did something.” Teresa continues to be involved in the women’s movement, recently beginning a “Talk Story” project to impact women and increase their own involvement in their community and nation.
Teresa has received recognition and awards in many arenas as the Founder of the 2017 Women’s March and Movement, on a local, state, national and international level. A few include The Common Good Forum and the American Spirit Award for Citizen’s Activism. Many newspapers and magazines (including Greenfield’s Daily Reporter) have recognized her accomplishments. She continues to be honored for her efforts on social issues.
As people clamored to know more about her, Teresa was asked about her idol or mentor. She said, “I had the same teacher for 5th and 6th grade. He always told me I could do great things and believed in me at a time in my life I needed someone to believe in me. He taught me to reach for the stars.” Mr. Robert Hilton had a lifelong impact on Teresa, and they kept in touch throughout his life. He and his wife even attended her law school graduation 13 years after her high school graduation.
“In general—growing up in Greenfield and having so many caring, dedicated teachers who went above and beyond (something I modeled when I taught) impacted my life for the good,” says Teresa. Her music teacher, Mr. Greenfield, also inspired her and opened up the world of songs and plays, teaching her to strive to be her best. She says, “He was wacky and unique and introduced me to a rich cultural world.“
Embracing a vast and intriguing world has continued to appeal to Teresa. A few of her adventures have included: tandem parasailing off an 8,000 ft. mountain; building rough log bridges over mud bogs in Alaska; and backpacking solo and with her younger son across the backwoods of Canada.
A lawyer, educator, world traveler, writer and adventurer, Teresa is the mother of two grown sons and Tutu (grandma) to four girls. Today, she continues her work mentoring women and youth, speaking at events on social justice issues, doing interviews on podcasts and social media, and is working on a book.