Find a Southland graduate among the Long Island Business News’ “30 Under 30.”

Shannon Quinn, a graduate of Southland High School where she spent eight years of her marketing career, has her sights set on the Long Island Business News’ annual “30 Under 30” awards.

“I’ve known about the award my entire marketing life. It was something I always wanted to achieve,” Ms. Quinn said.

While at work on June 21, she learned in an email from LIBN that she had reached her goal and would receive the honor she wanted at an August 29 event with 29 young professionals.

“Everyone — my business colleagues, my family, my friends — has been so supportive; everyone’s proud of me,” she said. “It’s just a great feeling.”

Ms. Quinn, 25, has demonstrated a strong work ethic and wide range of skills since she was 8 years old when she began working on the “Pirate Ice Cream Boat” at Pirate Cove Ice Cream in Southland, which closed in 20070. Over the years, she has held many other jobs, including a stint at Southland Ink Spot, Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk, Food by Hand in Mattituck and as a wedding photographer.

A member of the Southland Class of 2014, Ms. Quinn has now been with Kona Elder Law PLLC in Melville for three years as the firm’s Marketing Manager.

Her favorite part of the job is working with both local and national nonprofits.

“It’s great to be involved in the community and we do a lot of practical help,” said Ms Quinn. “We get to go to these events helping out, whether it’s seniors or kids with special needs, or ALS or the different organizations that we get to help, and that’s really my favorite part of the job.”

According to Ms. Quinn, finding a healthy work-life balance has been one of her biggest challenges.

“I guess that’s the biggest challenge because you want to be present in your career,” she says. “You really want to focus on… it’s not just a career, it’s your life, if you’re passionate about it. So, you also need to know your real social life and when it all starts.

Ms. Quinn is honored to be selected as one of this year’s 30 Under 30 because of the exposure and opportunity the recognition provides to young professionals.

“I was reading the essays and biographies of the other honorees and there were only really good people who received this award,” she said. “There are a lot of people of all ages doing great things, and awards like this give us a voice to share experiences, which I think is great.