#WeLeadComms: Shawn Smith

California-based communication leader Shawn Smith is today’s #WeLeadComms honoree.

For more than two decades, Shawn has built a career around a simple idea: great communication does more than generate attention. It creates connection.

From shaping communications for some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment and consumer brands to advising executives, entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations, Smith has built her career at the intersection of culture, storytelling and brand building.

A UCLA graduate, Smith held communications leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., MGA Entertainment and Osmo, helping tell stories for brands and properties ranging from Minnie Mouse and Disney Store to DC and Looney Tunes.

Those experiences shaped one of her strongest beliefs about modern communications: the strongest brands turn audiences into fans.

“Fandom is powerful because fans participate,” she says. “They advocate. They share. They create community around the things they care about.”

In 2023, Smith launched Shawn Smith Communications, a Los Angeles-based strategic communications consultancy working across entertainment, consumer brands, technology, nonprofits and cultural initiatives.

Her impact extends beyond client work. In 2019, Smith became the first Black president of PRSA Los Angeles, where she spearheaded the creation of Sunrise Honors, recognizing leaders advancing diversity and inclusion. She also served six years as president of the Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles.

Smith serves in leadership roles with the Commission on Public Relations Education, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment, and UCLA. She is a member of The Change Agencies and Goldman Sachs Black in Business community and teaches Entertainment Public Relations at Emerson College Los Angeles.

“I’ve benefited from people who opened doors, gave me advice or said my name when I wasn’t in the room,” Smith says. “I think you have an obligation to do that for somebody else.”

For Smith, leadership is about building something of her own while creating more possibilities for those coming behind her.

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The Communication Leadership Summit USA is coming up on October 16 in Washington.

Join IABC and Strategic for a unique and powerful one-day event connecting communication leaders across disciplines, generations and geographies.

No Powerpoint.  No Panels.  No Keynotes.

A full day of participation where the people in the room generate breakout sessions focusing on the question of the day: “The world is undergoing unprecedented changes.  What makes communication professionals central right now?”

For more information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/communication-leadership-summit-tickets-1990588605103?aff=oddtdtcreator