Recognized as an industry leader, Shawn Smith has more than 20 years experience serving in senior communications roles with global brands including The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Shawn is the founder and CEO of Shawn Smith Communications, a company that provides integrated communications services to a diverse range of clients, from corporate giants to emerging brands, authors and entrepreneurs.

During Shawn’s tenure as executive director of communications and publicity for Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences she developed public relations campaigns for DC franchises, and its iconic animation portfolio including Looney Tunes. She led the public relations campaign for “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” introducing more than 200 branded products, generating more than 10 billion impressions. Shawn's team also partnered with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s office to integrate DC characters into a program that would inspire kids to get vaccinated at a critical time during the pandemic.

Previously, Shawn served as the global head of communications with Osmo, one of the leading edtech companies in the world. She also previously held the role of director of PR and brand partnerships for MGA Entertainment, and launched L.O.L. Surprise! which became a media sensation and the top selling doll of the year. 

In 2016, Shawn became the first senior manager of communications, diversity and inclusion for The Walt Disney Company. Previously, in her role as a senior manager of communications with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), she executed strategic communications campaigns for DCPI’s $52+ billion licensing business while leading PR campaigns for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as Disney films and media networks. Shawn led the PR campaign to launch Disney Store’s innovative store redesign nationwide and the launch of the first Disney Store in New York’s Times Square.

Shawn began her PR career working under legendary publicist Pat Tobin at Tobin & Associates. She later served as senior account executive in the film and television division of global public relations agency Rogers & Cowan.

Shawn was named one of PR Week’s “40 under 40 Ones to Watch” in 2011. In 2013, Shawn relaunched Black Public Relations Society, LA and served as president for six years. In 2019, Shawn became the first African American president of the Public Relations Society of America Los Angeles Chapter. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WiT), and was appointed to the Board of Visitors with UCLA’s English Department in 2023. She was inducted as an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. during its centennial celebration in 2022.

A native of Southern California, Shawn earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

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