Shawna is Chief Strategy Officer at Dentsu Creative, where she champions culturally driven ideas and builds conviction-led brand narratives that inspire impactful, effective work. Known for guiding clients and energizing cross-disciplinary teams, she brings a human-centered lens to strategy while fostering collaboration, curiosity, and growth within her teams.

Since joining the agency in 2010, Shawna has shaped strategy for iconic brands including Kraft Heinz, Intel, Lowe’s, Marriott, Hershey’s, and Clorox, as well as purpose-driven organizations such as Howard Brown Health and the Brady Foundation. She is also the founder of Dentsu Creative’s Creative Council for Cultural Fluency, advancing diverse perspectives across the creative process.

A recognized industry voice, Shawna has spoken at Cannes Lions Festival and ANA Masters of Marketing, and frequently guest lectures at Northwestern’s Medill School. She serves on the 4A’s Strategy Committee and is a multi-time Effie Awards judge, as well as a juror for the Jay Chiat Awards.

Her work has earned honors including a Cannes Lion, Effie Awards, and Shorty Awards, and she was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Marketing Executives. Shawna is driven by a belief in creativity as a force for connection, relevance, and lasting impact.