It all started with a music festival.

Let’s rewind to 2011. I was early in my career, working at a marketing agency, when I got the opportunity to develop a creative concept and brand for a new music festival in Denver. The client loved my idea, and a few months later, thanks to an incredible creative and production team, my concept bloomed into a fully immersive experience for over 10,000 attendees. Seeing it all come to life was thrilling; it was the moment I fell in love with this type of creative work. It’s also when I realized that branding and communications — whether for a music festival, product, or service — is all about curating a feeling that leaves a lasting impression. More than a decade later, my little idea has grown into one of the country’s biggest New Year's Eve celebrations, and I continue to hone my passion for branding, communications, and creative strategy.

Throughout my career, I have been humbled to partner with creatives to help companies refine their brand, tell their story, and connect with their audiences. My experience spans a broad mix of industries — global corporations, technology, travel, and music, to name a few. I have worked in-house for startups, internationally in Asia, and agency-side at thinkPARALLAX, where I partnered with Fortune 500 clients such as Qualcomm, Cox Enterprises, and Fossil Group on sustainability-focused branding and communications projects. Most recently, I worked as an in-house Communications Strategist for Sony, where I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop a communications strategy that amplified diversity and sustainability messaging.

I’m seeking an opportunity to continue doing what I love: collaborating with creatives to bring brands to life.

My values

Be a partner.

Strategy is a team sport. I collaborate closely with clients and creatives.

Yes, and.

Creativity thrives on open-mindedness and adaptability. I accept and build upon others’ ideas.

Shake things up.

Creative work is fun. I’m playful with the process and bring a fresh touch to every project.

Edit, edit, edit.

Refinement is essential for stories that stick. I continuously edit for clarity, style, and impact.

Be here and now.

Inspired work requires a relaxed and present state. I ground my creative practice in mindfulness.

Take it in.

Creativity is the art of noticing. I look for sparks of inspiration everywhere I go.

How I think

  • Critical thinking

    It starts with a question. I believe the best results come from embracing curiosity, challenging assumptions, and exploring deeply.

  • Design thinking

    It starts with empathy. I believe magic happens when you understand stakeholder needs, uncover insights, and spot connections.

  • Conceptual thinking

    It starts with a central theme. I believe impactful strategies arise from thinking holistically and blending ideas and insights into one cohesive vision.

  • Creative thinking

    It starts with imagination. I believe intentional collaboration is key to dreaming up ideas that are as bold as they are unexpected.

  • "I had the honor of working with Shannon for just under three years at thinkPARALLAX. I saw Shannon lead, mentor, and befriend everyone she worked with. Her naturally calm and collected demeanor cut through any challenging project, new client, or unfamiliar industry. Being on a project with Shannon meant you had one of the best strategists on your side — any work under her jurisdiction was best-in-class. A natural leader, Shannon helped develop other team members into confident strategists, and I can confidently say my own work and professional development improved being within Shannon's radius."

    Isabel Ashley
    Sr. Business Engagement Manager, Social Responsibility, Amazon

  • “I had the opportunity to work alongside Shannon on several projects during our three and a half years together while at thinkPARALLAX. Shannon has an unprecedented ability to deliver quality work while remaining incredibly organized with a cheerful disposition and “get it done” work ethic, no one can top the value she delivers. Additionally, Shannon has the ability to interview senior executives at Fortune 500 companies to uncover valuable insights to push our clients to improve their business and communications strategies and can engage our creative team in unique ways in order to activate on her ideas.”

    Brianna Ralston
    Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cox Enterprises