Shauna Harshman

Shauna Harshman is an accomplished community engagement professional and communications strategist with a robust background in land use and transportation planning. With over a decade of experience in the field, Shauna has honed her expertise in crafting compelling narratives that drive impact and inspire action, particularly in the realms of land use and transportation planning and policy.

A unifying theme throughout Shauna’s personal and professional life has centered on elevating the voices of people at the edges and bringing them to the table to engage and collaborate in creating the systems they interact with. In her current role as the Principal Community Transportation Planner and Team Lead for Community Engagement and Environmental Justice for the Eastern Region at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Shauna plays a pivotal role in shaping community engagement plans and strategies that prioritize equity, and inclusiveness.

Shauna holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography with an emphasis on Urban Planning from a reputable institution and continues to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field. Known for her creativity, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit, Shauna is dedicated to helping her colleagues and community succeed through the power of storytelling. Outside of her professional endeavors, Shauna enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new camping areas, and volunteering in her local community. She is also an avid reader and lifelong learner, always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills in community engagement and transportation planning.

Join us for an engaging session on the power of impactful storytelling for planners. In this session, participants will learn how to elevate their projects and initiatives through compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders and communities. Our speaker(s) will guide attendees through the storytelling process, exploring effectives strategies and tactics for crafting narratives that captivate and inspire. From identifying key messages to selecting the right storytelling mediums, participants will gain practical insights into weaving storytelling throughout their projects.

Through real-world examples, attendees will discover how storytelling can enhance the reach and impact of their work. Whether advocating for a transportation project, engaging with community members, or communicating complex planning concepts, storytelling offers a powerful tool for connecting with audiences on a deeper level. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a renewed understanding of the role storytelling plays in planning practice and actionable techniques for integrating storytelling into their projects to create meaningful change.

Session: Thurs, April 18 @ 2:00 PM