Shawna Prince is a sought-after media and communications expert, television producer, and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist that has been working for more than two decades to help humanely deliver the news and give a voice to the voiceless.
Her resume includes work at ABC, CBS, Fox News Chicago, NBC, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, and TV One,, where she was lead producer on the popular News One Now program with host Roland Martin.
Since 2020, the proud south side native has served as Manager of Media Relations & Editorial Content at Catholic Charities of Maryland while also helming her own, S. Prince Media Consulting, where she helps craft and execute media strategies for clients.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the in-demand media consultant to talk about her career path, her Emmy-Award-winning work, and what her dream job would be,, among other things.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Shawna Prince?
Shawna Prince: Shawna Prince is a child of God, a fighter, an advocate, a journalist, a teacher, and a lifelong learner. I love knowledge, so I’m always craving to know and learn more. Professionally, I am an EMMY-Award-winning broadcast journalist who took her talents to teach at a collegiate level and is currently blazing a trail in the field of public relations.
As a child, what did you dream your profession would be?
Funny enough,, as a child, I thought I would be a lawyer. My mother always told me that I was very good at arguing my point; perhaps she meant I was just good at arguing. Through high school and parts of college, I wanted to pursue law until I realized I wanted to have a voice in matters that affected my community. I wanted to make sure that my community and people like me were represented fairly, well, and without bias,,, so I decided to advocate for my community and use my voice through my pen to describe us.
On the set of News One Now program with host Roland Martin.
How did you find your way into the world of media and communications?
I believe I’ve had the bug of journalism in my DNA all along. My mother was an established writer for various publications. My older cousin was the bureau chief for NBC Chicago and later went on to be the executive producer for nightly news with Tom Brokaw. Once I realized I wanted to be a journalist, I spoke with him about the industry and identified the various roles in the newsroom. I determined that a news producer was the best fit for me. I wanted to have a voice at the table and determine what the viewers at home see, which forms their opinions on subjects, communities, and people they may never encounter, so I felt that my writing was very influential in crafting people’s opinions. I took that responsibility to heart and never took it lightly.
Winning an Emmy Award is a dream for so many in art and communications; please tell us about the Emmy award-winning project you were a part of.
I am so proud of my EMMY award. I won for my work on the 2012 NATO protest coverage with NBC Chicago. It was a team effort and nonstop coverage. That time was so intense and chaotic, but it’s a memory that I will never forget, covering a world event in my hometown and being acknowledged for the hard work that we put in to represent the event, the protests, the residents, visitors, local businesses impacted by the protests, and the city’s overall reaction.
What are some of your duties in your current position?
In my current role as manager of Media Relations & Editorial Content for Catholic Charities of Maryland, I am responsible for highlighting the fantastic work of my colleagues. We have 80 programs in over 200 locations throughout the state that covers everything from assisting those with traumas and addiction, senior care, child and family services, immigration, those with intellectual disabilities, and workforce development. I have the honor of identifying stories to highlight the work we do throughout the state, creating that content for internal and external audiences, and pitching to traditional media outlets. I also write and oversee our quarterly newsletter, contribute to our social media platforms, and web content, and oversee and contribute to the agency’s annual report. One of the parts I love most is hearing from the clients and people we serve to listen to their stories of appreciation, but more importantly, hearing the stories of their successes due to the programs we offer at Catholic Charities. I love sharing their success stories with the public so everyone understands they can succeed no matter how complex their journey may be.
Please tell us about your media consulting company.
I started my company S Prince Media Consulting, LLC, in 2014 when I thought I had had enough of covering the news. Covering local news became very dark and depressing. Having to routinely write about black children being murdered in the inner city in disproportionate numbers began to take a mental toll on me. I was beyond frustrated having to cover gun violence in this country, seemingly with no change and no hope for common sense gun legislation to prevent future mass shootings. My LLC is all about media relations and helping persons, agencies, and organizations find their voice and get the exposure they desire for their cost. Content, creation, marketing, and strategic campaigns are a few of the things I cover.
If you get the aux cord at the party, what are three songs you’d absolutely have to play?
I am definitely playing Michael Jackson‘s “Off The Wall” and Stevie Wonder‘s “Another Star,” and the third song depends on what time of day. If it’s the end of the night, I’ll probably go with a house music classic like Terry Hunter‘s “Wonderful.”
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Hmmm…..Perhaps I know American Sign Language (ASL), or my dad is a member of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, having been the first and still winningest coach at Whitney Young High School. My father is also the only high school coach in state history to have a number one overall draft pick in the NFL (Russell Maryland).
Best advice to aspiring media professionals?
My advice for those interested in the media field is to take your writing seriously. Writing is a craft and a gift that you have to hone and sharpen. Use your pen for good and give a voice to the voiceless.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
I have a couple that I routinely say: “Smile! You just might brighten someone’s day.” and “Be kind! We are all fighting a battle in this thing called life.”
What’s next for Shawna Prince?
In addition to my continued work at Catholic Charities of Maryland and S Prince Media Consulting, I am also crazy about sports. One of my dream jobs would be Director of Communications for a professional US sports team. I always keep my ears open to check for the person, organization, or agency looking to make an impact to make this world a better place. I’m always eager to help change makers find and amplify their voices.
For more information on Shawna Prince, please visit www.sprincecommunications.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
