Shonda M. Cuberson

A confident woman with dark hair, wearing a sleeveless orange dress, with gold jewelry, smiling with her hand near her chin, against a neutral gray background.

“I never wanted to be a lady who lunches, I’d rather be a woman that works.”

Corporate Communications Leader: Internal Communications | Executive Communications | Strategist | Employer Brand Marketer | Engagement Driver | Writer | Public Speaker

Contact Me

What I do …

For more than 15 years, I have built a career as a professional communicator, partnering with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, like HBO, Condé Nast and Scholastic, leading teams defined by talent, creativity, and tenacity. It has been a rewarding ride - shaped by brilliant colleagues, bold change, and real moments of reinvention. From relocations and restructures to acquisitions and new chapters, each experience has pushed me to evolve, reset, pivot, and grow. I believe development lives on the other side of discomfort, and I would not have it any other way.

It is an exciting time to be a communicator. Technology, storytelling, new channels, and AI are transforming how organizations connect with consumers, audiences, and, most importantly, employees. The last several years have challenged companies to listen differently, adapt quickly, and communicate with greater intention. They have also reinforced a belief I hold deeply: effective communication is not a support function, it is central to employee engagement, culture, and business strategy.

I believe the strongest brands are built from the inside out. A healthy, engaging culture is not separate from strategy; it is strategy. That belief has shaped my work as a communications leader, strategist, influencer, and storyteller, guiding internal communications, employer branding, and employee engagement campaigns for creative, mission-driven organizations. My goal is to make communication feel clear, human, purposeful, and meaningful, while ensuring it drives connection, trust, and business impact.

As the workplace continues to evolve, I am energized by the opportunity to help organizations communicate with clarity, empathy, and imagination. I want to build narratives that move people, strengthen culture, and turn change into momentum. That is the work that continues to inspire me, and the work I am excited to keep doing.

Contact me at shondacub@gmail.com if you want to know more about my professional career, I'd love to hear from you.

All the best,

Shonda

  • Group of people dressed formally standing in front of a floral backdrop that reads "mosiac" and "american advertising foundation."
  • A woman in a black dress and white shirt, wearing a pearl necklace, is being filmed by a person holding a video camera. Two other women are also present, one holding a notebook or script. The scene appears to be in a studio with a gray background.
  • Tall building in Times Square with digital billboards, including Nasdaq and Scholastic advertisements, and a cloudy sky in the background.
  • Group of people smiling at a gathering in a restaurant or event space, standing in front of large wooden and glass doors.
  • A woman with dark hair, wearing an orange dress, smiling and raising her arms in a joyful pose against a light blue background.
  • A group of people participating in a charitable event, holding bundles of clothes with tags. They are standing in front of a teal wall with the words "We are Good+Foundation". Some are seated in chairs, and everyone is smiling.

My career journey …

  • May 2023 - Present | New York, NY

    The Trade Desk is a media buying platform business built for the open internet that allows innovative businesses to advertise to audiences across the world, from anywhere in the world. In this role I …

    • Lead global internal communications and employer brand strategy for a publicly traded technology company, overseeing messaging, content development, channel strategy, and executive communications

    • Build, manage, and mentor a high‑performing internal communications team while providing strategic direction aligned to business priorities

    • Define and execute communications strategies that support technological adoption, organizational change, and company‑wide cultural initiatives

    • Partner with senior leadership and global stakeholders to deliver consistent, timely, and relevant messaging across regions

    • Establish communications measurement frameworks, dashboards, and reporting to track engagement, adoption, and business impact

    • Ensure alignment and integration between internal and external communications, enabling employees to serve as authentic brand ambassadors

    • Lead creative campaigns and visual storytelling initiatives designed to attract, engage, and retain top talent

    • Manage internal and external creative partners to deliver high‑impact digital, print, and experiential communications assets

  • Dec 2021 - Nov 2022 | New York, NY

    Condé Nast is home to some of the most iconic global brands, including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Allure, Wired, Architectural Digest (AD), Condé Nast Traveler; and La Cucina Italiana. Condé Nast is here to entertain, surprise, and empower. In this role I …

    • Led global internal communications strategy across a portfolio of iconic media brands operating in 30+ international markets

    • Developed and implemented a global employee engagement strategy, introducing new internal programming and communications approaches

    • Oversaw leadership and business‑critical messaging, translating complex information into clear, compelling communications

    • Modernized internal communications by expanding digital, social, and multimedia tactics while ensuring message consistency and quality

    • Partnered cross‑functionally on enterprise‑wide initiatives, including Global Company Meetings and large‑scale employee events

    • Collaborated with brand, HR, and leadership teams to strengthen internal alignment and employee connection

  • 2019 - 2021 | New York, NY

    Scholastic is the largest publisher and distributor of beloved children's books and a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and children’s media. In this role I …

    • Directed integrated internal and external corporate communications strategy during Scholastic’s 100th anniversary year

    • Led employee and external engagement initiatives tied to major milestones and brand storytelling campaigns

    • Oversaw corporate social media strategy, ensuring alignment across channels and consistent brand voice

    • Launched and governed the corporate intranet, establishing content standards and improving information accessibility

    • Introduced an employee advocacy platform to empower employees across locations to amplify brand messaging

    • Led special initiatives including global CSR programs and Kids Press Corp, engaging youth reporters worldwide

    • Reimagined corporate blog and podcast platforms to elevate thought leadership, diverse voices, and author engagement

  • 2012 - 2019 | New York, NY

    HBO is one of the most respected and innovative entertainment companies in the world. With almost 3,000+ global employees, it’s where the most talented, creative minds choose to tell their stories and where people around the world watch the most iconic, award-winning programs. In this role I …

    • Led employee communications strategy for a global entertainment organization with 3,000+ employees

    • Created and launched the #LifeAtHBO employer branding campaign across Instagram and LinkedIn

    • Owned content strategy for all internal communications channels, including intranet, digital signage, and employee social platforms

    • Planned and executed large‑scale employee engagement events, executive panels, screenings, and cultural programming

    • Partnered with Business Continuity teams to deliver timely, effective crisis communications

    • Supported ERG initiatives, inclusion programming, and civic engagement campaigns

  • 2004 - 2012 | Atlanta, GA

    Cox Enterprises is a family-led, diversified company with more than 50,000 global employees. Comprised of Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, Cox Media Group and Cox Newspapers and remains a leading company in the communications and automotive industries. In this role I …

    • Supported corporate and internal communications strategy across a diversified organization with 50,000+ employees

    • Partnered with digital teams on external website and intranet content strategy

    • Advised senior leaders on integrating employee communications into enterprise initiatives

    • Managed production of internal publications, campaigns, and promotional materials

    • Drove employee participation in CSR and philanthropy programs

Big ideas, real impact.

Where strategy meets opportunity … I turn ideas into clear, confident action. Whether you are developing a communications strategy, strengthening employee engagement, shaping a social media approach, or defining an employer brand marketing plan, I provide the leadership needed to move forward with purpose.

I bring curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful execution together to create work that is focused, effective, and built to last. Take a look at some of my work …

  • A group of five people standing indoors in front of a wall with a sign that reads 'Conde Nast'.

    Condé Nast | We Exist to Create and Champion the Exceptional

  • Collage of magazine covers including Vogue, GQ, Teen Vogue, Allure, and others, featuring various celebrities and models.

    Condé Nast | Champion All Voices

  • Collage of various movie and TV show scenes featuring actors in different settings, along with a quote about employee connection and brand embodiment.

    HBO | Sustaining a Strong Employee Connection to Fuel Purpose & Brand Embodiment

  • A woman and a young girl are sitting on a couch, looking at a smartphone together, with a large phone screen displaying an Instagram profile in the foreground.

    The Scholastic Bookshelf

  • HBO logo in white text on a black background, surrounded by a decorative white scalloped border.

    HBO - Leadership Program

  • Outline drawing of a ribbon award or medal, with a central circular badge and two ribbon tails, surrounded by a scalloped decorative border.

    CUP Executive Leadership Program

  • Black and white logo for ColorComm, a business community for leaders, featuring an irregular circular border and the text 'ColorComm' with a tagline 'A Business Community For Leaders'.

    Color Comm

  • Black badge with white text and outline featuring the words "The Advertising Club" and large stylized letters "TAC".

    The Advertising Club

  • White stylized letter W in the center with wavy border surrounding it on a black background.

    Women in Cable Telecommunications

  • Black background with a white, scalloped circular border, featuring the word 'cup' in large white lowercase letters in the center, and the slogan 'Inspire. Elevate. Empower.' underneath.

    Council of Urban Professionals

    Executive Leadership Program

  • Black and white badge with the AAA logo and the text 'ABC' inside a circle, surrounded by a wavy border.

    International Association of Business Communicators

  • Silhouette of a person with a laptop.

    National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications

  • Black background with white badge-shaped outline containing the acronym PRSA and the full name Public Relations Society of America.

    Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

What people say …

"During the nearly four years I’ve worked side by side with Shonda Cuberson, I have found her to be a highly skilled and multi-faceted communicator. She offers creative strategic counsel backed by a deep understanding of how to execute a variety of communication deliverables. Shonda is adept at balancing a heavy workload with a professional demeanor and great sense of humor. Any team would be lucky (and smart) to have Shonda on it."

Jennifer L.

"Shonda is a true professional with invaluable expertise in corporate communications and employee engagement. Her leadership and award-winning work has helped transform the way our company engages its most important stakeholders. I highly recommend her as a valuable resource for anyone seeking excellence in strategic communications."

Clarissa I.

A woman with dark hair and red lipstick wearing a black turtleneck holding skincare or beauty product containers labeled 'THE BEAUTY' against a gray background.

The Beautiful Era

Founder

While communications is my profession, entrepreneurship became part of my story in 2022 when I founded The Beautiful, a growing self-care brand rooted in natural ingredients, everyday luxury, and intentional care. Inspired by my love of self-care and a desire to help people feel nourished, confident, and cared for, I created The Beautiful All-Natural Body Butter as a small-batch product with a clear purpose: to make caring for your body feel beautiful, simple, and deeply personal.

Today, The Beautiful includes handcrafted body butters, bath products, and self-care essentials made with rich, natural ingredients and designed to help you love the beautiful skin you are in. For me, the brand is about more than products; it is about creating moments of self-love, softness, and restoration in everyday life. Visit my e-commerce site to learn more about The Beautiful, and read my Bold Journey and Canvas Rebel features for a deeper look at my entrepreneurial endeavor.

I am also a writer and the creator of The Beautiful Human, a lifestyle blog that serves as a meaningful extension of my voice. Through the blog, I share personal reflections, career lessons, travel experiences, business insights, design inspiration, and the life moments that continue to shape me.

In many ways, it is a love letter to growth, curiosity, self-discovery, and the stories I feel called to share more broadly. More to come so stay tuned. Contact me at shonda@thebeautifulbodybutter.com if you have questions or explore www.thebeautifulbodybutter.com.

Logo of CANVAS REBEL in blue and black text
Text that reads 'BOLD JOURNEY' with 'BOLD' in large pink letters and 'JOURNEY' in smaller black letters underneath.
  • Two women are sitting on gray armchairs in a cozy interview setting, with a red backdrop displaying the words "This is Cozy." They are surrounded by professional camera equipment, including a large softbox and a tripod. A small white table between them holds decorative items like a potted plant, wine glasses, and a box.
  • A white t-shirt with a black circle logo that reads 'The Beautiful All Natural Body Butter' is hanging on a balcony railing, with a pink bucket attached. In the background, there is an apartment building with potted plants on the balconies.
  • Woman wearing glasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a gray long-sleeve shirt, handling a dropper bottle in a brightly lit room with large windows and trees outside. Various samples and bottles are on the table.
  • Composite photo of a formal event with five women and one man dressed in evening wear, taking a selfie with three people on stage singing into microphones, a large screen with children photos, and a stage with blue lighting and a crowd in the foreground. There are event banners that say "Save the Children".
  • Two women smiling in front of a blue wall with the logo and text for theTradeDesk and the phrase 'We're an ad tech company shaping the future of digital advertising'.
  • An auditorium stage with a large purple screen that says 'Innovation Stage' and a silhouette of a person, surrounded by an audience seated in rows, illuminated by purple and blue lighting.
  • Crowd of people gathered at an indoor music event with a large colorful digital screen displaying the text 'PALOZZIA 24' and 'WHAT IF WE GET THIS RIGHT'.
  • Two large digital screens displaying the logo and text for the S&P 500 celebration event organized by theTradeDesk. The screens are mounted in an indoor venue with ceiling pipes and some people visible at the bottom of the image.
  • Group of people at a conference standing in front of trade exhibit booths with banners from companies like Paycom and Afrotech, all wearing conference badges and smiling.

Let’s connect …

A woman with dark hair in loose waves, wearing a bright orange sleeveless jumpsuit, gold platform sandals, and gold accessories, sitting on a black chair against a gray background. She is leaning forward with a confident expression, resting her arm on the chair's back.

LinkedIn

Personal Email

Resume

The Beautiful Email

@oh_shonda