At the intersection of AI governance, policy, and social impact, my work explores how digital systems shape power, security, and accountability. I specialize in research and advocacy that turn complex AI and policy challenges into actionable insights, challenging algorithmic harms, strengthening democratic governance, and shaping responsible AI development.

Shauna Blackmon

At the intersection of AI governance, policy, and social impact, my work explores how digital systems shape power, security, and accountability. I specialize in research and advocacy that turn complex AI and policy challenges into actionable insights, challenging algorithmic harms, strengthening democratic governance, and shaping responsible AI development.

Available to hire

At the intersection of AI governance, policy, and social impact, my work explores how digital systems shape power, security, and accountability.

I specialize in research and advocacy that turn complex AI and policy challenges into actionable insights, challenging algorithmic harms, strengthening democratic governance, and shaping responsible AI development.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Research and Writing Assistant at Algorithm Watch
March 1, 2025 - Present
Research and advocacy work exposing digital harms; contributed to Automated Society newsletter; researched AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, and digital accountability; co-wrote and edited content to improve clarity and public engagement.
Content and Thought Leadership Manager at Tech To The Rescue
August 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Partnered with the executive team to develop a narrative strategy that amplified the NGO's impact and strengthened the organization's public presence. Executed thought leadership aligned with strategic goals and grew LinkedIn engagement by 34% in 3 months. Developed storytelling initiatives with NGOs working on human rights, disaster response, and climate action. Facilitated cross-team collaboration to surface high-impact stories and support outreach and fundraising efforts.
Communications Lead at Open Sanctions
June 1, 2023 - July 1, 2024
Start-up in fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist funding, and sanctions tracking. Crafted and implemented a comprehensive editorial strategy, achieving key community growth benchmarks within one year. Fostered in-depth stakeholder engagement and conducted qualitative research to promote collaboration and deliver partnership projects addressing global sanctions, AML, and fraud prevention.
AI Policy Research Fellow, Team Lead at Center for AI and Digital Policy
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024
Non-profit research institute focused on democratic AI governance and global policy advocacy. Coordinated international research efforts on algorithmic accountability and policy frameworks; contributed to governance outputs aligned with EU AI Act, OECD, UNESCO; delivered policy recommendations to national governments.
Researcher (2022) / Project Manager (2023) at Open Security Data Europe
March 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023
Led multi-country research and data platform to expose how Horizon 2020 and European Defence Fund grants were allocated across the EU. Managed full project lifecycle, defined scope, timelines, and risk mitigation across 27 member states; coordinated researchers, developers, and translators; oversaw platform upgrade and usability improvements for journalists and watchdogs; tracked milestones and reporting dashboards to ensure transparency.
Researcher at Open Security Data Europe
March 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023
Open data initiative tracking EU funding for security, surveillance, and defense technologies. Led multi-country research and platform development to expose how Horizon 2020 and European Defence Fund grants were allocated across the EU. Managed the full project lifecycle of a multi-country data platform; oversaw platform upgrade to include the European Defence Program and usability enhancements for journalists and watchdogs.
Project Manager at Open Security Data Europe
January 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Open data initiative tracking EU funding for security, surveillance, and defense technologies. Led multi-country research and platform development to expose how Horizon 2020 and European Defence Fund grants were allocated across the EU. Defined scope, milestones, and risk mitigation; coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver a public database on schedule and within budget.
Director of Communications | Project Manager at Nowhere, Europe’s Largest Burning Man Event
January 1, 2018 - Present
Directed year-round planning and onsite project management for a temporary city of 3,500 participants in Spain. Managed a 10-person communications team and 35+ volunteer crews across Europe, aligning deliverables with event milestones. Oversaw project budgets, logistics, and risk mitigation, including emergency protocols for medical incidents, extreme weather, and COVID-19. Implemented communications strategies and stakeholder engagement plans to ensure seamless collaboration across cultural and linguistic divides.
Communications Lead at She Shapes AI
August 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Grassroots initiative celebrating and amplifying women leaders in socially responsible AI. Led the communications and community strategy for a fast-growing global platform. Created and managed a multi-platform content calendar, growing the initiative’s audience to 1,000+ organic followers in 6 months. Designed campaign messaging, press releases, and storytelling frameworks to increase visibility; mentored interns and supported community growth by aligning communications with values of justice, inclusion, and responsible innovation.
Freelance Writer at First San Francisco Partners
October 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Researched and distilled complex AI governance and data-ethics topics into clear insights for executive audiences. Ghostwrote thought-leadership content for C-suite leaders and coordinated editorial workflows across cross-functional teams to improve publishing consistency and engagement.
Researcher / Project Manager at Open Security Data Europe
March 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023
Led multi-country research and platform rebuild mapping Horizon 2020 allocations; filed and tracked FOIA requests across 27 EU member states, uncovering spending on border control and surveillance tech. Presented findings to external stakeholders and integrated feedback into platform updates.
Contributing Tech Writer at Best Colleges
March 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023
Wrote and edited articles covering coding and AI education; several features ranked among top reads. Produced SEO-optimized career guides and collaborated with editors on content strategy and analytics-driven revisions.
Communications Specialist at The Data Tank
March 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
Developed a digital communications strategy to strengthen online visibility and stakeholder engagement; produced content on data governance and open data; created audience-mapping frameworks and brand guidelines.
Communications Manager at EnterpriseAI Consulting
September 1, 2020 - December 1, 2021
Collaborated on multi-channel marketing campaigns targeting enterprise clients; produced long-form features, technical explainers, and executive interviews on AI adoption; built analytics-driven content calendars.
Content Manager at Ground Squirrel Ventures
October 1, 2018 - October 1, 2019
Led communications and marketing for environmentally progressive start-ups; interviewed 15+ founders and built investor-relations databases to track media outreach and funding outcomes.
Researcher at Occupy Learning
September 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Documented grassroots learning initiatives in Berlin; synthesized findings into a multimedia presentation on how public spaces can act as informal classrooms and centers of community connection.
Communications Lead (Personal Project) at She Shapes AI
August 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Led communications and community strategy for a global platform celebrating women leaders in responsible AI; grew audience and coordinated cross-cultural campaigns across 25+ countries.

Education

Master of International Relations at University of Portsmouth
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism and Mass Communications at University of Kansas
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Master of International Relations at University of Portsmouth
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism and Mass Communications at University of Kansas
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Masters of International Relations at University of Portsmouth, UK
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
Bachelor of Science in Journalism and News and Information at University of Kansas, USA
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026

Qualifications

Project Management Professional Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Google AI Safety Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
AI Governance
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
BlueDot Impact: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
UC Davis Women in Tech Leadership
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
WaveMakers Berlin
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Project Management Professional Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Google AI Safety Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
AI Governance
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
BlueDot Impact: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
UC Davis Women in Tech Leadership, WaveMakers Berlin
January 11, 2030 - February 17, 2026
Certified Associate in Project Management
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
Project Management Professional Certificate
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
AI Safety Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
AI Governance
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
Justice and Equity in Technology Policy
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet, Government, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education