WorldSkills International has a new Director of Marketing and Communications, Shawna Bourke.

Shawna joined WorldSkills in January 2016 as the Manager of Marketing and Communications, following ten years at Skills Canada Alberta.

During this period she was part of the WorldSkills International Secretariat in marketing and communications at WorldSkills Calgary 2009, WorldSkills London 2011, WorldSkills Leipzig 2013, and WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.

As Director, Shawna is responsible for the WorldSkills International marketing and communications strategy, media relations, content, and Member, regional, and Competition Organizer brand development. For the WorldSkills Competitions, Shawna leads the communications, social media, brand and marketing activations, media operations, ceremony content, and the broadcasting, photography, and video teams.

“Working alongside the 85 WorldSkills Member countries and regions, I see every day that by fostering young people’s talent and skills, adaptive individuals are nurtured, societies become innovative, and countries can thrive,” said Shawna. “In addition to working with our ambitious Competition Organizers, I look forward to supporting key priorities including our global network of WorldSkills Communication Officers and partners, the Champions Trust, and skill development in Africa.”

Prior to joining the WorldSkills movement, Shawna served as a not-for-profit communications and events manager, business coach, and recognition coordinator for the apprenticeship and industry training system.

Based in western Canada, Shawna has a Master of Arts in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta.