Dr. Shauna T. Sobers is an author, facilitator, coach and CEO of shaunatsobers, LLC, a company specializing in leadership education and professional development for organizations, supervisors, individuals, and teams. She is passionate about helping people recognize their talents, build resilience, and communicate across cultures.
Dr. Shauna T. Sobers has over 15 years of experience working in student affairs specifically in the areas of leadership development, student activities, residential life, student government, Greek Life, and assessment. Dr. Sobers has worked at 5 small-private institutions (Azusa Pacific University, Pomona College, Chapman University, University of the Pacific and Whittier College) as well as a large public research institution (University of Texas at Austin).
For over a decade, Dr. Sobers has been coaching leaders of all levels as well as doing keynotes and facilitating workshops on CliftonStrengths™ based leadership, The Resilience Tree model for women aspiring to executive leadership based on her research (Sobers, 2014), intercultural communication, and employee development.
Dr. Sobers has a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership from University of the Pacific in Stockton, California and certifications in Strengths Approaches to Higher Education Leadership and Student Success as well as Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI).
Dr. Sobers also serves as an Assistant Director for Residence Life in the Department of Housing and Dining at the University of Texas at Austin with 14 years of experience working as a student affairs administrator at 6 colleges/universities.
In 2016 Dr. Sobers recorded a TEDx Talk entitled, “The Dance of Leadership” based on her blog “Leadership Lessons from Dance” mentioned in the chapter.
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EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Dr. Sobers received her Doctorate of Education in Education Administration and Leadership with an Emphasis in Student Affairs from University of the Pacific (her dissertation research focused on the resilience of women in senior leadership positions), a Masters of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and minor in Dance from Bucknell University, and a high school diploma from Central Park East Secondary School. The East Harlem school was started by Deborah Meier and has been featured in the book, The power of their ideas: Lessons for America from a small school in Harlem as well as in the film Music of the Heart.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
Dr. Sobers has served in multiple volunteer leadership roles within the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) including the Region III Summer Symposium Historian (2017-2018), Dorothy Keller New Professional & Graduate Student Institute Chair (2011-2012), the Knowledge Community Liaison for the 2009 San Jose Western Regional Conference, the Region VI Knowledge Community Coordinator (2008-2010), New Professional Institute Committee Member (2006), Assessment Evaluation and Research Knowledge Community Regional Representative (2005-2007), and Southern California Executive Committee Member (2005-2007).
MULTI-MEDIA / PERFORMING ARTS
Prior to working in higher education Dr. Sobers spent 8 years working in performing arts / production / multi-media companies such as Weiss Center for the Performing Arts (1997-2001) working as a audio technician, house manager, and box office staff; New Jersey Shakespeare Festival (2001) assisting with lighting design, stage production, and box office operations; Arts4All, Ltd. (2001-2003) introducing students grades 5-12 to artists performing on Broadway via videoconferencing; and Launch Pad, L.L.C. (2003-2004) assisting with post production films, trailers, and television pilots.
DANCE
In addition to earning a degree in Dance from Bucknell University, Shauna has over 10 years of dance experience in multiple styles having been in dance companies and performance teams on both coasts. Read more about Shauna Dance background.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY 
Dr. Sobers also has 9 years of environmental advocacy experience having volunteered with the Education Department of the American Museum of Natural History (1990-1993). Among other things Dr. Sobers was part of the planning committee for the inaugural international Youth CAN Student Leader Conference in a collaboration between the American Museum of Natural History and the United Nations. She also participated in / volunteered with Christadora’s Manice Education Center (1991-1995) promoting outdoor education for inner city youth. Finally she worked at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (1995-1997) educating young adults about their environmental impact.
AWARDS / HONORS
Dr. Sobers was the recipient of the Whittier College Key to the College Award in 2012, the NASPA Region VI Dorothy Keller New Professional Award in 2009, the NASPA Knowledge Community Achievement Award for Visibility and Collaboration in 2008 for work with the Assessment Evaluation & Research Knowledge Community.
Dr. Sobers was also honored by her student leaders with an honorary membership to the University of the Pacific SJCK Chapter of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) in 2011 (Note: The chapter was named after Nick, Julie Cine, Steve Jacobson, and Mylon Kirksy).