Shawn Lent (Manager of Training Programs) moves the world as a social practice dance artist, educator, nonprofit leader, program manager, writer, and facilitator. With more than 30 years of experience in dance education across the competitive, community, and recreational sectors—plus 25+ years in nonprofit administration—she is thrilled to be launching her tenure at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Shawn served as Programs and Communications Director at Chicago Dancemakers Forum from 2016–2025, where she led initiatives to support and amplify local dance artists and strengthen the city’s dance ecosystem. Previous roles include writer and alliance-building lead for the arts think tank Createquity, Arts Integration Program Specialist at Columbia College Chicago, and EducationUSA Advising Coordinator for Egypt.
A U.S. Fulbright Scholar (2012–2013) and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations International Fellow, Shawn’s honors also include serving as the 2014 Commencement Speaker for Millikin University and the 2025 Keynote Speaker for the Illinois Dance Education Organization’s statewide conference.
Shawn served as Programs and Communications Director at Chicago Dancemakers Forum from 2016–2025, where she led initiatives to support and amplify local dance artists and strengthen the city’s dance ecosystem. Previous roles include writer and alliance-building lead for the arts think tank Createquity, Arts Integration Program Specialist at Columbia College Chicago, and EducationUSA Advising Coordinator for Egypt.
A U.S. Fulbright Scholar (2012–2013) and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations International Fellow, Shawn’s honors also include serving as the 2014 Commencement Speaker for Millikin University and the 2025 Keynote Speaker for the Illinois Dance Education Organization’s statewide conference.
