Shawna Fagundes has a Bachelor of Arts from UWinnipeg. Prior to attending PACE, she held a number of work and volunteer positions, including: supporting adults with developmental disabilities, planning programs for at-risk youth, and providing guidance as a career advisor for a local high school.

After working for a few years, Fagundes decided to go back to school. “I had a great undergraduate experience at UWinnipeg, but I felt I needed to add to my ‘skills toolkit’ and I had always thought about a career in communications,” she says.

Shauna chose the Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Communication Management Diploma after PACE staff helped her gain a broader view of the variety of courses PACE offers.

“Enrolling in the PR and Management program was more targeted to my long-term career goals,” says Shauna. “I originally wanted to focus on a career in event planning, but through the program, I was exposed to the whole world of communications — including possible career paths I didn’t realize existed.”

As a full-time student, Shauna loved that she was able to finish the program within one year, which allowed her to get started on her new career faster.

“The instructors were very hands-on and knowledgeable,” she says. “The coursework and internship helped me prepare for the real world. Since the program, I've used most – if not all – of the skills I learned from each course.”

Shauna is currently working as a Manager Executive Communications for Canada Life and volunteering for the International Association of Business Communicator’s Canada (IABCC) West Region Board.

Shawna Fagundes
Manager Executive Communications
Canada Life