Struggling to build powerful relationships?
Too often, up and coming professionals are told to play the game, blend in, or network like everyone else, but that doesn’t work when the spaces weren’t built for you. I teach professionals how to connect in ways that remove stress, lead to real opportunities, and reflect who they are, not just what they do. My approach centers on belonging, strategy, and identity, because building the right relationships can change your career, your confidence, and your community. If you’re ready to grow your network without shrinking yourself, I’m here to help.
Meet Shana
Hello and welcome! My name is Shana Sumers, and I’m a culture and inclusion strategist, community builder, speaker, and co-host of the Bad Queers podcast.
Years ago, I packed up and moved across the country to join an LGBTQ+ dating app as their community manager. I believed in the mission so much that I dove right in, helping expand the platform from 8 to 28 communities that centered people’s identities, interests, and support needs. It opened my eyes to the power of intentional space and the role connection plays in how people thrive. This was just the beginning.
Today, I am a Senior Manager at HubSpot, where I launched and led Black@INBOUND, the company’s first professional community for Black talent, growing it by over 400% in six months. That success evolved into The Spot Community, a global platform for professionals, businesses and side hustlers from the Global Majority. I also led conference activations, managed partnerships with brands like LinkedIn and Chase, booked large scale speakers like Dr. Yvette Noel-Schure, Marcus Collins and Morgan DeBaun and tripled event engagement year-over-year.
Now, I speak to emerging tech and creative professionals about how to build authentic networks that grow their careers. My goal is to help folks connect with confidence and clarity without having to shrink or code-switch.
When I’m not speaking, you can find me dancing in the end zone after a football touchdown, hyping up creators online, or podcasting. I’d love to be part of your next event and show your audience how to grow their network and drive impact without losing themselves.
Shana's Talks
Let Your Network Build Your Net Worth
Networking is awkward, but powerful. In this interactive session, Shana breaks down how to build authentic relationships that actually grow your career, business, and confidence. Learn how to network with intention, navigate imposter syndrome, and tap into the power of community.
You’ll walk away with practical tips, conversation starters, and the confidence to turn connections into opportunities. Whether you're a networking pro or a shy beginner, this session will help you find your people and build your social capital with purpose.
Authentic by Design: Building a Personal Brand That Attracts the Right People
The best networks are built when people find you and want to connect - because your presence already speaks for you. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a personal brand that makes it easier for the right people to find, support, and collaborate with you.
This is especially helpful for creatives, speakers, and people building in public.
The Culture Connect: Building Relationships as Someone Who’s Not Represented in the Room
It’s a different experience walking into a room where you don’t see yourself reflected. In this session, Shana centers professionals from underestimated communities and teaches how to show up, stand out, and still feel grounded in who you are.
Learn how to build networks that affirm your identity, expand your access, and create your own room if one doesn’t exist.
Connection Is the Currency: Designing Events That Network for You
In-person events are no longer just about content, they’re about connection. And yet, 42% of event organizers still struggle with low engagement in networking, based on data from Bizzabo’s 2025 Networking Report. In this session, Shana will show you how to turn awkward coffee chats into intentional connection moments that drive real results. We’ll explore how to build networking experiences that reduce anxiety and maximize ROI for organizers, attendees, and sponsors alike.
Whether you’re hosting a tech conference or a meetup, this talk helps you level up your networking game - because in today’s events, connection isn’t a side dish, it’s the main course.
Shana's Testimonials
Shana delivers impactful insights around connection, community, and belonging with the heart of a teacher. You'll walk away with a new perspective and a clear roadmap to drive change in your organization.
Brian Oblinger -CEO, Brian Oblinger Consultancy - Former SVP, New Products - Commsor
Shana presented a few keynotes at multiple App Growth Summit events, and was also a guest on our podcast. Her energy, intelligence, and stage presence was one of the best we’ve ever had on the stage, or in the booth! Get Shana as a speaker, and your event’s speaker roster will immediately double in quality!
Founder and Managing Director - App Growth Summit
Shana is an amazing speaker and moderator. Knowledgeable, confident, and with true gravitas, she consistently grabs the attention of an audience whether in-person or virtual
Yogesh Chauhan
Senior Director of Sustainability - HubSpot
Shana is a pleasure to see on stage. She is equal parts captivating and deeply knowledgeable. Her ability to distill complex ideas into clear, actionable insights leaves audiences not just informed, but truly energized!
Beth McIntyre
Director of Community at Bevy, Leader of CMX
Going to a networking event with Shana is always exciting because she has this incredible way of turning what could be an overwhelming experience into something genuinely fun and uplifting. She encourages me to step out of my comfort zone, sparking real conversations and meaningful connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise. It’s never a dull time with her, because she doesn’t just bring the energy, she radiates it, and somehow everyone else in the room feels it.
Nicki Griffith
Flag Football Sales Representative - Riddell
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I don’t take it lightly when someone wants to bring me into their space. If you’re here, it means you care about building deeper, more human connections and I’d be honored to help make that happen.