Shannon Littell ‘13 (strategic communication) believes careers are rarely linear. Even within one industry, roles, technology and business needs constantly evolve. Communication skills, she said, are “chameleon skills” – the ability to translate complex work into meaning tied to business goals. That capability, she added, is rare and valuable across industries, whether it’s journalism, cybersecurity, communications or marketing.
Littell first joined United Airlines in 2021 as senior manager of digital technology communications. By 2024, she had transitioned into her current role as senior manager of cybersecurity communications and engagement.
At United, corporate communications cover crisis response, creative, internal and frontline messaging. Digital technology and cybersecurity communications, however, sit outside that structure. They require, Littell explained, “someone in the weeds” because of their impact on the company’s overall business.
She began supporting the cybersecurity awareness team where she was responsible for phishing simulations and enterprise education during a leadership transition. That work opened the door to her full move into cybersecurity.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the shift, Littell said, has been mentoring her successor.
“Building people up and enabling career growth, that’s the best part.”
United Airlines also invests in leadership development. Littell is part of Leading Together, a six-month, cross-company program that brings together employees from finance, frontline operations, marketing and other departments. Participants tackle a real business challenge and present their solutions to executives in Chicago.
The group dynamic, she said, is both energizing and delicate.
“Everyone wants to contribute, but with so many high performers in one room, no one wants to steamroll,” Littell said. “The balance between leading and making space for others’ ideas is key.”
During her years as an undergraduate at Ohio State, Littell served on the executive board for PRSSA and as assistant PR chair for Kappa Delta Sorority. She attended the PRSSA National Conference in San Francisco her senior year. Captivated by the city, she decided to pursue a career in technology there.
In San Francisco, she built her communication career across both agency and in-house roles, starting at Nectar Communications and later moving to InkHouse Media + Marketing, where she expanded her portfolio into consumer tech and fintech and first developed an interest in financial technology. She then joined Visa, spending more than three years in corporate communication and supporting CFO on thought leadership and executive visibility.
After the pandemic, she pursued a master’s degree in communication at Arizona State University, a pivot that ultimately led her to United.
“Communication professionals translate value,” she said. “That’s a differentiator others often don’t have.”
Written by student Ellie Kulberg