Sheila Dean

Sheila Dean is a privacy advocacy consultant and independent media producer based in Austin, Texas, whose work brings together media, communications, technology, and data privacy. She officially began her consulting practice in 2014, building on a multidisciplinary background that includes political science, mass communication and media studies, public relations, and entertainment PR. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies from the University of North Florida, where she also studied journalism, public speaking, political theory, philosophy, and music history.

Throughout her career, Sheila has focused on helping stakeholders understand complex issues involving privacy, technology, and individual rights. Her areas of specialization include privacy advocacy, mass surveillance, AI regulation, identity privacy, and data protection. Her media experience spans editorial work, television production, radio broadcasting, research, analysis, presentation, and online content creation, while her consulting work has involved educating organizations and individuals about privacy considerations and emerging technological challenges. She has also developed professional relationships with individuals connected to numerous state government campaigns while engaging in discussions surrounding privacy, surveillance, identity systems, and emerging technology.

Today, Sheila is increasingly focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and privacy, examining questions surrounding transparency, consent, data use, intellectual property, and individual autonomy. She is passionate about helping people understand how technological developments can affect their personal information and rights, while encouraging thoughtful approaches to innovation and regulation. Through her consulting, media production, and educational efforts, Sheila combines creativity, research, communication, and advocacy to promote greater awareness of privacy and the evolving relationship between technology and society.