Our Team
FOUNDER
Dr. Shawne Duperon never expected that a five-minute video about forgiveness would spark a global movement. Yet it did, reaching millions around the world, attracting international media attention, inspiring leaders including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and contributing to her 2016 Nobel Peace Prize nomination for The Apology (You’ll Never Receive)®.
With a PhD in Communication, six EMMY® Awards, and 28 EMMY® nominations, Dr. Shawne has spent decades studying how communication shapes our relationships, influences behavior, and builds trust. Her work brings together brain science, emotional intelligence, and the power of forgiveness to strengthen how we communicate at home, in our communities, and in the workplace.
Through Project Forgive, Dr. Shawne advances a non-religious, science-based approach to forgiveness, helping people navigate painful experiences, difficult conversations, and relationships where an apology may never come. Her work also extends to corporations, universities, governments, and community organizations, where she teaches high-pressure communication, leadership, and the behaviors that build trust.
Drawing from her own journey of forgiveness following childhood trauma, Dr. Shawne brings both personal experience and decades of communication expertise to the movement. Her vision is to expand these conversations globally, strengthening the people who strengthen others and creating a ripple effect of trust across families, workplaces, and communities.
Hily Trevethan
If you’ve spent any time engaging with Project Forgive or ShawneTV, you’ve likely experienced Hily. We call her our “Mission Control Maven” for a reason.
For more than 15 years, Hily has been the person behind the scenes keeping everything moving. From coordinating programs and events to supporting clients, partners, and our community, she’s known for her exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems.
A graphic designer by trade, Hily also published her own film and video magazine for 14 years. Her creativity, organizational expertise, and dedication are an important part of everything we do at Project Forgive.