Delta Sigma Theta Soror Dr. Sesha Joi Moon Named Virginia’s Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. soror Dr. Sesha Joi Moon has been appointed as Virginia’s next Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, marking a historic moment for Black leadership and equity-centered governance in the Commonwealth.

Governor-elect Spanberger announced the appointment while highlighting Dr. Moon’s deep experience across government, education, and the nonprofit sector.

“When every Virginian has the opportunity to reach their full potential, it benefits all of us,” Spanberger said. “Virginia deserves leaders who will make sure our work to grow our Commonwealth’s economy keeps the needs of all Virginians in mind. Today, I’m excited to announce that Dr. Moon is joining our administration. Her experience across government, education, and the nonprofit sectors gives her firsthand insight into the ways in which we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Virginia for every family.”

Dr. Moon brings more than 20 years of social impact expertise to the role. Most recently, she served as the Inaugural Chief Impact Officer at Girl Scouts USA, where she advanced national efforts focused on belonging, leadership development, and equity for girls across the country.

Prior to her work at Girl Scouts USA, Dr. Moon served as Chief Diversity Officer of the U.S. House of Representativesduring the 117th and 118th Congresses. In that role, she led the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion under Speakers Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy, and Mike Johnson. Earlier in her career, she also served as Chief Diversity Officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she received both the Commerce Bronze Award for Superior Performance and the Commerce Spirit Award.

Reflecting on the historic nature of her appointment, Dr. Moon shared:

“In 1921, Maggie Lena Walker became the first woman to run for statewide office on a ticket known as ‘Lily Black.’ In November, a little over a century later, Virginians made history by electing the most representative administration in over 400 years and I am deeply honored by my nomination as the next Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a proud native, I look forward to joining the cabinet of Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger as her historic administration works to advance a future in which all Virginians have access to opportunity, to include residents from some of the hardest-to-reach communities throughout the state.”

Dr. Moon holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy from Old Dominion University and earned both her Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her honors include the VCU Black History in the Making Award and the VCU Alumni Stars Award. She also made history as the first Black queer woman to establish an endowed scholarship fund at VCU and maintains endowments at Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Richmond Public Schools.

Initiated in Spring 2003 through the Eta Tau Chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Moon is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. She is also affiliated with the Virginia Black Historic Preservation Alliance, serves in the President’s Circle with the WNBA’s New York Liberty and Washington Mystics, and has held board and fellowship roles with several national organizations.

As she prepares to return home to Richmond to begin this next chapter, Dr. Moon reflected on her journey and the legacy ahead:

“I am beyond proud to return to my beloved hometown of Richmond, Virginia to join an executive leadership team that will one day be etched in the annals of history. As I prepare to embark on this next chapter, I’m thankful for my tenure as the Inaugural Chief Impact Officer at GSUSA as it reaffirmed my commitment to belonging. Juliette Gordon Low once said, ‘the work of today is the history of tomorrow and we are its makers,’ and may the Girl Scout Movement continue to build girls with the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place as they become history-making women like the one who will take the oath of office as the 75th Governor of Virginia during MLK Weekend.”

Dr. Moon currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia and is the proud daughter of Dr. Michon Moon and the late August Moon. Her appointment is a continuation of Delta Sigma Theta’s legacy of scholarship, service, and leadership at the highest levels of public life.