Shalonda Spencer is a proven social entrepreneur, policy expert, and advocate who has influenced political and social decisions as a strategist and made policy recommendations to government officials on the local, state, and federal levels.

She has over a decade of experience in government affairs, human rights, and social and racial justice. As a business executive and speaker, Shalonda has led national security conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion while leading roundtable discussions for international audiences and organizations. Her activist approach to fighting for systemic change has allowed her to stand in the line of marches to end racial disparities and elevate young women through mentorship.

As the former Executive Director of WCAPS, Shalonda raised the voice and prominence of women of color in foreign affairs, diplomacy, and international relations. Before joining WCAPS, she served as the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Trying Together in Pittsburgh, PA, advocating for high-quality early learning education for children and families. Shalonda served as a Legislative Assistant for the United States House of Representatives for the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi and as a Foreign Policy Analyst for the Mennonite Central Committee. She also served as an adjunct professor at Millsaps College in Mississippi, teaching urban politics within the Government and Politics Department. Shalonda was the Advocacy Coordinator for ACLU of Mississippi, focusing on the affiliate’s criminal justice reform and voter rights centers of work. Her mastery in community organizing has influenced voters in political campaigns throughout the southern borders of Mississippi, including federal presidential campaigns within our leading democracy.

Shalonda most recently received the 21st Century Leader Award from the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, and successfully completed the 2022 International Career Advancement Program (ICAP). She is notable for her many contributions while serving in the public and private sectors. With her admiration and dedication to public service, you can find Shalonda helming in Washington, D.C. where she resides.