After four years in which Virginia’s diversity office was renamed and redirected under Republican leadership, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has moved to restore a broader equity focus with the appointment of Sesha Joi Moon as the state’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“When every Virginian has the opportunity to reach their full potential, it benefits all of us. Virginia deserves leaders who will make sure our work to grow our Commonwealth’s economy keeps the needs of all Virginians in mind,” Spanberger said. “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.” 

“As a proud Virginia 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 Commonwealth,” Moon said. 

Moon brings more than 20 years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion work across government, education and nonprofit sectors. She most recently served as chief diversity officer of the U.S. House of Representatives, leading the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion under Speakers Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy and Mike Johnson. 

Under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the office Moon will lead was restructured and renamed. Early in his term, Youngkin replaced the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion, shifting its stated focus toward economic opportunity. The move drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights advocates who argued the change weakened the state’s commitment to equity. Youngkin appointed Martin D. Brown to lead the renamed office. Brown drew widespread attention in 2023 when he said during a public appearance that “DEI is dead,” remarks that fueled further debate over the administration’s approach to diversity initiatives. 

Moon’s previous roles include chief impact officer at Girl Scouts of the USA and chief diversity officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce. While at Commerce, she received the Bronze Award for Superior Performance and the Commerce Spirit Award. 

Moon holds a doctorate in public administration and policy from Old Dominion University. She earned a bachelor’s in African American studies and a master’s from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has received the VCU Black History in the Making Award and maintains endowments at Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Richmond Public Schools. 

Moon is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and has served on several boards and advisory groups, including the African American Federal Executive Association and the Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board. She is also a senior research fellow with The Conference Board’s Engagement Institute and a senior fellow with the Partnership for Public Service’s Excellence in Government Fellowship Program. 

A Richmond native, Moon is the daughter of Michon Moon and the late August Moon, a longtime community activist.