Virginia’s incoming Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed Dr. Sesha Joi Moon to serve as the state’s chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, according to an announcement made Tuesday.

Moon, who self-identifies as a “Black queer woman” with doctorates in public administration and policy, comes to the position with a varied background spanning government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as chief impact officer for the Girl Scouts of the USA.

“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 in her statement. “When every Virginian has the opportunity to reach their full potential, it benefits all of us.”

The governor-elect, who takes office on January 17, emphasized that Moon’s diverse experience gives her “firsthand insight into the ways in which we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Virginia for every family.”

Moon’s appointment is notable for her connections to prominent Democratic figures. Through her private consulting practice, Moon & Associates, she previously worked as “chief brand strategist” for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a progressive Democrat from Texas who is currently running for the U.S. Senate. Moon also served as executive-in-residence with Stacey Abrams’ American Pride Rises Network, a DEI advocacy organization founded by the two-time Georgia gubernatorial candidate.

Prior to these roles, Moon held the position of chief diversity officer for the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th and 118th Congresses, serving under Speakers from both parties including Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy, and Mike Johnson.

Moon has been an outspoken defender of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at a time when such programs have faced criticism and scrutiny. In a podcast appearance earlier this year, she directly addressed critics of DEI work, stating, “This work has not stopped. You can defund and dismantle all you want, but the work continues.”

In that same interview, she expressed optimism about the future of DEI initiatives despite opposition: “I’m excited. I feel like DEI is just getting started. I know that sounds so insane to some people because some people think our discipline is crumbling, and I don’t see it like that. I feel like we’re onto something here.”

Moon responded to her appointment by saying she looks “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.”

The appointment comes as Spanberger prepares to take the reins in Virginia following her decisive electoral victory in November, where she defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by more than 10 percentage points. The win returns the governor’s mansion to Democratic control after Republican Glenn Youngkin’s term.

Virginia, long considered a purple state, has seen significant political shifts in recent years. Spanberger’s administration will face the challenge of governing a diverse state with areas ranging from deeply conservative rural regions to increasingly progressive urban centers.

The focus on diversity and inclusion reflects broader national conversations about representation and opportunity in government and business. As states grapple with changing demographics and evolving social expectations, appointments like Moon’s signal how incoming administrations are positioning themselves on these issues.

Moon’s extensive background in both public and private sectors, including experience working with both Democratic and Republican leadership in Congress, may serve as an asset as she navigates her new role in a politically diverse state.