Age: 39

Job: Human resources director, The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

At work: My work centers on elevating every voice, fostering authentic belonging and building teams empowered to excel. I spearhead strategic talent initiatives that don’t just fill roles but unlock potential, fuel growth and drive meaningful business and community impact.

Home and family: Norfolk, born and raised, and still deeply connected to the community that shaped me. I’m a devoted wife and the proud mom of two incredible kids. Our oldest is officially a college freshman, and our youngest is an energetic eighth grader with big dreams and even bigger opinions. I’m lucky to share life with my amazing husband, a history teacher.

Volunteer activities: One of my proudest commitments has been volunteering for Beautiful Kids, where I’ve spent over a decade planning event to raise awareness and funds for children with alopecia. I’ve also led a celebrity cook-off for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, organized school supply drives that offered free haircuts, and coordinated food and hygiene donations for the homeless. I serve on the Tidewater Community College Culinary and Hospitality Advisory Board, and the boards of Kennedy’s Angel Gowns and the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. Mentorship is at the heart of my work. I regularly coach young people on career readiness — from resumes to interviews — and I offer internships to give them hands-on experience in hospitality and event management.

Motivating factor: Impact with purpose — knowing my work helps create spaces where people feel seen, valued and empowered. Whether I’m building inclusive workplace cultures, mentoring the next generation or organizing community events, I’m driven by the belief that leadership should uplift others and create lasting change. I’m inspired daily by the people I serve; their resilience fuels my passion to keep pushing forward. I believe that when we lead with empathy and strategy, we don’t just fill roles, we transform lives, build community and leave a legacy of equity and excellence.

Advice to young people: Believe in the power of your voice and the value of your story. Your journey is unique, and your perspective matters.

Professional goal in five years: I will be a catalyst for change, redefining what it means to lead with purpose, equity and innovation. I plan to harness the insights from my doctorate research to pioneer groundbreaking strategies that revolutionize inclusive leadership and create ripple effects far beyond the workplace.

The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: What we need is a collective commitment to breaking down barriers and building bridges that connect every corner of our region. By fostering bold partnerships and inclusive growth, Hampton Roads can transform into a model for how diverse voices come together to create not just economic success, but a thriving, equitable community where everyone has the chance to rise, contribute and belong.

Region’s biggest asset: The people who bring this area to life every day.

Downtime: This is sacred time — a vital space where I recharge, reflect and reconnect with what truly fuels me. I honor this by indulging in a monthly spa day, allowing myself to reset and find balance amid life’s demands. Nature is my sanctuary, offering clarity and peace that inspire fresh perspectives. The soothing sound of flute music ground me, while traveling ignites my passion for discovery and growth. But nothing compares to the joy I find in sharing meals and unforgettable experiences with my family — those moments of genuine connection remind me of the deeper purpose behind everything I do.

What really gets under my skin: A lack of respect and empathy.

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-shannon-gibson-moye/