Keynotes, Panelist, and Presenter (12)
Created on: 28 Jun 2025
Shon Barnwell served in the United States Air Force for 25 years shaping organizations on five continents. Her areas of expertise include logistics, project management, on-demand training, and consulting. She served in numerous leadership positions and deployed in support of several operations in Southwest Asia. During her final tours of duty as a Superintendent, she was responsible for all matters affecting morale, welfare, resiliency, retention, recruitment, and readiness. Shon rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant – a rank that reflects only 1% of the enlisted force. After retiring in 2014, Shon started an event planning company to provide professional and memorable experiences for her clients and their guests. She has launched 350 successful events, managed a budget of $4M, and delighted more than 36,000 people. Shon leverages her travels to 28 countries to provide unique and premier hospitality experiences. In 2023, the Founder and CEO of the Women Veterans Alliance (WVA) nominated Shon for the Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Making a Difference” Initiative; and in 2024, she was nominated for the prestigious Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Medal. In 2020, Shon launched a publishing company and released her first book, “Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles.” She conducts impactful workshops on Leadership and Professional Development to help individuals, groups, and Human Resources and Training departments to develop high-performing and resilient team members. Shon has served on several Boards and she also mentors emerging leaders, fellow Veteran entrepreneurs, and their families. Shon holds a Masters in Business Administration degree and holds several certifications in team building, training, and hospitality. She resides in South Carolina, with her husband of 34 years, retired Master Sergeant Andre Barnwell, United States Air Force. They have a lovely daughter, Aliyah.
