Shayla Moon joins the Maynard Institute as Director of Coalition Building

The Maynard Institute is excited to announce that Shayla Moon is joining us as our inaugural Director of Coalition Building. 

In this role, Shayla will serve as the Institute’s lead staff member supporting the Coalition for Equitable Journalism Policy. The Coalition for Equitable Journalism Policy is supported by a grant from Press Forward and co-chaired by the Maynard Institute and the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund at Borealis Philanthropy. The Coalition for Equitable Journalism Policy also includes the Asian American Journalists Association, Indigenous Journalists Association, Latino Media Collaborative, Media 2070, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. 

Together, these organizations are working to ensure that emerging local news policies and public investments reflect the needs of all communities, particularly those historically underserved by traditional news media.

“Lasting policy change is rarely the work of a single voice,” Shayla said. “I am grateful to join the Maynard Institute and to learn from member organizations and partners who have long served their communities. I am eager to help them deepen their collaboration, align on shared priorities, and advance their advocacy goals.” 

Shayla will help us steward relationships, facilitate strategic planning and guide partners from shared purpose to coordinated action. 

“We are at an important moment for the future of local news. As we saw at the recent Local News Policy Summit in San Antonio, there is growing recognition that public policy and investment have a critical role to play in rebuilding the civic information infrastructure our communities need and deserve.But good policy doesn’t happen on its own. It takes organizing, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to making sure equity is at the center of this work,” said Martin G. Reynolds, Co-Executive Director of The Maynard Institute.

“That’s why we’re so excited to have Shayla joining us. She brings a wealth of experience in coalition building, public policy and bringing people together around common goals. Her leadership will be invaluable as we work with our partners to turn this momentum into meaningful action.”

Shayla is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a native of Denver. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Bennett College for Women and later received a master’s degree in public administration from Howard University. 

Beyond traditional policy work, Shayla has extensive experience advancing bipartisan initiatives. Her skills in public affairs, along with her focus on advancing minorities in business and in equitable policy spaces make her an ideal fit for the role as Director of Coalition Building.

Her career is defined by a strong commitment to bridging political divides and advancing policies that fuel economic growth. Before joining the the Digital Chamber, she was senior vice president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, spearheading initiatives that strengthened the region’s business ecosystem. 

She has also held policy leadership roles at the National Urban League and the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she influenced key legislative efforts on economic policy, housing and international trade. Throughout her work with trade associations and nonprofits, Shayla has been a consistent champion for solutions that enhance economic resilience and expand opportunities for businesses and communities alike. 

She is actively involved with civil rights and women’s organizations. She enjoys spending time with her son and dog, gaming, skiing, and collecting sneakers and classical jazz and hip-hop records.