Shonda Edmendson, Field Product Advisor IV on Influential Women
Verified Member

Influential Woman · Automotive

Shonda Edmendson

Field Product Advisor IV, Rivian

Raleigh, NC 27616

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Centura College

Her Story

About Shonda

Shonda Edmendson is a customer experience professional and Field Product Advisor IV at Rivian, where she combines her passion for innovation, education, and relationship-building to help customers understand the future of electric mobility. With more than 10 years of experience across automotive, hospitality, retail, and creative industries, Shonda has developed a unique ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver exceptional customer experiences. In her role at Rivian, she guides customers through vehicle demonstrations, provides in-depth product education, and helps individuals confidently transition to electric vehicles by highlighting their benefits, technology, and long-term value.

Throughout her career, Shonda has built a strong foundation in customer service, sales, and team collaboration. Prior to joining Rivian, she gained extensive hospitality experience as a server and bartender, where she developed strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of customer needs. She also pursued her passion for creativity through photography, with her work featured in Richmond Magazine and local art galleries. Her photography has been recognized by notable audiences, including an R&B artist who purchased one of her pieces, reflecting her talent for storytelling through visual expression.

Shonda is passionate about authenticity, empathy, adaptability, and maintaining meaningful connections with others. She credits her success to the support of her family, faith, and mentors who have encouraged her growth and resilience throughout her journey. Whether supporting customers, collaborating with high-performing teams, or creating art, Shonda approaches each opportunity with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. She continues to inspire others by embracing change, staying grounded in her values, and bringing a people-focused perspective to every environment she serves.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Shonda

01What do you attribute your success to?

God first and my family and close loved ones including my mother sister and cousin Kim along with professional mentor Bryce Cornell who helped develop me over the past three years.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always have compassion and adaptability because you adapt to any environment whether sales service or hospitality and want to learn more so that within three months it feels like you've been there for five years.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The advice I would give to young women entering the automotive industry is to be confident in your voice, stay open to learning, and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Most importantly, I would remind young women that they belong in this space. Their presence, perspective, and leadership can help shape a better experience for both customers and teams.



04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest opportunities in the automotive field right now is growth. While there will always be challenges in any evolving industry, I see this as a particularly exciting time because of how much innovation and expansion is taking place. At Rivian, the introduction of the R2 represents an important moment in the company’s history and reflects the continued momentum of the brand. For someone in this field, it is an exciting time to learn, contribute, and grow alongside a company that is helping shape the future of automotive.



05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are authenticity, compassion, balance, and adaptability. I believe in staying true to myself, my beliefs, and my emotions while showing kindness and empathy to others. I also value balance to stay grounded and adaptability to handle change and challenges with grace. As a woman, being true to myself is especially important because it helps me lead with honesty and show that truth to those around me. 



Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.