Shonda Knight

Shonda Knight is a seasoned communications leader, award-winning journalist, and children’s book author who currently serves as the Executive Director of Community and Media Relations for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in Tallahassee, Florida. In this role, Shonda leads strategic initiatives that foster trust between the agency and the community, managing media relations, public outreach, and event planning. Under her leadership, the Sheriff’s Office earned statewide recognition from the Florida Public Relations Association, receiving the Community Relations Award in 2018 and a Judges Award in 2019.

Prior to her work in law enforcement communications, Shonda built a distinguished 17-year career in broadcast journalism. As an Executive Producer and Anchor at WCTV-TV, she co-anchored the station’s highest-rated newscasts, becoming the first African American woman to do so in the morning time slot. Her passion for storytelling and mentorship extended into academia, where she spent nearly a decade as an adjunct professor at Florida State University, teaching aspiring journalists who now work in markets across the country. She is a multi-time Florida Associated Press award winner and has served as Vice President of the Florida AP Broadcasters.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shonda is the author of "My Omnilocks: Hair with Endless Looks", a board book that celebrates natural hair and self-love for toddlers. A dedicated community advocate, she serves on the boards of First Commerce Credit Union, Whole Child Leon, and the South City Foundation, and is actively involved in organizations including the Florida Public Relations Association, the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Shonda continues to use her voice and platforms to uplift communities, empower women, and celebrate cultural pride.

• Florida State University