Learn More about our cEO
Dr. Shawn Spann Edwards
Dr. Shawn Spann Edwards, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Dr. Shawn Spann Edwards is an organizational development professional with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, human resources, and process management. She is the CEO and Principal Consultant of Solutions by Shawn Edwards, LLC, where there is a focus on assisting organizations and firms in building equitable and inclusive strategies, with an emphasis on strategy, systems, culture, and leadership. She is also a professor in the College of Charleston’s School of Business.
Shawn has aligned her academic achievement with her passion ensuring that she continues to provide the most up-to-date best practice and strategies for her clients. She holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Dr. Edwards earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Temple University, an MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from Walden University, a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Webster University, and an Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College.
Dr. Edwards has obtained certifications for several well-known and validated, leadership and organizational culture assessments such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI), and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She has also created integrated tools to assist her clients in measuring Psychological Safety and understanding their path on the DEI continuum.
Solutions by Shawn Edwards has a diverse book of clientele from nonprofits to credit unions, festivals, firms and corporations, located within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, New York and California. This variety provides an opportunity for multifaceted expertise and engagement necessary for optimal impact in any setting.
Shawn volunteers in many capacities serving on various nonprofit boards and serves as a mentor to young professionals. Dr. Edwards currently serves on the board of Together SC and One80Place. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a long-term member of Christian Praise & Worship Center serving in leadership. Originally from Jersey City, NJ, Shawn resides in Charleston, SC with her husband Derrick J. Edwards, and her most significant accomplishment is their five adult children and two grandchildren.
Tamara Baxter, Executive Assistant
Tamara Baxter is owner of Anchored Assistant (AA), a virtual assistant company that helps clients manage a variety of task. AA has been operating since 2018 and takes pride in making sure all of her clients receive the ultimate care while working with her. Services include but not limited to calendar management, booking travel, creating spreadsheets, personal assistant, etc. Anchored Assistant takes on a range of clients from music entertainers, to public speakers and even other business owners. Tamara’s goal is to stay “anchored” so that everyone gets the best from her services.
You can connect with Tamara to schedule time with Dr. Edwards, obtain project updates, or share documents and other information. She can be reached at tamara@shawnedwards.net.
Qualifications
CEO Education
Shawn has aligned her academic achievement with her passion ensuring that she continues to provide the most up-to-date best practice and strategies for your clients. She holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute and is an SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Dr. Edwards earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Temple University, MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from Walden University, a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Webster University, and an Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College. Her research interests include nonprofit management and governance, organizational diversity, equity and inclusion, human resource management, strategy development, and culture alignment.
Engaged in the community
CEO Engagement
Engaged in the community, Dr. Edwards serves as a board member for the YWCA of Greater Charleston, where she chairs the Governance Committee, an advisory board member for Palmetto Warrior Connection, and the board chair for The Autism Platform Project; a nonprofit focused on creating work and career opportunities for individuals with autism. She is also a member of the Diversity Council for the SC Chamber of Commerce, a member of Explore Charleston’s Heart for Hospitality Advisory Board, and Temple University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative Academic External Advisory Board. Dr. Edwards is a former board member of the SC Society for Human Resource Management (SC SHRM) and Palmetto SHRM (formerly Tri-County Human Resource Mgt. Association) and a former Honorary Commander for Joint Base Charleston.
Shawn is a mentor to many and has served as a volunteer for several organizations in the Charleston area and has spoken at various schools, career fairs, and organizations on a range of topics to include DEI, HR, and culture development. Dr. Edwards is also adjunct faculty at Trident Technical College and the College of Charleston.
Dr. Edwards is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a long-term member of Christian Praise & Worship Center, located in the Accabee section of North Charleston. Under the leadership of Lonnie M. Palmer, Shawn is an active member serving in many capacities including the ministerial staff. Originally from Jersey City, NJ, Shawn resides in Charleston, SC. with her husband Derrick J. Edwards, together they have five children and one grandchild.
Notable Achievements & Awards
CEO Credibility
- Leadership South Carolina Alumni (2016)
- Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Fellow(2013)
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)–Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification (2014)
- Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Senior Professional of Human Resources
(SPHR) Certification (2011) - Certified BRIDGES Trainer (2005) / Certified DISC Trainer (2009) / Certified Polarity Thinking
Trainer (2016) - Charleston Regional Business Journal 40 under 40 Awardee (2015)
- Outstanding Student of the Year Award (2009) Distinguished Alumni Award (2010)–Webster University
- Bethune-Leonard Section National Council of Negro Women 2010 Innovator under 35 Awardee
- Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Charleston Graduate (2006)
- South Carolina Notary Public–Notary Expires February 9, 2022