A native Texan, mother and philanthropist. A Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Wiley College with a background in Public Relations and Communications from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is the Executive Director of Founders First Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit community development organization and small business accelerator that supports underrepresented founders achieve growth through educational curriculum, hands-on assignments, and expert coaching. Shaylon manages partner relationships, strategic management, development and expansion needs as the programs continue to grow throughout the US. Also an award-winning speaker, presenter, entrepreneur and a published writer, she has represented organizations and causes at events for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the national Points of Light Conference and multiple community driven initiatives and conferences. Her various roles in the community all centered around making systemic changes and impact on a larger scale through innovative means. Shaylon has effectively blended a career in the nonprofit and for profit sectors and has extensive experience working in local government managing millions of HUD dollars, impact investing, social enterprises, Rural Development and TDHCA-funded housing as well as community driven programs. As the past President of Collin County Social Services Association, she worked to elevate the needs of the community and the nonprofit sector as a whole.Prior to joining Founders First CDC, Shaylon administered education programs for the Texas Attorney General to students in Austin on child support and paternity law and students in Travis County ISD and the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program. She also previously led the growth and expansion of a Dallas based social enterprise that provided alternative auto lending to underserved populations. She previously served as the Community Engagement Manager and was the liaison for the City of Dallas’ volunteer-driven efforts. She has served on numerous committees, boards, programs and initiatives as well as consulted on program implementation and adjustments. She is a graduate of Leadership North Texas University and has won numerous awards in the social service sector and innovation. She previously served on the advisory committee for the Collin County families IMPACT initiative and is a current member of the Heritage Giving Fund, a philanthropic group of black community leaders that support black female led nonprofit organizations through impact grants.