Shanon Starkey

Shanon Starkey is a U.S. Army combat Veteran, nonprofit program director, and trauma informed practitioner whose leadership is shaped by a rare combination of military service, justice-impacted experience, and deep community engagement. She currently serves as the Director of Hearts for Heroes at The Belief Center, where she develops and leads programs that support Veterans, military families, and justice-involved service members across East Texas. Shanon served nearly a decade in the United States Army, including deployment to combat and work in overseas detainment operations. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into the complexities of military culture, the emotional toll of service, and the long-term effects of trauma. After transitioning out of the military, she faced her own challenges, including mental health struggles, military sexual trauma, and the realities of rebuilding life as a single mother. Her journey also includes surviving incarceration - an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of accountability, humanity, and the gaps in support for women Veterans. This dual perspective - having served inside a prison and later having lived inside one - uniquely positions Shanon to lead programs that address the needs of system-impacted Veterans with authenticity, empathy, and credibility. Her work centers on reconciliation, healing, and restoring dignity to individuals who often feel unseen or underserved. At Hearts for Heroes, Shanon oversees program development, community partnerships, and direct support services. Her leadership is grounded in trauma-informed care, peer-driven connection, and a commitment to creating safe, accessible spaces for Veterans to rebuild identity and purpose. She also partners with the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN), supports the SHINE Moms program, and advocates for incarcerated Veterans across East Texas. Additionally, she founded the region’s first women Veteran social organization, creating a long over due community for connection, visibility, and empowerment. Shanon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and brings professional experience in healthcare operations, retail leadership, and nonprofit program design. Her approach blends operational structure with lived experience, allowing her to build programs that are both compassionate and sustainable. The past two years have marked a significant period of personal and professional transformation. Through intentional healing, community support, and renewed purpose, Shanon has rebuilt a life centered on service, humanity, and hope. Her work reflects this evolution - prioritizing dignity, belonging, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. As she continues her journey through the Dog Tag Fellowship Program, Shanon is focused on expanding her nonprofit leadership skills, strengthening program infrastructure, and developing long-term initiatives that support women Veterans and justice-impacted service members. Her mission is clear: to create pathways for healing, connection, and community transformation in East Texas and beyond.