Shea M. Holman Kilian

Shea is an Assistant Professor of Legal Studies at George Mason University, where she teaches various government courses and guides students through the Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC). Shea’s teaching approach is centered on fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, and she actively connects her students with real-world experiences through guest speaker series, field trips, and personalized mentorship. She also serves as a member of the Schar School of Policy and Government’s Gender and Policy Center advisory board, contributing her expertise to advancing gender equity in policy and governance.

Outside of George Mason, Shea is a lawyer and policy advocate specializing in workplace harassment reform, gender equity, and civil rights. She serves as Counsel at the Purple Method, providing strategic legal guidance, overseeing policy development, and collaborating with stakeholders to create safer, more equitable workplaces. In this role, Shea is responsible for advising on complex legal matters, drafting and reviewing key policy documents, and ensuring that the organization’s initiatives align with legal standards and best practices in the fields of gender equity and anti-harassment.

At the Purple Method, Shea supports employers as they implement best practices for addressing sexual misconduct, tailoring policies and programs to each specific company’s culture, mission, and needs. Shea develops and implements anti-harassment and inclusive workplace trainings, creating customized programs that not only address legal compliance but also foster a culture of accountability and respect. Beyond her legal advisory role, Shea leads policy advocacy efforts to drive legislative and regulatory changes in workplace harassment, gender equity, and safety. Her skill in translating complex legal concepts into actionable policy
recommendations has been key to advancing the organization’s mission. In her previous role as Executive Director at the Purple Campaign, Shea led state and federal advocacy efforts, co-authored amicus briefs for major #MeToo cases, and advanced key initiatives including protecting federal judiciary employees from harassment under the Judiciary Accountability Act and expanding military anti-harassment protections under the National Defense Authorization Act.

Shea earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating with Highest Honors in the Employment Law concentration. She served as the president of the Women’s Law Student Association, where she was actively involved in advocating for gender equity and supporting fellow students. Shea also holds a B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan, where she developed a strong foundation in critical thinking and a deep appreciation for the arts. This interdisciplinary background has informed her holistic approach to law and policy work, allowing her to address complex issues with creativity and nuance. Shea is based in Washington, D.C., where she continues her advocacy efforts for inclusion, equity, and the empowerment of all individuals.