Collaborative
Problem
Solver
Meet Sharon
Sharon Shelton is an experienced, committed executive leader and strategic partner with specific focus and strength in organizational direction, program vision, design, resource/fundraising, advocacy strategies, grants management, volunteer support, and building positive internal and external relationships. She has guided organizations through evolution and transition, both as an executive and as a board member.
Throughout her advocacy career, Ms. Shelton has been called upon to advocate for social justice issues exemplified by mission driven causes, including the following appointments and roles:
Los Angeles County Alcohol and Other Drug Commission addressing issues and the negative impact of substance use disorders on the quality of life for individuals and their families in Los Angeles County.
Former Chair of the Los Angeles Community Action Board, part of the nation’s Community Action Agencies established under Title II of the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to deliver anti-poverty services to impoverished communities.
Appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (March 2017) to the Women and Girls Initiative to better address the disproportionate disadvantages faced by women and girls.
Trustee, serving term II-2024-2026, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, a leading institution in education grounded in its social justice heritage. Pacific Oaks College prepares students to be culturally intelligent agents of change serving diverse communities guided by four core values—respect, diversity, social justice, and inclusion.
Sharon holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communications from California State University Long Beach and a Master of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Humanity First
A national leadership and implementation resource connecting nonviolence, voter rights, self-worth and understanding ethical AI with practical commitments by civic, business and community leaders.
Early Beginnings & Beyond
Sharon began her career 1991 with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where she met iconic civil rights activist, Rosa Parks – a meeting that inspired and shaped her social justice career.
She has since been actively involved in facilitating racial dialogues and establishing partnerships with organizations such as the Institute of Non-Violence Los Angeles, as she firmly believes that racism is a health crisis that requires our attention. Sharon is certified in Mediation and Conflict Management by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office and is an active member with the national Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), receiving a member spotlight in 2023 and an appointment to MBBI’s 2026 UN delegation.
KBLA Interview
A KBLA discussion with Dominique DiPrima and Rev. Oliver Bouie exploring the importance of changing the culture of violence and strengthening community dialogue.