Description

From Overlooked to Outstanding Presented by Sharnelle Shelton. In this highly interactive and purpose-driven session, Sharnelle will engage attendees by blending personal narrative, audience reflection, and practical frameworks to explore how organizations can tap into underutilized talent pools and create inclusive hiring and advancement strategies that truly work. Together with Sharnelle, attendees will address common workforce blind spots such as overreliance on traditional credentials, lack of cultural competence in hiring, and ineffective retention of diverse talent, and engage in a "Barrier to Breakthrough" exercise to emphasize accountability and success. Whether you're a recruiter, HR leader, executive, or community partner, this session will provide the mindset shift and tactical tools needed to move from performative inclusion to powerful impact. 

Sharnelle Shelton Bio

Sharnelle Shelton is a proud Benson High School graduate and alumna of Metropolitan Community College, whose journey reflects a lifelong dedication to leadership, service, and community advancement. She currently serves as Board Chair and elected official for the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, where she champions educational equity and opportunity for children and families.

Beyond this role, she serves on multiple boards that reflect her heart for people: Omaha Cares, a mentoring board dedicated to youth development; Mom Power, which supports mothers navigating life’s middle stages; Hello Joy, which empowers single mothers; and The Exchange, where she contributes as a trusted board adviser.

As the Owner and Founder of CoreScience BioDiagnostics, a diagnostic lab in North Omaha, Sharnelle is committed to expanding access to health, wellness, and workforce testing services. Her leadership and entrepreneurial impact have been recognized with her induction into the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 and as an Emerging Leaders Alumni.

A devoted woman of faith, Sharnelle is a member of Church on Purpose, where she serves on both the Hospitality and Social Media Ministries, using her gifts to uplift and connect others. While she holds many titles, she proudly shares that her favorite position is being a mother to her three sons.

Sharnelle is known for her resilience, vision, and commitment to building stronger communities by empowering individuals and families to thrive.