Michele Shelton
CDP, CPC
KY, US
Michele Lawlis Shelton is not just another diversity trainer. She is an international speaker, author, consultant, and social justice advocate. As a diversity and human relations expert specializing in race and gender, Michele partners with courageous leaders to make inclusivity more than a goal. She is passionate about confronting the "-isms" that negatively impact how we experience humanity at work and beyond; and therefore, helps organizations eliminate systems that prevent individuals and communities from reaching their true potential. Noted for her candor, unique insight, and innovative approaches, Michele is a value-added consultant and audience favorite at conferences, retreats, and community events. She is available on an international basis to keynote and consult.
Throughout her career of more than twenty years, Michele has held leadership roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sector advancing equal opportunity in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. She is former Executive Director of the Office of Diversity & Equality and Director of Strategic Partnerships & Mission Integration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. Under her leadership state government expanded internal and external efforts to promote voluntary and proactive EEO compliance, maximize cross-sector partnerships, and advance diversity and inclusion throughout the Commonwealth's workplaces, schools, and communities.
Prior to Michele's appointment to state government, she served as an EEO compliance officer enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the City of Louisville and Louisville Metro Government. Her previous experience also includes private sector HR contracting and managing the implementation of program partnerships with the U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Urban League, and National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Michele's insights as a diversity and inclusion thought leader are most recently featured in her third book, You @Work: Unlocking Human Potential in the Workplace (Silver Tree Publishing). She is currently working on her fourth and solo title, The Simplicity of Diversity, which will be released later this year.
Michele Lawlis Shelton is not just another diversity trainer. She is an international speaker, author, consultant, and social justice advocate. As a diversity and human relations expert specializing in race and gender, Michele partners with courageous leaders to make inclusivity more than a goal. She is passionate about confronting the "-isms" that negatively impact how we experience humanity at work and beyond; and therefore, helps organizations eliminate systems that prevent individuals and communities from reaching their true potential. Noted for her candor, unique insight, and innovative approaches, Michele is a value-added consultant and audience favorite at conferences, retreats, and community events. She is available on an international basis to keynote and consult.
Throughout her career of more than twenty years, Michele has held leadership roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sector advancing equal opportunity in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. She is former Executive Director of the Office of Diversity & Equality and Director of Strategic Partnerships & Mission Integration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. Under her leadership state government expanded internal and external efforts to promote voluntary and proactive EEO compliance, maximize cross-sector partnerships, and advance diversity and inclusion throughout the Commonwealth's workplaces, schools, and communities.
Prior to Michele's appointment to state government, she served as an EEO compliance officer enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the City of Louisville and Louisville Metro Government. Her previous experience also includes private sector HR contracting and managing the implementation of program partnerships with the U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Urban League, and National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Michele's insights as a diversity and inclusion thought leader are most recently featured in her third book, You @Work: Unlocking Human Potential in the Workplace (Silver Tree Publishing). She is currently working on her fourth and solo title, The Simplicity of Diversity, which will be released later this year.
Confront & Conquer the Ever-Changing Landscape of DEI
Format: 45 - 60 minute [keynote]
This program is perfect for:
- C-suite
- Senior and Mid-level Managers
- Associations
The audience will leave with:
- Clarity on the evolution of diversity and the implications for DEI efforts today
- DEI challenges that must be addressed to create a permanent culture shift
- (1) specific action step to...
Inclusive Leadership in a Post-Pandemic Era
Format: 45 - 60 minutes [keynote]
This program is perfect for:
- C-suite
- Senior and Mid-level Managers
- Associations
The audience will leave with:
- Understanding of the post-pandemic cultural shifts that are impacting the workplace
- Insight into the needs and expectations of an evolving vs. quitting workforce
- Tips on how to reset and...
All Hands on Deck: Building an Effective DEI Team
Format: 45 - 60 minutes [keynote, breakout, or concurrent]
This program is perfect for:
- C-suite
- Senior and Mid-level Managers
- Associations
The audience will leave with:
- The benefits of creating a DEI-focused team
- (3) mistakes to avoid when creating the team
- (3) critical steps to maximize team...
Unintended Consequences of Unconscious Bias in Healthcare
Format: 45-60 minute [keynote or breakout]
This program is perfect for:
- Healthcare Providers & Hospital Administrators
- Medical Office Staff
- Patient Advocates
The audience will leave with:
- An understanding of racial disparities and patient advocacy needs in healthcare
- Strategies for reducing personal bias and increasing patient...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Race Case for Diversity
Format: 45 – 60 minutes [keynote]
This program is perfect for:
· C-Suite
· Senior and Mid-level Managers
· Anyone who questions whether it's ok and/or how to address race as a focus for DEI
The audience will leave with:
· Clarity on the evolution of diversity and the implications for race today
· Understanding of why it's ok and how to talk about race in the...
Too Close for Comfort: An Exploration of Racism & Sexism
Format: 45 – 60 minutes [keynote, breakout or concurrent]
This program is perfect for:
· C-Suite
· Senior and Mid-level Managers
· Women's Groups
The audience will leave with:
· Clarity on the significance and similarities of racism and sexism in the diversity debate
· Insight on hidden forces that continue to create division among women in the workplace
·...
Driving Flexible Workforce Strategies in the Digital Workplace
Format: 30 - 45 minute [keynote, breakout or concurrent]
This program is perfect for:
- C-suite Leaders
- All Management
- Human Resources
The audience will leave with:
- Understanding of how to prioritize employee well-being in a way that is effective and empowering
- Insights into redefining relationship building in a virtual...
Certifications & Awards
