Her Story
About Sharletta
Sharletta M. Green is an educator, ordained minister, consultant, and leadership scholar with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and communities grow through education, faith, and service. Her career has spanned high school teaching, full-time pastoral ministry, higher education, and curriculum development, giving her a unique perspective on leadership across diverse settings. With a passion for fostering equitable change, Dr. Green is committed to empowering learners, developing leaders, and creating environments where individuals and communities can thrive.
Her academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Dr. Green earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Virginia State University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Marshall University with a focus on race relations and the sociology of religion, and a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She completed her Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and serving as a caregiver for her grandparents. Her doctoral research explored Black social activism and its influence on civil rights leadership, laying the foundation for her practical framework for community-centered leadership.
Today, Dr. Green applies her research through a four-pillar model for equitable change centered on cultivating relationships, building knowledge, developing communities, and collaborating. She incorporates this framework into curriculum development for youth civic engagement programs, consulting initiatives, and mentoring doctoral students as they complete their research and applied projects. Guided by integrity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service, Dr. Green continues to equip current and future leaders to create lasting, meaningful change in their organizations and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharletta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family, especially my grandparents, who believed in my gifts from an early age. My faith has provided a strong spiritual foundation, giving me the strength and confidence to pursue opportunities and overcome challenges. I also recognize that my journey has been made possible by the sacrifices of those who came before me. For me, success is not only about personal achievement but also about creating opportunities and pathways for future generations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to know what I know—and to know what I don’t know. That perspective has taught me the importance of humility, continuous learning, and seeking guidance from others. I believe success is built in community, so I value the mentors, coaches, trusted friends, and supporters who have challenged, encouraged, and helped me grow throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to let go of unrealistic expectations about what success should look like or when it should happen. Stay grounded in who you are while remaining open to new opportunities and unexpected paths. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, embrace vulnerability, and move forward even when you feel uncertain. Sometimes what seems like failure is actually leading you toward a greater purpose. Most importantly, build meaningful relationships and remain authentic in every stage of your journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the ability to write, conduct research, publish, and present internationally while building relationships with scholars and professionals from diverse backgrounds. These experiences create opportunities for meaningful collaboration and the exchange of ideas across cultures.
At the same time, there are important challenges. Education is evolving rapidly, requiring leaders to adapt while remaining authentic. There can also be resistance to diversity and inclusion initiatives, making it essential to continue advocating for culturally responsive leadership that reflects a broader range of perspectives beyond traditional Western frameworks.
In addition, I am excited about my current writing projects. I have a 31-day devotional journal that encourages people who may feel on the margins of faith communities to discover God's voice for themselves through reflection and spiritual growth. I am also working on an academic book that explores how inherited narratives and stereotypes shape our perceptions of one another while encouraging honest dialogue and global leadership perspectives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, and love. I believe integrity means being a person of my word and communicating honestly when circumstances change. Authenticity means showing up as my true self in every space rather than trying to fit someone else's expectations. Above all, I believe love is demonstrated through action by caring for others, serving with purpose, and building meaningful relationships.
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