Rising Stars: Meet Toni M. Shelton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni M. Shelton.

Hi Toni, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Denver native and grew up in the neighborhood known as Park Hill. I’m an East High School ‘Angel’ Graduate ‘Halo’ and during my time at EHS, I was very active in the Jazz Choir and the Advance Dance Club.

Being a child of Southern parents, I spent a lot of time as a kid in Texas and learned much about the culture I was part of upon graduating HS, I attended Texas Southern University, an HBCU for several years. I graduated from Capella University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management & Leadership. I must say, this was a highlight in my life path as it took overcoming many challenges & obstacles to achieve my degree.

I also have had the honor of serving our country in the United States Air Force Reserves for 6+ years and received the Meritorious Service Medal during my enlistment. Being in the USAF was a life-changing experience that gave me an opportunity to be part of something that is truly bigger than one individual. From there it was a journey to learn what my true professional talent is. I learned my talent is helping people elevate their performance.

I started by accepting a leadership position and transitioned into my current position as a leader in the Training Profession where my talents and gifts are truly utilized in the coaching, mentoring, leading, and development of others. This has expanded into community activism as the current 1st Vice President of the Aurora Branch NAACP; Board Member of ZING Credit Union; former Strategic Advisor to Restoration Christian Fellowship Ministries & Previous Board Chair for the Struggle of Love Foundation.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road and for that I am grateful. Along the way, I experienced an illness that caused me to suspend my studies at Texas Southern University. Several years later, I enrolled at Capella University to complete my degree during this time, my mother suffered a stroke and I brought her to live with me as her caregiver while she recovered. I provided for her while working full-time and working on my degree part-time.

Before I could graduate from Capella, I lost a brother and a nephew, and ultimately, I lost my mom. It was only by the Grace of God that I was not only able to make it through, but to actually graduate with honors is still unreal to me.

Truly my faith saved me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Manager of the Office of Professional Development in the Facility Management Department for Denver Public Schools. I Design Professional Learning Courses for all Department teams that align with our departmental strategic plan which supports the cultural environment and performance expectations in order for teams to fully engage in delivering impactful key results that move the business forward.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years, most specifically with my own direct reports and my immediate boss. With the support of my Executive Director, I was able to create two unique training programs: Facilities Professional Development Paths (PD Paths) and Facilities Leadership Learning Bridge. These two programs have a specific focus on the roles, tasks, and expectations of individual positions that starts within their first 30-days through a 5-year path; matched with competencies for each level of achievement.

How do you define success?
Demonstrating a grateful heart & mind; Accomplishing the goals you continually set for yourself; being a positive impact on the lives and hearts of others.