Slma Shelbayah

Slma Shelbayah is a visionary leader in strategic communications, business development, and executive branding, with a proven track record of driving impactful narratives and positioning organizations for success. A former award-winning CNN journalist, communications senior executive, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor, she brings more than 20 years of experience shaping global brands across sectors. Recognized for her excellence in inclusive storytelling and leadership, Slma was honored with the CNN Diversity Ovation Award and named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Georgia (2023 & 2024) by Women We Admire. She has covered major international stories spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, bringing critical issues to the forefront and influencing public discourse. In 2015, Slma founded Shelbayah Consulting, LLC, a premier global communications agency that delivers tailored executive strategy, advisory, and CMO fractional support, media relations, public speaking and executive presence coaching, intercultural training, and business growth solutions. Her firm has served an elite roster of clients across sectors, including The Carter Center, Flatiron Health, Fidelity Information Services (FIS), American Express, and Google, helping leaders and organizations strengthen their market presence, refine messaging, and navigate complex global landscapes. Most recently, Slma served as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Diversified Search Group, where she led branding, marketing, and public relations strategies across the firm’s expansive portfolio. Prior to that, she played a pivotal role in the brand building, acquisition, and integration of Yardstick Management, ultimately leading communications across the entire acquiring firm within just six months post-acquisition. Slma grew the Yardstick Management brand from an $800K business to a it's 2023 successful multi-million-dollar acquisition in just about three years. Beyond her professional endeavors, Slma has served on the Board of Directors for Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters, Harvard Debate Diversity Project (currently Veritas), and SGM Alliance, reinforcing her commitment to inclusive storytelling and community engagement. She holds degrees in Journalism (BA) and Linguistics (MA) from Georgia State University and earned a Global Media Policy certificate from Oxford University and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring international cuisines, traveling, dancing, hiking, curating writing and wellness retreats at her mountain cabin, and creating meaningful experiences with her two teenage daughters. A dynamic leader with an unwavering dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices, Slma continues to redefine the landscape of communications, strategy, and business leadership.