SHARON DELANEY MCCLOUD
Partner & VP of Professional Development, Walk West
Sharon Delaney McCloud is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, cancer
survivor, Olympic Torch Bearer, author and communications expert who
inspires audiences on resilience and finding your voice. As an active
member of the Global Speakers Federation and the National Speakers
Association, Sharon connects with people, while at the same time,
offering actionable insights.Sharon earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Communication from Florida State University before embarking on a
career as a television journalist. From the Persian Gulf War to John
Glenn's historic return to space to the Super Bowl to hurricanes,
floods, politics and entertainment, she has covered thousands of stories
that have affected people's lives on a daily basis. Sharon also
moderated gubernatorial and mayoral debates throughout North Carolina
and served as a mentor for young journalists beginning their
careers.After leaving television news, Sharon founded Greenroom
Communications, a Raleigh-based video production and marketing firm,
with Kim and Penn Holderness (the XMAS Jammies Family). They worked with
big brands like Target, Samsung, H&R Block and Chase Bank. At one
point, they even had a reality show on UPtv. In 2016, Greenroom merged
with Walk West to become a full-service digital marketing agency. There,
Sharon is a Partner and Vice President of Professional Development
where she leads media training, presentation/public speaking coaching,
workplace communication and executive presence workshops for leaders at
all levels of their careers. In 2018, Walk West debuted at No. 647 on
Inc. Magazines 2018 list of fastest-growing private companies, the
Inc. 5000, and was recognized as the fastest growing marketing agency in
North Carolina. In addition, Sharon serves on the Telly Awards Judging
Council, a national organization that honors excellence in video and
television across all screens.Sharon has been featured in numerous
publications, including Sheryl Sandburg's Option B digital platform,
KNOW Raleigh, Enterprising Women and co-author of the new book, Keep
Going, Memoirs of Strength, Courage & Perseverance. Sharon was born
in Nairobi, Kenya and spent her early years in East Africa attending
schools in Kenya and Tanzania before moving to the United States. In
addition to her television career, Sharon worked for the Department of
Defense's U.S.O. program and traveled all over the Middle East,
Mediterranean and Europe entertaining American troops as part of an
all-girl group, The Florida Girls. Additionally, Sharon graduated from
the New World School of the Arts in Miami and performed for a season
with the Greater Miami Opera.Sharon is very active in the community and
serves on a number of Boards of Director and advisory committees for
non-profit organizations in North Carolina.