Pushing for Change
From 1994 to 2001, Sharon Sayles Belton served as mayor of Minneapolis. She was the first woman and first African American to hold that position. Sharon and Chanda connected to talk about the importance of relationships in community building work, philanthropy’s role in bringing people together, and why complicated problems need complex solutions.
Sharon Sayles Belton
Sharon Sayles Belton is currently the V. P. of Strategic Partnerships and Alliance for Thomson Reuters, Government. Her responsibilities include the development and management of private sector partnerships and key government legal and law enforcement trade associations. She also provides oversight and management of community engagement and employee volunteerism in key locations. Prior to joining Thomson Reuters, Sharon served as director of Community Relations and Corporate Philanthropy at GMAC Financial Services. While at GMAC, Sharon co-founded a nationwide foreclosure prevention program.
Sharon served as mayor of Minneapolis from 1994 to 2001. She was the first woman and first African American to be elected mayor. During her time in office, she achieved national recognition as an expert on public/private partnerships in public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. She served on the Minneapolis City Council for 10 years and was council president from 1990-1994. Sharon began her career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a probation and parole agent and later served as the Assistant Director of the Minnesota Program for Victims of Sexual Assault.
