Shelly Elsliger (BA’89) believes in the power of connection and the transformative impact of online networking communities.

As the president of Linked-Express, a certified coach, a DEI and Casework Excellence Specialist, and a globally recognized LinkedIn trainer, Shelly is redefining how leaders build presence and community in the digital age. Her approach—grounded in social reciprocity—has earned her the reputation as a "LinkedIn trainer with a twist.”  She remains the only LinkedIn-trusted speaker in Atlantic Canada.

For over 15 years, Shelly has worked alongside business leaders, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits, and higher education institutions across North America and beyond. A community-driven leader, she empowers individuals to unlock LinkedIn’s potential: building stronger personal brands, expanding professional networks, and fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

“If you go onto LinkedIn thinking it’s just about you, you’ll never optimize its potential,” says Shelly. "Social reciprocity—helping others first—is the foundation for lasting success."

Shelly’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The Universal Women's Network named her a Woman of Inspiration in 2019 and, more recently, a Top LinkedIn Career Advisor for HireDiverse in 2023.

Her career began in education, where she taught English as a second language and wrote three academic textbooks for Quebec’s CEGEP system. This experience instilled in her a deep passion for cultural connection and communication.

After a decade in education, Shelly transitioned into coaching, where she quickly carved out a unique niche, helping individuals envision their future careers while building powerful online and offline personal brands.

It was her passion for empowering women that sparked her entrepreneurial journey. In a LinkedIn competition for innovative workshop ideas, Shelly’s winning proposal—LinkedIn in High Heels—focused on helping aspiring female leaders overcome imposter syndrome and confidently show up online. This pivotal moment opened doors to global opportunities, partnerships with LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning, and a dedicated career helping diverse professionals thrive.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to help women who are confident in real life break through the online confidence gap and truly own their digital brand.”

Today, Shelly is expanding her impact even further. She is completing a certification in AI training and development, equipping her clients to embrace AI as a creative partner in personal branding and communication.

“AI can be an incredible tool to help you write with confidence, authenticity, and energy. It’s not about replacing your voice—it’s about strengthening it."

A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Shelly’s journey into DEI was sparked by a student’s request to organize a Black career fair. This experience changed the trajectory of her work. Since then, she has committed to addressing unconscious bias, fostering inclusive hiring practices, and creating psychologically safe spaces. In 2022, she returned to UNB to earn a Certificate in Psychologically Safe Leadership, further deepening her impact in equity, leadership, and workplace wellness.

Shelly credits her formative years at UNB with shaping her inclusive worldview. "UNB was where I discovered city life, diversity, and community for the first time. It set the foundation for who I became as a leader."

Life has truly come full circle. Today, she continues to give back to UNB, regularly mentoring students through the Career Talks Online webinar series and helping the next generation leverage LinkedIn to build careers with confidence and purpose.

As Shelly looks ahead, her training and leadership development work is expanding to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving digital world. She is designing new programs to help organizations build future-ready leaders who can navigate AI, foster inclusive cultures, and drive authentic community connection.

Whether coaching women to overcome self-doubt, helping professionals find their voice online, or advocating for diversity and inclusion, Shelly Elsliger is creating spaces where everyone can thrive—one connection at a time.