Dr. Sharmane Delgado-Payne, LICSW

Dr. Sharmane Delgado-Payne is a transformative executive leader and licensed clinical social worker with over 22 years of experience driving diversity, equity, and inclusion across behavioral health, education, and social services. She blends clinical expertise with strategic organizational leadership to promote sustainable systems-level change. Her military mental health leadership spans all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense worldwide, specializing in combat PTSD, child abuse prevention, critical incident response, and sexual assault advocacy through trauma-informed, equity-centered care. Dr. Delgado-Payne currently serves in the Public School System, providing assessment and treatment for adolescent substance use while supporting youth through culturally competent, evidence-based interventions. She is also a post-secondary professor and mentor, preparing emerging social workers to lead with compassion, inclusion, and integrity. Dr. Delgado-Payne holds a Doctorate in K–12 Education and Organizational Change Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Mountain State University.