Shalima McCants
Chief Program Officer, New York Urban League
Shalima L. McCants serves as Chief Program Officer for the New York Urban League, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. A Licensed Social Worker, she earned her MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work, completed post-graduate training at Columbia University, and is a 2022 graduate of the National Urban League’s Emerging Leaders Program.
Shalima was introduced to the Urban League Movement in 2012 through a Young Professionals Join Week activity. Since then, she has served as Membership Chairman, Vice President, and President of the New York Urban League Young Professionals, and now serves as the chapter’s Advisor. In her current role with the New York Urban League, she oversees all programming focused on education, advocacy, and employment, while expanding impact through sponsorship engagement, corporate partnerships, and member and volunteer development. She also works with the Board and staff to advance the organization’s strategic plan and deepen its century-long legacy of equity and empowerment in New York City.
A transformational leader who mentors and inspires others both professionally and personally, Shalima also serves as 1st Vice President and Program Chairman of the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2024, she proudly celebrated 25 years of membership in the Sorority and was recognized as a Silver Star for her enduring commitment to sisterhood and service.