Feature Friday

WIFA is proud to feature two lovely ladies that are doing great things. Read on to learn about WIFA members, Linda Shelton and Jomana Elwenni!

Inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in March of 2007, Linda Shelton stands as one of the country’s leading exercise experts. She is an internationally recognized fitness and wellness consultant, certified trainer, speaker and health writer, who for the last four decades, she has been inspiring millions around the world to a healthier way of life. A former physical education and dance teacher and aerobic studio owner, Linda completed her undergraduate in physical education and master's work in exercise physiology, specializing in aerobic dance exercise. She is acclaimed by fitness professionals as an industry leader for her innovative, scientifically applied programs which makes getting fit and healthy attainable for everyone! Linda’s unparalleled blend of skills as a passionate educator, and, energetic, creative facilitator help her uniquely guide individuals to engage, integrate and embrace lifestyle change and personal transformation. Formerly Fitness Director for all Weider/AMI women’s fitness publications including SHAPE Magazine, Natural Health and Fit Pregnancy for 23 years, and Fitness Director for VIVmag, a digital women’s lifestyle and fitness magazine for 6 years, she continues to work as a freelance fitness and wellness writer. She has appeared on virtually every major broadcast and cable network news telecasts, including such programs as Good Morning America, E Entertainment, Inside Edition and the Discovery Channel. Linda is a three-time award winning director having produced, directed and/or choreographed over 1,500 fitness DVDs and virtual classes, co- produced four award-winning television fitness shows and authored eight books including Shape Magazine’s Ultimate Body Book (2006) and co-writing Slim For Life (2013) with Jillian Michaels. In the early 80’s, Linda was a founding member of the Aerobic and Fitness Association (AFAA), co-authoring the Exercise Standards and Guidelines and Primary Certification examination used today to certify thousands of fitness professionals worldwide. During these same years, she pioneered onsite corporate employee wellness programs for Hughes Aircraft, Rockwell, Rocketdyne, Blue Shield and Weider Health and Fitness to name a few, developing landmark predictive, preventative lifestyle screening for her clients. Since then, she has continued to consult, develop and implement innovative wellness programming as well as train fitness and wellness practitioners in her successful methods. In constant demand as a “visionary” exercise programmer and developer of educational content, Linda has been instrumental in the creation of: Zumba ToningTM with Beto Perez and STRONG by Zumba, JUKARI Fit to FlexTM for Reebok and Cirque du Soleil, PILOXINGTM, PILOXINGTM Barre & Knockout certificate programs, ROC Steady with PJ Stahl, Cirque-It Fitness with Elizabeth Skwiot, Omniball with Aileen Sheron, Stroops Certification and others. In 2011, she innovated and launched Elements for Fitness on Request, now WELLBEATSTM, via a virtual training delivery platform, inspiring over 3 million class plays worldwide. She served from 2011-2017 as Chief Content Development Officer and Producer/Director for WELLBEATSTM, a recognized leader in the Virtual market, churning out new, proprietary fitness and wellness content on a regular basis. In 2012, Linda teamed with Empowered Media as a fitness consultant and program developer for Jillian Michaels BODYSHRED, to launch an instructor certificate program and work with Jillian to unveil a new Curves, Jillian Michaels, in-club program. Linda is President and Chief Visionary Officer of her three companies: Professional Fitness Services, a consulting, education and program development firm, LIFESTYLEscapesTM, a consumer, fitness and resource Wellness business, and SOULjourn, a full multi-media production company. She continues to innovate, mentoring and working with clients to bring their products and programs to market. In March, 2018, Linda was the recipient of the ‘Founding Mother Award,’ in recognition from WIFA (Women in Fitness Association) as one of the six women honored to have ‘birthed the fitness industry.’

Connect with Linda here!

An Innovative HR leader; consistently uncovering first-of-its-kind solutions to emerging business challenges. Thriving in organizations pioneering industry-leading systems, services, and products. Focused on developing and promoting engaged cultures and cultivating teams of natural brand champions. Current CPHR candidate and 2018 Rising Star Award recipient from the Chartered HR Professionals Association. A strategic change-agent and National HR Manager with progressive Canadian and US experience in demanding, national environments. Extensive history supporting organizations experiencing rapid growth and major restructuring. Strong reputation for building foundational policies, procedures, and systems to support varied organizational structures, including corporate head office, multi-province corporate-owned locations, and franchisees. When I am not being a HR superwoman, I am a photographer, basketball player, world traveler, and a Human Resources Mentor guiding students & recent graduates in a direction that kickstarts their career.

Connect with Jomana here!