Catalyst for Change
(Under 500) 

Marlene Sharp is one of the most impact-driven changemakers I know! She has dedicated her career to creating meaningful business connections and programs that help others, especially adults on the autism spectrum through her toy, licensing and entertainment initiatives, like her hands-on roll launching Autism in Entertainment to create jobs for neurodiverse adults in toys, gaming and entertainment, her writing about social impact issues and opportunities facing the industry in Global Toy News, and through high impact partnerships like with The Laugh Factory's Netflix is a Joke Partnership, Laughs on the Spectrum.

Shelby is redefining how sustainability shows up in the toy/game industry. At Hasbro, she led the rollout of the first Climate & Nature Transition Plan, translating complex climate and regulatory challenges into an actionable roadmap. She forged Hasbro’s partnership with Playing for the Planet—an alliance mobilizing the gaming industry on environmental action—and serves as Vice Chair, Global Advisory Council. In coordination with the alliance, she integrated the Green Game Jam into Magic: The Gathering Arena, reaching global players through mission-aligned gameplay. Shelby’s partnerships with Oceana and Rainforest Alliance demonstrate that sustainability, creativity, and business success can advance together.

As SVP of HR, Laura champions a people-first culture by prioritizing internal mobility, actively mentoring talent, and creating clear pathways for employees to grow within the organization. Leading HR across multiple locations, she has strengthened consistency in employee experience while maintaining a strong local culture. She led strategic benefits negotiations to enhance employee well-being while managing costs, and spearheaded charitable giving initiatives that increased both community impact and employee engagement. Her leadership has improved retention, elevated morale, and reinforced a values-driven culture that empowers people to drive positive change across the organization.