Home: Nashville, TN. Age: 50. Profession: Human capital. Organization: Opportunity@Work. Title: Chief People & Culture Leader. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, Eric.
Current project: Skills-based hiring; amplifying the voices of STARs, workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes. Recent recognition: Co-authored Rise with the STARs in SHRM’s People + Strategy Journal. Latest accomplishment: Recognized as a Top 100 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader for 2021. Hobbies: Reading, reading, reading! Recent travel or adventure: Kona, Hawaii. Last book read: The Startup of You, by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha.
Personality profile: Maverick: risk-taking, daring, optimistic, flexible. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Non-judgmental. Moral compass: The Platinum Rule – treat others the way they want to be treated. How do you define a perfect friendship? Authenticity, kindness. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual respect, authentic communication and transparency. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Maximum unscheduled time.
What was your first paying job? Babysitting. What was your favorite college course? Microbiology. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Operation. What book have you repeatedly read? I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Sound of Music. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Words matter! It’s not what you say, but how you say it. What is your favorite app? Kindle.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Skills-based hiring; ensuring inclusive, skills-based interviewing and development.
What message do you want to send out into the world? There is no time like the present time for diversity, inclusion, equity and justice. What mega-trend most excites you? Prioritizing people and their mental health and wellbeing.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Niecy Nash. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Michelle Obama (well in the future). As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A doctor. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photo albums. What advice would you give your younger self? Eat the cake!
Personal mission: Performance excellence through people. Personal motto: Choose kindness. Favorite quote: Why does representation matter? “Because you need to see a physical manifestation of your dream” (Viola Davis).
