MOST IMPACTFUL
HR LEADERS OF 2024
As The Black In HR prepares to unveil its list of the most impactful HR professionals of 2024, it commemorates not just a celebration of individual achievement, but a profound recognition of the collaborative impact and prestigious diversity within the field of Human Resources. This annual accolade shines a spotlight on the outstanding contributions made by professionals in HR, emphasizing their expertise, leadership, and dedication to advancing the profession. Every week we will add names to the list to recognize their significant achievements and contributions to the HR profession.
SHERITA NZALI, MSHM
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Sherita has over 15 years of human resources experience driving world-class HR strategies focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sherita has a proven track record of significant impact as a senior HR leader working with companies such as Netflix, Apple, Cloudera, and Facebook. Sherita is a member of
The Black In HR, and supports other members by providing insightful and strategic guidance.
DR. ANDRIA JOHNSON
HR EXECUTIVE, INSTRUCTOR AND COACH
Dr. Andria Johnson is a results and people driven Human Resources Executive with a track record of leadership and organizational development. Dr. Johnson has led HR functions at the National Women's Soccer League, Red Ventures, The Dallas Mavericks and the NBA. She supports Black In HR members by teaching masterclasses, offering executive coaching and providing advice and counsel to members.
LAWRENCE HENDERSON, MS
EXECUTIVE COACH
Lawrence is an executive coach with over 20 years of experience helping people and organizations attain maximum effectiveness. His background includes working with CEOs, directors, and boards of directors of small private companies to multi-billion dollar publicly traded organizations. He has supported the development of his clients by building their communication leading to sales increases.
AJ'A TAYLOR
Sr. Director - Global ER, DEI Corporate Strategy
As a granddaughter of a black panther, Aj'a stayed focused on becoming a proud representation of what's possible for black professionals. Breaking down barriers for the black community in tech and showing up authentically is so important to her core values. Aj'a serves as the Global leader of both ER and DEI at Palo Alto Networks, the leader in cyber security technology,
SIMONE MERRITT, MBA
FOUNDER
Simone Merritt began her Human Resources career over 11 years ago. Simone is the Founder and CEO of Enomis Consulting Group, LLC, a provider of quality and practical HR functions to small businesses and young entrepreneurs. Simone provides strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of HR programs for small business and entrepreneurs.
RON THOMAS
GLOBAL EXECUTIVE
Ron Thomas is a renowned leader, strategist, and educator with a global footprint in human resources. He serves as the Managing Director of Strategy Focused Group, a consulting firm with offices in Dubai, NYC and Singapore. Ron’s exceptional leadership has earned him recognition as one of the top 5 HR/Leadership thinkers in the Middle East by CIPD.
BRIDGETT ROBINSON, MS
HEAD OF HR/SR. INSTRUCTOR
Bridgett is an experienced HR leader who is passionate about developing and empowering great leaders within an organization. Value based strategies and initiatives are part of the core principles that she strives to bring to every position. Bridgett teaches Black In HR’s Top-4 ranked SHRM certification course and has helped hundreds of people earn certifications.
LASHAWN DAVIS, MSHRM
FOUNDER
LaShawn Davis is the visionary founder of the Human Resources consulting firm The HR Plug®. With her unwavering passion for empowering individuals and businesses alike, LaShawn provides practical advice, game-changing tactics, and unwavering support to help others to succeed and achieve their desired goals.
JOHN FERGUSON, SHRM-CP,PHR
CHRO/ NASCAR
John Ferguson is the Chief Human Resources Officer at NASCAR, the No. 1 form of motorsports in the U.S. John also serves on the Board of Directors for the SHRM Foundation, Alumni Board of Directors for Furman University, and the UNCF Orlando Leadership Council. John is a recognized speaker, with keynotes at SHRM Conference and Expo.
KIMBERLY HARTMAN, SHRM-SCP
CONSULTANT AND INSTRUCTOR
Kimberly Hartman is an execeptional HR consultant and instructor, who has helped hundereds of HR professionals earn their SHRM Certification through Black In HR's top-5 ranked SHRM certification course. Kim is also an experienced leader, Human Resources strategist and a coach and mentor to members of Black In HR.
MATTHEW KIRBY, MAIOP
FOUNDER AND CEO/ YNG HR
Matthew Kirby has been recognized for his successful black owned business, Honest Human Resourcees Consulting, YNG BLK HR (Young Black HR) Podcast, and his industry influence. He. has presented at National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Conference, been featured in Seattle Medium, and partnered with many organizations with his podcast.
KRISTENA HATCHER, PHR
Founder and CEO/ North Star Focus
Kristena’s passion for coaching and workforce development for early to mid-stage professionals, North Star Focus, with a vision to foster increased diversity of perspective at all levels across the entertainment ecosystem, from early career to the executive ranks. Kristena also serves as a strategic advisor for The Black In HR on the Executive Board.
KIM BLUE
CHRO/Advisory Board Member
Kim, President & CEO of K Blue Consulting and Black In HR Board member, is a trusted advisor and HR leader. Renowned for scaling efficiency and aligning talent with business goals, Kim's coaching background, honed as a personal trainer, translates into inspiring leadership that unlocks potential. A coach at heart, she fosters growth for individuals and organizations.
RICKLYN WOODS
DIRECTOR PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Ricklyn Woods currently serves as the Director of People and Culture for a nonprofit organization. She is also a 4X Certified Human Resources Professional, Career Coach for HR Pros, Resume Writer, and Host of So You Want to Work in HR? the Podcast. Ricklyn is coaches leaders on how to cultivate an organizational culture that attracts and retains top talent.
KERSHIA JOHNSON, CIPD
EXECUTIVE CAREER COACH
Kershia Johnson, a career coach with Black In HR, has a range of global European and North American experience with competencies that include culture change & engagement, organizational development, employee relations, optimizing staff performance, coaching, and aligning people to company goals.
.png)
Nakisha Hicks
Founder and HR Executive
Nakisha Hicks is the visionary founder of The ElevateHer, LLC, dedicated to empowering
organizations and leaders, especially mid to senior-level Black women in HR. With nearly two decades of HR experience, Nakisha consults organizations serving vulnerable populations with executive coaching, and professional development programs.
_edited.png)
Sana’ Rasul, SHRM-CP
President and Founder of HR Girlfriends LLC
Sanà Rasul Walker is a highly recognized Human Resources leader with vast experience managing HR departments, implementing HR strategy, coaching employees to success, and supporting DEI goals and initiatives. Sana’s organization, HR Girlfriends, is dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment.
Glynnis Swann GPHR, GMS-T
Sr. Global HR/Talent Mobility Leader
With over 18 years of experience and credentials in HR and Global Talent Mobility to support and empower diverse companies and communities, Glynnis is passionate about advancing DEI agendas within the global HR industry and beyond; and her efforts have earned recognition as a 2023 Global Mobility Top 100 Diversity Champion.
Saana Holley
VP of People and Culture
Saana leads Black In HR’s consulting firm and brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, construction, non-profit, technology and more. Saana’s role is to work with our clients to identify business needs, and assign a dedicated team of consultants to support their organizations.
Quincy Amekuedi
VP, Talent & Total Rewards
HR executive currently serving the world through his leadership in talent management and total rewards within the mental health and wellness industry at Headspace. He is GPHR and SPHR certified and enjoys all things HR,
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.
Full Name Here
Job Title Here
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me.