Recruiting resources and hiring solutions

Top Women in HR

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let us acknowledge and appreciate the amazing women making a difference in human resources. HR is a crucial function that influences organizations’ culture, performance, and well-being. Women have brought valuable skills, insights, and perspectives to this field, but they also face some unique challenges and opportunities that affect their career growth and satisfaction.

According to the Women in the Workplace 2023 report by McKinsey and LeanIn.Org, women represent 56% of the HR workforce in corporate America and Canada, but only 38% of the HR leadership roles. Moreover, women of color are even more underrepresented, accounting for only 12% of the HR workforce and 6% of the HR leadership roles. These numbers indicate a persistent gap between women’s potential and their representation in HR.

However, these numbers also show the immense opportunity for women to advance and excel in HR. There are many inspiring examples of women who have overcome the barriers and biases they face in HR and become successful leaders, innovators, and mentors.

Sam Magadán

Sam Magadan

The founder of Kandidaat, the #1 Career Coaching firm in New Mexico, had over. Sam is a People & Culture Sr. Manager with 13+ years of experience in People Management and has worked both as an in-house partner and as an HR consultant. As an HR Manager in London Communications Agency, she navigates the nuances and depth of organizational culture, ensuring a favorable environment for success. She has been awarded as LinkedIn Top Voice for her contributions to Future of Work and Employee & Candidate Experience

Follow Sam Magadán on LinkedIn

Leena Nair

The first woman and youngest ever CHRO of Unilever, leads the global people strategy for 160,000+ employees in more than 100 countries. She is also the founder of the Career by Choice initiative, which helps women who have dropped off the career ladder, owing to various obstacles.

Follow Leena Nair on LinkedIn

Claude Silver

The first CHO of Vayner Media, is a coach, manager, and mentor who believes in emotional optimism. She manages a company size of 1200+, whilst being “in touch with the heartbeat of every single person in the company.

Follow Claude Silver on LinkedIn

Brigitte Skeene

Brigitte Skeene, having a career spanning over two decades in the field of Human Resources, has championed sustainability and ecological balance. Her tireless efforts have led to the preservation of critical habitats and the protection of endangered species. As the Co-founder and Associate at Talent IQ, Brigitte has worked in talent acquisition for over 25 years. Her career has taken her across local and international landscapes, including roles in large corporations and human capital consulting firms such as Korn Ferry and Apple. Brigitte’s expertise lies in building strategic recruitment functions and enhancing talent retention.

Follow Brigitte Skeene on LinkedIn

Dr. Diane Hamilton

Diane Hamilton

The founder of Tonerra, an author, a national radio host, a keynote speaker, and a former MBA Program Chair member at the Forbes School of Business. She is the creator of the Curiosity Code Index® and the Perception Power Index, which measure the factors that influence curiosity and perception.

Follow Dr. Diane Hamilton on LinkedIn

Anna Ott

Anna Ott

The VP people at HV Captial, one of the leading Venture Capital firms in Europe. She is a Talent Advisor to +70 startups with more than two decades of experience in HR. She has also been an advisor to several HR technology companies across Europe.

Follow Anna Ott on LinkedIn

Melissa Grabiner

Melissa Grabiner

Melissa Grabiner, with a career spanning over three decades in the field of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, Melissa is currently working as the Senior Talent Acquisition Leader at OneDigital. Her expertise and thought leadership have garnered her a substantial following on LinkedIn, where she is recognized as a 2X LinkedIn Top Voice for both Job Search Strategies and Recruiting. She has won multiple HR & Talent Acquisition Awards. Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa is also a Yoga instructor.

Follow Melissa Grabiner on LinkedIn

Gauri Das

Gauri Das

Gauri Das is a global TEDx speaker and mentor with 15+ years of experience in aligning HR strategy with business goals. She is also the Membership Lead for the Mumbai Chapter of the Professional Speakers Associations of India (PSAI)

Follow Gauri Das on LinkedIn

Ester Martinez

Ester Martinez

Ester Martinez is the founder and editor-in-chief of People Matters, India’s leading knowledge and media technology platform in the HR space. She is an HR professional turned entrepreneur, an alumnus of ISB in Hyderabad, and a master transformational coach. Ester is passionate about advancing talent and work practices for sustainable business impact.

Follow Ester Martinez on LinkedIn

Kate Graham

Kate Graham

Kate Graham is the head of content and community at Fosway Group, Europe’s leading HR industry analyst1. She is also the co-host of The HR Uprising podcast, which aims to inspire and educate HR professionals. Kate is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and a regular speaker and writer on topics such as HR technology, learning, and employee engagement.

Follow Kate Graham on LinkedIn

Rachel Cupples

Rachel Cupples

The @recruitingSHEro who is making waves in the world of recruitment. Rachel, based on her Twitter profile, is a passionate advocate for gender equality and empowerment. She has been an active member since January 2023, and her platform, recruitingshero.com, is a testament to her commitment. As a Senior Recruiter in Textio, Rachel brings a fresh perspective to the industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Follow Rachel Cupples on LinkedIn

Sarah White

Sarah White

Sarah White is the founder and CEO of Aspect43, a boutique advisory and strategy firm focused on HR and work tech1. She is a global influencer in HR technology, talent acquisition, and human resources, and a frequent speaker and writer on these topics. Sarah is also a master connector who brings together diverse perspectives and experiences to shape the future of work.

Follow Sarah White on LinkedIn

Alexandra Cavoulacos

Alexandra Cavoulacos

Alexandra Cavoulacos is a web3 entrepreneur, author, and former COO of The Muse, a career platform used by millions of people. She is the co-founder of Meta Angels, a membership community that pioneered NFT lending technology, and Angel Labs, a web3 accelerator for creators. Currently, she is the COO of HUG, after it acquired Meta Angels. She is also the co-author of the bestselling book The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career.

Follow Alexandra Cavoulacos on LinkedIn

Amy Schultz

Amy Schultz

Amy Schultz, is the Global Head of Recruiting at Canva, one of the world’s largest privately-owned companies. Amy’s extensive industry experience spans start-ups and publicly listed global firms, where she has successfully built teams across pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Her leadership has been instrumental in Canva’s ascent as one of the fastest-growing tech companies globally.

Follow Amy Schultz on LinkedIn

Bonnie Dilber

Bonnie Dilber

Bonnie Dilber, the Recruiting Manager at Zapier, is at the forefront of revolutionizing remote work. With 9 years of experience, she has seamlessly transitioned from teaching to talent acquisition, leaving an indelible mark across tech, education, and non-profit sectors. At Zapier, a leading remote-first company, Bonnie spearheads recruitment for all non-technical roles. Her passion for workplace equity resonates with her 340,000+ LinkedIn followers, where she shares invaluable insights. As one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices, Bonnie’s expertise guides job seekers in writing standout resumes, networking effectively, and navigating the ever-evolving job market.

Follow Bonnie Dilber on LinkedIn

Jackye Clayton

Jackye Clayton

Jackye Clayton is a VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Textio, a company that provides advanced workplace language guidance. She is also a diversity advocate, a recruitment expert, and a co-host of the Inclusive AF Podcast. She has been recognized as one of the top recruitment thought leaders by iMocha and one of the 15 Women to Watch in Tech by Inc.

Follow Jackye Clayton on LinkedIn

Meghan M. Biro

Meghan M. Biro

Meghan M. Biro is an HR tech analyst, author, speaker, and brand strategist. She is the founder and CEO of TalentCulture, a leading media outlet and community for HR and talent professionals. She is also the host of the #WorkTrends live podcast and Twitter Chat, where she explores the future of work and workplace culture.

Follow Meghan M. Biro on LinkedIn

Mary Ann Markowitz

Mary Ann Markowitz

Mary Ann Markowitz, the remarkable founder of MAM Recruiting. Based in Dallas, Texas, Mary Ann has been making waves in the world of recruitment since January 2003. Her agency, Mary Ann Markowitz & Associates (MAM) Recruiting, partners with clients across the United States to hire top talent for their Finance and Accounting Departments. What sets Mary Ann apart is her commitment to a personal and professional approach. She doesn’t treat talent like commodities; instead, she fosters connections that satisfy all parties and fulfill a purpose. Employers, candidates, and corporations alike rely on her premier recruitment service. Whether it’s finding permanent or temporary talent, Mary Ann knows how to make the right match.

Follow Mary Ann Markowitz on LinkedIn

Anna Tolmachova

Anna Tolmachova

Anna Tolmachova is the HR Director at METRO Cash & Carry Ukraine, a leading international wholesale company. She manages over 3500 employees and is a talent management expert, rated among the top 20 HRs in Ukraine. She believes in setting global HR standards while educating and engaging youth in the HR domain.

Follow Anna Tolmachova on LinkedIn

Jess Miller-Merrell

Jess Miller-Merrell

Jess Miller-Merrell is the founder and chief innovation officer of Workology, a workplace resource destination for HR, recruiting professionals, and business leaders. She is also the author of two books on social media and digital recruiting, and a globally recognized HR and talent acquisition consultant, speaker, and influencer.

Follow Jess Miller-Merrell on LinkedIn

So, to the women considering HR as their career path, envision yourself as professionals and as architects of workplace harmony. Join a community where your ideas matter, your compassion is a strength, and your leadership can create a positive impact.

Happy Women’s Day to the phenomenal women in HR, and to those yet to embark on this empowering journey. May your path be filled with inspiration, support, and boundless opportunities. Here’s to the Women in HR, shaping the future with grace, strength, and a touch of brilliance.

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