Sign In

Jessica 'jruss' Russell Gilliam, SHRM-SCP

🦄 Strategic + Tactical HR Business Partner 🌎 Global People + Culture Strategy 🚀 Cuban American 🇨🇺 Salsa Dancer 💃🏼 Gardener 🌱

Professional Background

Jessica Gilliam is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of expertise in leading people-first initiatives, aligning core company values with strategic business priorities. Her extensive career spans diverse industries, and her leadership experience in Human Resources, People + Culture, and community development makes her a sought-after expert in crafting inclusive and innovative workplace environments. Known for her ability to create psychologically safe spaces that foster cooperation and trust, Jessica has earned the reputation of being the "glue" that holds organizations together.

In her roles, Jessica has shown a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. She is passionate about cultivating a culture of belonging and empowering individuals to perform at their best. Her empathetic approach and data-driven mindset enable her to ask thought-provoking questions, uncovering opportunities for growth while aligning business goals with employee engagement initiatives. Her collaborative efforts have significantly impacted company cultures and increased employee retention rates across organizations.

Throughout her career, Jessica has led various teams and initiatives, including overseeing remote onboarding processes, feedback and performance management systems, and the implementation of HR Information Systems (HRIS). Her talent strategy development, combined with her dedication to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), has solidified her as a key player in shaping progressive HR environments.

Education and Achievements

Jessica Gilliam's educational background is as diverse as her professional career. She studied at the esteemed UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she earned a Certificate in Carolina Business Institute focusing on Accounting, Marketing, Management and Organization, Finance, and Operations Management. This strong foundation in business principles has greatly influenced her HR practices and holistic approach to organizational development.

Her academic pursuits did not stop there, as she also attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she delved into Political Science, International Relations, Conflict Management, and Photojournalism. Jessica broadened her global perspective through Study Abroad Programs at the University of Jordan and the University of Havana, intensifying her understanding of cultural dynamics and international relations, and further enriching her ability to create inclusive experiences.

Jessica is also a proud holder of the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification, awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management. This certification reflects her commitment to maintaining excellence within the HR field and her capacity to lead with authority and expertise.

Notable Experiences

Having founded Risa's Circle, a consultancy where she served as Principal Consultant and Fractional Head of People, Jessica played a pivotal role in advising businesses on DEI strategy and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Additionally, her tenure as HR Business Partner and People Ops Consultant at Vaco has helped numerous organizations streamline their HR operations and maximize employee engagement.

At Onna, Jessica excelled as a Global People Operations Business Partner, where she developed frameworks for talent management and onboarding practices across multiple regions. Her impact as Vice President of People and Operations at CureMint, Inc.® showcased her strong aptitude for leadership and strategy, and during her time as Director of People for both RE/MAX and First., Jessica drove culture transformation initiatives that resulted in enhanced employee morale and productivity.

Jessica's passion for community development shines through her service at the YMCA of the Triangle, where she held multiple roles ranging from Senior Community Outreach Director to Site Coordinator. Her dedication to serving the community, coupled with her professional HR experience, uniquely positions her to understand both workforce needs and community perspectives.

Outside of her career, Jessica enjoys engaging in various personal pursuits. Whether salsa dancing in Durham, creating in her art journal, playing Rummikub with her partner, snuggling with their two pandemic puppies, or tending to her vegetable garden, Jessica brings creativity and passion into all aspects of her life. Her well-rounded personal interests contribute to her overall perspective on work and life, fostering her vision of a thriving, people-centered workplace.

In summary, Jessica Gilliam is a seasoned professional with a comprehensive background in Human Resources, People + Culture, and community engagement. Her innovative mindset, coupled with her dedication to fostering inclusive cultures and empowering individuals, positions her as a valuable asset to any organization seeking a dynamic Sr. People Business Partner/HRBP or Human Resources

Highlights

Aug 10 · linkedin

👋 Hi LinkedIn Community!

📣 Earlier this summer I was impacted by a company lay off and was let go of my People Consultant position at Vaco. I appreciate the time I had there, and I am looking for my next opportunity.

🎉 I bring 15+ years experience leading people-first initiatives that align company core values and strategic business priorities inside of innovative organizations.

🎯 For example this year I partnered with C-Suite at a renewable energy tech startup, designing and deploying an ambitious hiring plan in preparation for their IPO. Before that, I broadened and expanded an onboarding program for 60+ distributed employees across multiple countries, while consolidating 6 inconsistent employee data systems into 1 unified HRIS tool (#rippling) that resulted in accurate worldwide reporting with significant productivity improvement.

📌 As I am actively job searching, I am currently looking for positions in the People+Culture and Human Resources space at the Sr. Director or above level in a hybrid (Durham, NC area) or remote role. I’m interested in positions such as People Business Partner, Sr. Director of Employee Engagement and Head of People Operations.

🙏 Thanks to everyone who has already offered their help, and if there is anything I can do for you now or in the future I am very happy to pay it forward.

✨ I truly believe in the power of community and networking, if you know of any opportunities that you can share please DM me or post them below.

✨ If there is anyone you feel I should connect with, please tag them below.

✨ Please like, comment, and share this to help me expand my network and connect with more people.

Dec 5 · linkedin

We are doing some research about professional certifications, and I'd love to hear about the experiences you've had!

  • Does the company have a max dollar amount they will cover for exams/prep materials?
  • Does the company cover exam costs, regardless of if the staff pass the exam?
  • Does the company have a clawback policy for staff who leave their role within a certain timeframe?

#research #professionaldevelopment #certification #cpa #shrm

Related Questions

How did Jessica Gilliam develop her expertise in implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in organizations?
What innovative strategies has Jessica Gilliam introduced for enhancing employee engagement and retention?
Can Jessica Gilliam elaborate on her experience in leading remote onboarding processes during her career?
In what ways has Jessica Gilliam contributed to creating psychologically safe team environments in her previous roles?
How has Jessica Gilliam's educational background influenced her career in Human Resources and People Operations?
What are some of the most notable achievements Jessica Gilliam has accomplished throughout her career in HR?
How does Jessica Gilliam approach change management within organizations, especially in times of transition?
What personal interests does Jessica Gilliam pursue that influence her professional approach to HR?
Jessica 'jruss' Russell Gilliam, SHRM-SCP
Add to my network

Location

Durham, North Carolina, United States