Speaker

Carmen Canales is a talent expert, dynamic leader, and three-time, multi-industry CHRO. She is an engaging and sought-after speaker and storyteller who connects with a wide range of audiences on topics related to talent, resilience, inclusion, leadership, and culture.

Carmen is passionate about belonging and maximizing the potential of current and future talent by advising leaders on how to build a nimble and high-performing workforce. She is known for her mentorship and sponsorship of emerging leaders, who become CHROs. Her industry experience is diverse, including senior leadership roles in the healthcare, higher education, consumer goods, banking, and professional services industries. She previously served as the chief human resources executive at Novant Health, Wake Forest University and at an international law firm. Earlier in her career, Carmen held human capital leadership roles at Wells Fargo and Pepsi-Cola.

She often is recognized for her contributions to the human resources profession. Carmen was named a Woman Worth Watching in the Profiles in Diversity Journal; an Al Día 2021 Woman of Merit; one of the Top 100 HR Professionals by the National Diversity Council; a Leader in Diversity by the Triad Business Journal; CHRO of the Year, Non-Profit by HRO Today; and Diversity MBA Inclusive Leader.

Carmen holds a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations degree from Michigan State University. She was appointed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to the Forsyth Technical Community College Board of Trustees, has served on the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs, and has broad board experience.