Women To Watch 2025 honoree Katrina M. Jones

Katrina M. Jones, MS, PHR, SHRM-CP, is a nationally recognized HR executive transforming how organizations harness people, culture, and strategy to drive lasting impact. Born in Barbados and raised in Westchester, New York, she has built a career rooted in a singular mission: to create workplaces where people are valued, cultures are inclusive, and leadership drives measurable progress.

As Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Talent Management for one of New York’s largest nonprofit organizations, Katrina leads HR strategy for thousands of employees across healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and community service sectors. Her leadership has driven enterprise-wide transformations—from redesigning workforce structures to overhauling talent systems—resulting in improved performance, elevated employee engagement, and strengthened organizational resilience. A trusted advisor to the C-Suite, she guides executive teams through growth, change, and complexity with

clarity and confidence.

Katrina’s influence extends beyond her organization. She is a respected thought partner in the HR profession, serving on the Forbes HR Council, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has authored several byline articles and participated in numerous Expert Panels appearing on Forbes.com. In 2025, she earned her CHRO Academy certificate from the National Academy of Human Resources (NAHR), a distinction reserved for the nation’s most accomplished and high-potential HR leaders. Her leadership excellence has also been recognized through multiple honors, including induction into the 2022 HR Executive Honor Roll, the

Acacia Network Board Leadership Award, and being named a Crain’s New York Notable Black Leader and Executive in both 2021 and 2024.

Katrina holds three degrees, including a Master’s in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development from Manhattanville College, and has completed advanced studies at Cornell University’s ILR School. She is dual-certified by SHRM and HRCI, and has earned numerous additional certifications and credentials, underscoring her belief in lifelong learning as a cornerstone of leadership. In addition to her professional achievements, she has contributed her expertise to various boards and initiatives, including the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP) Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Council, among others.

Known for pairing vision with execution, Katrina has led comprehensive process redesigns that sharpen alignment, increase efficiency, and embed accountability across complex systems. Her work has directly impacted thousands of employees and strengthened the organization’s ability to lead employees and serve communities with greater impact. Equally committed to mentorship and advocacy, Katrina champions professional development initiatives, mentors emerging leaders, and expands opportunities for underrepresented voices. Her mentees—spanning multiple generations and backgrounds—have gone on to achieve a wide range of milestones, including college admissions, advancement into senior leadership roles, and earning advanced degrees and professional certifications/credentials.

While her professional journey is marked by impact, Katrina’s proudest identity is as a mother of two sons who fuel her commitment to building a better future for others. She brings that same dedication to her profession–leading with integrity, accountability, and vision. Her philosophy is clear: true leadership is measured not by power, but by the people you lift along the way.