Kenyatta Nobles

I am Kenyatta Nobles—a purpose-driven leader, human resources executive, and lifelong advocate for people, equity, and community impact. My life story is rooted in resilience and guided by service. Born prematurely in Philadelphia at just three pounds, I entered the world as a “miracle baby,” spending my first month in the hospital amid uncertainty. That early fight for life became a defining thread in my journey—fueling a deep appreciation for perseverance, faith, and the responsibility to make my life count.

Raised in a family that valued hard work and accountability, I learned early the importance of contributing and creating opportunity. By age nine, I was working alongside adults delivering Little Debbie cakes, and as a teenager, I launched my own T-shirt business, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, customer service, and financial responsibility. Football played a formative role in my development, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience—lessons that continue to shape my leadership philosophy.

Leadership and advocacy emerged early in my life. In high school, I served on the student body board of the Philadelphia School District as the inaugural student vice president, representing student voices and engaging in real-world governance and policy discussions. That experience sparked a passion for leadership, fairness, and standing up when systems fall short. I have never been comfortable being a bystander in the face of injustice, and that conviction has guided both my personal and professional decisions.

Education became a cornerstone of my journey. I was the first among my siblings to attend and graduate from a four-year university, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University, where I double-majored and served on student government as Treasurer. I later earned my Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. These milestones did more than shape my career—they opened doors for my family, inspiring siblings and cousins to pursue higher education and redefine what was possible.

Professionally, I am a senior human resources executive with extensive experience across public, nonprofit, and private sector organizations. I currently serve as Senior Director of Human Resources at Everstand, where I lead HR strategy and operations for a multi-state workforce, partner closely with executive leadership, and oversee initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and organizational performance. I hold the SHRM-SCP certification and bring a strategic, data-informed, and people-centered approach to every role.

Throughout my career, I have held executive and senior leadership positions including Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, and Director of Human Resources for complex, mission-driven organizations. I have led enterprise-wide transformation efforts, advised boards and C-suite leaders, improved operational efficiency, reduced turnover, strengthened performance management systems, and advanced diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at every level of leadership. My work has consistently focused on aligning people strategy with organizational mission—because I believe strong institutions are built by empowered people.

In addition to my executive roles, I am the founder of Criterion HR Solutions, a boutique HR consulting firm that provides strategic human capital guidance to organizations seeking sustainable growth and ethical leadership. Whether mentoring HR professionals, managing large teams, or guiding leaders through change, I lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Today, I live in New Jersey with my wife and two children. Being a husband and father is my greatest responsibility and most meaningful role. I remain deeply grateful for the blessings that carried me from a fragile beginning to a life of purpose and service. My story is proof that circumstances do not define destiny—and that with faith, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others, it is possible to create lasting impact.