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In honor of Women’s History Month, we proudly feature Jessica Smith, a pioneering HR leader with over 13 years of experience at industry giants like Amazon, AWS, and Meta. As the Director of Global Diversity and People Experiences at Meta, Jessica has transformed the early career journeys of over 5,100 employees, setting new standards for inclusivity and engagement.
Armed with an International MBA from IESE Business School and a BS in finance from Hampton University, Jessica brings a global perspective to her work. Her journey from Tupelo, MS, to major cities across the U.S. and Europe has deepened her understanding of diverse workplace cultures.
Jessica’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity is shaping the future of HR, leaving a lasting impact on organizations striving for excellence.

What led you to a career in HR? 

Jessica: When I graduated from my MBA program at IESE Business School in Barcelona, I went to work for Barclays in London in high-net-worth wealth management. The Monday before I started, Lehman Brothers crashed and thus started the 2008/2009 Financial Crisis. I managed to keep my job during that time although most of my colleagues from B school were impacted. But I spent the next 2 years basically trying to keep rich people, rich. In 2010, I decided I needed a job that had a different purpose where I could make a more positive impact on more people. My b school reached out about a role in admissions for our international MBA program working in Barcelona but leading admissions / recruiting for Southeast Asia. When I gave my first offer to one of the top three business schools in Europe to a candidate based in India, they were so grateful and I realized that admissions would change not only the students’ lives but generations as he would leave business school and earn likely 6 times his salary of which he would send back to his family in India and change their lives as well. That first offer made me decide to pursue human resources and have the ability to make that type of impact on thousands of people every day.

Do you believe in work-life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?

Jessica: No. If your goals are ambitious, it’s unlikely you will find a job that provides a perfect balance. I believe in work-life harmony. I will wake up early and work or stay late in order to take off during the day if needed to take my kids to the doctor. If needed, I will have a one-on-one in the car to pick up my kids if it is the only time I have and I need to speak to the person. Most people have met my kids at some point online or in the car. It’s never perfect so I don’t look for the balance. Instead, I maximize every minute of the day and take the time I need to spend time with the people I love.

What are your thoughts on AI in HR? 

Jessica: It can help you work more efficiently. Lean in. Don’t shy away.

In light of recent discussions surrounding social justice and equity, how do you suggest organizations address diversity and inclusion?

Continue to focus on belonging…. DEI is more than just about social justice… it’s about making everyone feel like they belong. It’s inclusive, not exclusive.

How can readers connect online?

Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmithm?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Photo Credits: Photo Provided by Jessica Smith