Adrina Walker, a dynamic HR professional with a unique journey into the field. Adrina’s path in HR was sparked by a perceptive mentor who recognized her untapped potential. With a blend of skills, talent, and a natural inclination towards advocacy, Adrina embraced HR wholeheartedly, finding fulfillment in supporting individuals on their personal and professional paths. For Adrina, HR isn’t just about paperwork and administration; it’s about people.
Adrina Walker | Associate VP of HR | The University of Vermont Health Network
Inspired by the opportunity to empower individuals as they navigate their personal career journeys, Adrina believes in fostering environments where people can thrive and achieve remarkable results, ultimately contributing to the creation of people-driven, legacy-building companies. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Adrina Walker as one of the 10 Extraordinary HR Leaders to Watch in 2024.
What distinguishes Adrina as an HR leader is her holistic approach. She prioritizes the well-being of the “whole” person, focusing on growth, emotional healing, and partnered leadership support to enable individuals to perform at their best. To stay abreast of the latest trends, Adrina is a dedicated lifelong learner. She immerses herself in a variety of resources, from courses and books to podcasts and articles, while also engaging with mentors, peers, and professional organizations. Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of human emotions and abilities, Adrina believes continuous learning is essential to excel in her role.
“In HR, it’s not about balance, it’s about connection. By bridging the gap between employee needs and organizational goals, we strengthen our workforce and drive sustainable success.” – Adrina Walker
One of Adrina’s proudest career accomplishments is the creation of though-provoking executive leadership development programs, notably very special program centered on conscious inclusion. This innovative program facilitated meaningful exchanges of perspectives and life experiences, fostering lasting bonds among participants. However, Adrina’s own journey hasn’t been without challenges. Initially, she grappled with finding her authentic voice, feeling pressure to conform to perceived norms. Yet, she discovered that truth, data, and genuine kindness are more impactful in gaining respect and fostering understanding than imitation.
Adrina embodies a fresh perspective in HR, driven by empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous growth. With her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals and fostering inclusive environments, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of human resources. Adrina Walker champions a positive workplace culture through her unwavering presence and attentiveness to her teams at all levels. In a fast-paced world where everyone is on the move, Adrina believes in taking the time to be fully present with employees, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and heard now matter how difficult the topic
To enhance employee engagement and retention, Adrina implements a range of strategies. From comprehensive leadership development programs and employee resource groups (ERGs) to focus groups, roundtables, and town halls, she provides ample opportunities for growth, dialogue, and connection. Adrina understands that nurturing leadership skills and fostering a sense of belonging, and shared motivational investment are keys to retaining top talent.
“The future of work is now. To meet the evolving needs of our employees, we must be present, adaptable, and aligned with their aspirations.” – Adrina Walker
Regarding the future of work, Adrina emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present needs of employees while preparing for the evolving landscape. As remote and hybrid work become increasingly prevalent, she stresses the importance of aligning HR practices with the changing needs and expectations of employees. By engaging with the business and staying attuned to employee preferences, HR can navigate the evolving landscape effectively.
Adrina believes that connecting the needs of employees with the goals of the organization is paramount. Rather than striving for balance, she advocates for creating meaningful connections that align individual needs with broader organizational objectives. By fostering collaboration and innovation, HR can strengthen the employee value proposition while advancing organizational goals.
For aspiring HR professionals, Adrina offers valuable advice: be intentional about career development, advocate for yourself, and always bring meaningful contributions to the table. She encourages curiosity, boldness, and a commitment to continuous learning as essential traits for success in the field.
Looking ahead, Adrina sees both challenges and opportunities for HR professionals. She identifies the increasing responsibility placed on HR to support employee emotional and mental health as a significant challenge. With HR professionals becoming the frontline in addressing these issues, there’s a growing need for adequate preparation and support within the profession to prevent burnout and ensure effective employee care. However, she also sees this as an opportunity for HR to play a vital role in fostering a culture of well-being and resilience within organizations.
“HR isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about people. By fostering meaningful connections, we create environments where individuals can thrive and organizations can flourish.” – Adrina Walker