Aida Gueye, MHRM, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Aida Gueye, MHRM, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is a dynamic human resources leader dedicated to shaping workplaces through people-centered solutions. With 14 years of progressive experience across government, nonprofit, and community-driven organizations, she specializes in helping shape workforces through people first strategies. As Director of People and Culture at Independent Sector, Aida drives strategic and operational leadership, ensuring alignment between organizational goals and a thriving internal culture. Her approach blends data-driven insights with a people-first philosophy, resulting in measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout her career, Aida has led high-impact initiatives that strengthen both organizational capacity and employee experience. At the DC Public Library, she led the talent acquisition initiatives for the $211M Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library modernization, implemented comprehensive onboarding programs, and developed HR analytics dashboards to inform executive decision-making. In prior roles across the District of Columbia government, she spearheaded performance management strategies, employee retention programs, and workforce initiatives that drove measurable results for complex, mission-critical agencies.
Aida holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global, and a Bachelor’s in Business Management with a minor in International Business from the University of the District of Columbia. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Organizational Design and Development (AIHR) certified and actively engages with professional communities, including SHRM, Elite HR Connections, HRPOC (Human Resources Practitioners of Color), Toastmasters Club President and local leadership and volunteer initiatives. Recognized for her contributions to advancing organizational initiatives and employee engagement, she was selected for the 2026 edition of Influential Women and continues to champion initiatives that empower people and elevate workplaces.
Aida is a proud native of Dakar, Senegal and believes that honoring people’s stories and elevating diverse voices is essential to building better communities.
• SHRM-SCP
• Master of Business Administration - MBA
• National Honor Society
• Toastmasters Club
• United Aid for Africa
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity, a deep commitment to continuous learning, and being intentional about the people I surround myself with. I learned early on that opportunities aren’t always guaranteed, so when I had access to them, I took them seriously. I worked full time while fully funding my graduate education on my own, largely because I didn’t have the same access to financial assistance as others. This is a lived experience that taught me discipline, resilience, and how to keep going. We might not be aware but lived experiences often have an impact in our professional lives. Who we are and constantly becoming says a lot about how we lead and create space for others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I've received is that you do not have to be an expert at everything. Find something, work on becoming an expert at it, build credibility around it, and lean into new opportunities and growth overtime.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the field to cultivate a deep commitment to learning. One of the great things about HR is how broad and diverse it is—you can touch people, systems, practices. If possible, start in a generalist role where you’re exposed to multiple areas, and then allow yourself the time and space to find the specialty that truly resonates with you.
I’d also remind young women that HR is far more essential than organizations often like to admit. You are closer to the people, the systems, and the realities of the workplace than most roles. Lean on that.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in HR right now is the surge of professionals pivoting into other careers or leaving their organizations due to burnout and role overload. There is significant emotional labor that comes with working in the field, and depending on the organization, HR is often under-resourced. I also see AI as a new opportunity for HR professionals to work more effectively and sustainably which I think will create space for more strategy driven initiatives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value kindness, curiosity and balance.