Her Story
About Angela
Angela M. Alexander is an accomplished Human Resources, Marketing & Communications leader based in Detroit, Michigan, currently serving as HR Marketing & Communications Manager for the City of Detroit. In this role, she leads strategic internal and external communications for the Human Resources Department, overseeing messaging that supports recruitment, employee engagement, branding, and organizational culture. She partners across city departments and executive leadership to deliver impactful initiatives that strengthen workforce connectivity, promote public service, and highlight employee contributions to the City of Detroit. Her work includes managing social media, newsletters, campaigns, and special programs focused on inclusion, recognition, and community engagement.
Alongside her municipal leadership role, Angela is an entrepreneur and multi-disciplinary professional with expertise spanning HR strategy, DEI, communications, recruiting, organizational development, and creative media. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of People & Culture, LLC, where she advises organizations on workplace culture transformation, employee engagement, leadership development, and strategic communications. She also leads Elevated Media & Publishing, LLC, providing branding, marketing, publishing, and storytelling services, and serves as a speaker, author, and CEO of ElevateHER Health & Wellness and EmpowerED Futures Youth Program, where she designs programs focused on women’s wellness and youth development.
Angela’s career spans more than 20 years, beginning with an industrial engineering co-op at General Motors before transitioning into human resources and leadership roles at organizations including Chrysler and Honeywell. She holds a Master’s degree in Employment and Labor Relations from Wayne State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology with a focus on race, ethnicity, gender, and women in the workplace at the same institution. A dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and several professional associations, she is widely recognized for her leadership in employee engagement, DEI strategy, and community-centered workforce development initiatives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my 20-year career journey that started back in 2005 as a co-op student with General Motors while pursuing my industrial engineering degree. What really shaped my path was discovering my passion for human resources during my rotations at GM, which inspired me to pursue my master's degree in HR and Labor Relations. I was drawn to being able to help employees while also designing policies that could help shape the future of the organization. My success came from moving through various experiences at Chrysler in health and safety, then multiple HR positions at General Motors as coordinator and manager, then advancing to HR manager and senior HR manager at Honeywell where I gained valuable experience in diversity spaces and communications. One of my biggest accomplishments was managing transitional workforce projects across three different plant locations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee simultaneously while at Honeywell. All of these experiences helped get me to where I am now as HR Manager and Communications for the City of Detroit, where I've been for 2 years. I'm also continuing my education with a doctoral program in sociology focusing on women in the workplace at Wayne State University, which I'll complete in 2029.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that it is possible to build a successful career while also making a meaningful impact and genuinely enjoying the work I do. This perspective has encouraged me to pursue roles that support both my professional growth and my long-term goals, while staying aligned with what I find fulfilling.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is that they have the ability to make a real difference, and the work they do in the community truly matters. I would encourage them to stay confident in the value of their contributions, even when it may not always feel immediately visible or recognized, because their efforts can have a lasting and meaningful impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face right now is balancing the demands of being a PhD student while working full time. Managing rigorous academic expectations alongside professional responsibilities requires strong time management, discipline, and resilience. At the same time, this dual role also presents a valuable opportunity to apply research insights directly to my work, bridge theory and practice, and develop a deeper, more well-rounded expertise in my field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are centered on service, community impact, and meaningful engagement. I am committed to making a difference through my professional memberships and volunteer work, including service with Forgotten Harvest Food Bank and the American Red Cross, as well as participation in Breast Cancer Awareness and Pride events that reflect my belief in inclusivity and advocacy. I also value mentorship and supporting other women in my community, which has been an important part of my personal and professional journey and has been recognized through honors such as the Spirit of Detroit Award, New Sorority of the Year, and the Servant Detroit Award.
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