Her Story
About Bianca
Bianca Colbert, PHR, SHRM-CP, is a seasoned human resources and organizational leadership professional with 21 years of experience supporting nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She currently serves as Senior Director of People and Culture at WeAchieve, Inc., where she provides strategic leadership across organizational development, workforce planning, strategic alignment, and executive partnership. Her responsibilities encompass a broad range of HR operations, including onboarding, recruitment, benefits administration, professional development and learning, employee relations, and employee engagement. Colbert is passionate about developing people and building workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Throughout her career, Colbert has held progressive leadership roles in human resources and administration, including positions with Ardmore Enterprises, UnidosUS, and the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. At Ardmore Enterprises, she advanced through several roles, including Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Director, Director of People and Administration, and Acting Chief Operating Officer. Her contributions to the organization were recognized with a Director of the Year award. Colbert earned her PHR certification in 2011 and her SHRM-CP certification in 2012, along with an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Foundations of Business from the University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a senior-level human resources certification through HRCI and remains actively engaged with the HR profession through memberships in SHRM, DC SHRM, and Montgomery County SHRM.
Colbert attributes much of her success to the strong work ethic instilled by her grandparents, whose example taught her the importance of accountability, perseverance, service, and going above and beyond for others. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, shared leadership, and the belief that people and organizations are stronger when they work together. She emphasizes finding peace amid challenging circumstances, recognizing that leaders are human, and celebrating progress even when everything does not go according to plan. She also encourages young women entering HR to never limit themselves, remain open to learning and growth, and explore the many career paths available within the profession.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bianca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my grandparents, who instilled in me an exceptional work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. I was raised by my grandparents for most of my life, and I had the privilege of working alongside my grandmother as a receptionist at an optometry office where she worked. She taught me through her example that getting the job done sometimes means staying late, stepping in to support others, and taking on additional responsibilities without complaint. More importantly, she showed me the importance of doing so with a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to serving others. She taught me that the experience of the customer should always be a priority, even when it requires going above and beyond. Those lessons have shaped my approach to work, leadership, and success throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to find peace in the midst of chaos, especially as an HR professional. I have learned the importance of pausing, recognizing that I am human and not a robot, and giving myself permission to acknowledge and celebrate the wins, even when everything is not perfectly in place or going according to plan. Learning to be comfortable with things not always being okay has been one of the most impactful and profound lessons in my leadership career. It has helped me remain grounded, resilient, and present while navigating challenges and supporting others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the HR profession is to never limit themselves. There are so many different paths and opportunities available within the field, and I encourage women to remain curious, learn as much as they can, and be willing to pivot when necessary. Most importantly, believe in your potential and stay open to new possibilities. HR offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and impact, so do not be afraid to explore different avenues and create a career that aligns with your strengths and aspirations.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the most important values I carry in both my personal and professional life. I believe in being intentional about who I am, how I show up, and the commitments I make, because my word and reputation matter. Honesty, accountability, and authenticity are essential to building trust and strong relationships. I also deeply value the principle of being “better together” and believe in the power of shared leadership. Everyone has the ability to demonstrate leadership, regardless of their title or position, and I believe the strongest teams are built when people are empowered to contribute their unique strengths, perspectives, and leadership qualities.
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