Her Story
About Channon
Channon Kelly has spent 26 years building a career grounded in a simple conviction: people are an organization's most valuable asset. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Black Studies from California State University, Long Beach, she began her professional life in retail before finding her true calling in talent acquisition, entering the field as a Recruiting Coordinator with Transamerica Insurance and Investments. Under the guidance of early mentors like Larree Carnes and Miyoshi LaForce, she learned the fundamentals of building strong partnerships with hiring managers and steadily expanded her expertise across insurance, community banking, and mortgage recruiting. A pivotal chapter unfolded when she joined Wachovia during its California expansion, a role that evolved into more than a decade at Wells Fargo, where she came to understand hiring not just as a transactional process but as a strategic function tied directly to organizational success. Seeking fresh challenges, Channon moved into corporate recruiting at Pharmavite, broadening her reach into scientific, research, and emerging business functions before the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reinvent her path. A LinkedIn connection led her to PwC, where she joined as a contractor in 2021 and was promoted to Talent Acquisition Manager in 2022. Today, she leads experienced hiring for PwC's Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services practice, sourcing specialized, CPA-certified professionals at the manager level and contributing to team-building efforts within Business Supply Chain Operations. By pairing artificial intelligence with sharp sourcing instincts, she has sharpened her ability to uncover passive talent and continues to drive initiatives that improve operational efficiency across the recruiting function. Channon credits her professional achievements to a foundation built well before her career began: the independence and resilience her mother instilled in her, the determination born from becoming a mother at sixteen, and an enduring faith in Jesus Christ that she considers the guiding force behind every open door in her life. That same sense of purpose extends into her personal commitments, particularly through her more than two decades of involvement with Faithful Central Bible Church, where she supports scholarship programs and community outreach, as well as her advocacy for lupus awareness following her own diagnosis. Outside of work, she stays grounded through morning workouts, meditation, and beachside walks, and finds joy cheering on the Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams or unwinding at concerts and live theater. Whether mentoring young professionals, building relationships with hiring leaders, or investing in her community, Channon leads with authenticity, integrity, and a genuine belief in the potential of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Channon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to three foundational influences. The first is my mother, who instilled in me the importance of independence, resilience, and self-reliance from an early age. The second is my own tenacity and determination, which were shaped by becoming a mother at 16 — rather than letting that circumstance define my future, I let it motivate me to pursue my education and build my career. Above all, I credit my faith in Jesus Christ as the guiding force behind every opportunity and accomplishment in my life, providing me the wisdom, strength, and courage to overcome challenges and continue growing as both a professional and a servant leader.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to step outside my comfort zone, stay curious, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this industry to find a trusted mentor — mentorship has been one of the most defining influences in my own career, and I believe in seeking out people who will challenge, support, and inspire you to grow. I also emphasize the importance of curiosity and preparation: ask thoughtful questions, do your research, and approach every opportunity with a genuine willingness to learn. Beyond the job description itself, I stress the value of understanding the business you support — earning a seat at the table by developing strong business acumen and learning the language of the industry. The strongest recruiters are trusted business partners who understand both people and business, and combining that technical knowledge with genuine relationship-building is what allows you to make a lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Talent Acquisition is facing fierce competition for top talent, rapidly changing skill requirements, and rising candidate expectations. At the same time, new technologies, skills‑based hiring, and strategic partnerships offer powerful opportunities for TA teams to elevate their impact and drive better business outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is at the heart of my leadership philosophy — I believe trust is earned through consistency, honesty, and following through on every commitment. Relationship-building is another defining value for me; I connect with people from diverse backgrounds by leading with authenticity, empathy, and genuine curiosity, and I believe meaningful relationships start with listening and understanding each person's unique story. Adaptability has also been essential to my success, allowing me to embrace change and build strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring leaders. Equally important to me are communication and accountability — timely follow-up, transparency, attention to detail, and keeping my word are the cornerstones of the exceptional service I strive to provide. Ultimately, I see leadership as serving others with integrity, listening with intention, and creating lasting connections that help people and organizations succeed together.
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