Charlene L Smith
Charlene L. Smith, is a seasoned human resources professional and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources & Compliance at Charter Schools USA. With extensive experience in HR compliance, employee relations, strategic advisor, and change agent she is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. Charlene leverages her expertise in HR and employee engagement to align human resources strategies with organizational goals, ensuring operational efficiency and enhancing the overall employee experience. Charlene’s career journey reflects a consistent dedication to growth and leadership. Beginning her professional path as a Student Services Representative, HR Administrative Assistant, and HR Opertions Coordinator at Kaplan University. As she progressively advanced through her roles including Emplolyee Relations Coordinator, HR Generalist, Senior HR Compliance Manager, and Senior Human Resources Manager. Over her tenure, she has developed innovative solutions for employee relations, compliance audits, and HR operations, demonstrating a deep commitment to team development and organizational success. Her leadership style is fair, adaptable, and centered on creating a supportive work “family” where each team member can thrive. An alumni of Florida International University, Charlene earned her bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems in 2001 and later obtained her master’s in Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. She also holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from University of South Florida and other HR credentials. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling—especially to her birthplace, Jamaica—and creating meaningful experiences with her 16-year-old daughter. Charlene balances her professional achievements with a strong commitment to family, mentoring her teams, and inspiring others through her leadership.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
• Nova Southeastern University - M.S.
• Florida International University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors and supervisors who provided me with opportunities to grow, learn, and develop my skills.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to work hard, embrace balance, and approach every interaction with empathy and care.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the HR industry is to stay persistent and actively seek opportunities to get involved in various activities and organizations that can open doors. Building a strong professional network is essential—success is often influenced not just by what you know, but by the relationships you cultivate.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is the potential loss of funding for schools. Maintaining and increasing student enrollment is critical, especially as more schools face the risk of closure. This situation also presents opportunities to innovate and find creative solutions to keep educational programs thriving.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and treating others with kindness and respect.