Eve Cortes, CPC, ELI-MP
Eve Cortes, CPC, ELI-MP, is a seasoned Human Resources leader and executive coach with over two decades of experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and complex change. As a champion for people-first leadership, she has built a career helping companies develop talent, strengthen organizational culture, and equip leaders with the emotional agility and tools needed to inspire performance and retention.
Currently serving as Fractional HR Director at Topaz HR and founder of Eve Cortes Coaching LLC, Eve blends strategic insight with a development-first approach, creating environments where employees thrive and leaders grow. Her expertise spans talent management, leadership coaching, DEI initiatives, and organizational culture design, and she has held senior HR roles across industries, including hospitality, corporate services, and executive training.
A certified professional coach, Eve is committed to mentoring and empowering others to reach their potential while advocating for mental health, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She brings intentionality, care, and clarity to every engagement, believing that when organizations prioritize people, they unlock sustainable performance and lasting impact.
Outside of work, Eve contributes her time as a mentor and coach for programs like Dress for Success® Northern NJ and serves on the Mental Health Committee for Morris County SHRM, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to supporting growth, development, and well-being in both professional and community settings.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for HR - 2024
• Universidad Ana G. Mendez - BBA
• Society of Human Resource Management
• Dress For Success NNJ Chapter
• Dress For Success NNJ Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to purpose. I’m driven by helping business professionals strengthen their leadership so they can lead with confidence, clarity, and balance, cultivating stronger teams and driving measurable business results. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors and coaches like Elsie Resto and Michelle Kuei, whose guidance continues to shape the leader and coach I am today
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that everything starts with your mindset. Stay positive, lead with purpose, and let it drive you to turn your dreams into reality.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the industry, my advice is to find mentors across different industries. Learn how they think, how they lead, and how they adapt. This allows you to see things from multiple perspectives and gain a broader understanding of the world of work—equipping you to lead with vision and balance in an ever-evolving landscape.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on the workforce. It’s transforming how we lead, learn, and collaborate. Staying adaptable, curious, and informed isn’t just important, it’s essential for sustainable success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value family, genuine care, collaboration, and an integrated approach to work and life; anchored in courage. These principles shape how I lead, connect, and live each day with purpose, intention and authenticity.