Katrina M. Gordon
Katrina M. Gordon is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience across military and nonprofit environments. She currently serves as a Human Resources Generalist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where she oversees payroll governance, benefits administration, leave management, credentialing, and employee relations for both clinical and administrative staff. Known for her hands-on, operations-focused approach, Katrina brings structure, clarity, and consistency to complex HR processes while ensuring a positive experience for employees and managers alike.
Throughout her career, Katrina has demonstrated expertise in HR operations, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and organizational development. Her background includes leading high-volume payroll operations, implementing centralized HR workflows, and developing SOPs to strengthen operational continuity. She has also applied her military HR experience to civilian settings, supporting workforce readiness, onboarding, and retention while managing cross-functional responsibilities. Katrina’s work has earned her recognition through awards such as the Telly Award for a documentary highlighting her personal journey of resilience and professional dedication.
Beyond her professional achievements, Katrina is deeply committed to personal growth, education, and advocacy. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership at College Unbound and has previously contributed as a volunteer with organizations like Volunteers of America. Passionate about mentoring others and fostering inclusive workplaces, she leverages her own experiences to guide colleagues and employees in overcoming challenges, building capability, and achieving success. Katrina’s values of perseverance, integrity, and compassion are central to both her work and personal life, shaping her approach to leadership and service.
• Mental Health First Aid
• Veteran Peer Support Specialist
• Suicide Prevention Specialist
• College Unbound – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Organizational Leadership - In Progress
• Telly Award
• Society of Human Resource Management
• Volunteers of America
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, faith, and persistence. Overcoming significant personal hardship, including leaving an abusive marriage and rebuilding my life with support from community organizations, has shaped my determination. I also credit my willingness to take on complex responsibilities, continuously learn, and step into new challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve learned from leaders in the military, HR professionals, and mentors that consistent learning, seeking guidance, and taking initiative are essential for career advancement. The advice that resonates most with me is to remain proactive and adaptable, even in the face of setbacks.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to network strategically, use professional platforms and social media, and actively seek mentors. Don’t rely solely on traditional career paths—be visible, proactive, and intentional in shaping your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge is managing the growing workload and complexity faced by HR generalists who handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Another is advancing into leadership without formal education credentials, which can limit growth despite experience. Opportunities lie in combining hands-on HR experience with formal education in organizational leadership, especially as organizations prioritize compliance, documentation, credentialing, and employee support systems.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value perseverance, integrity, compassion, growth, and faith. I believe in using my experiences to support others, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and continuing to move forward even when circumstances are challenging.
Locations
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
8 S Michigan Ave #500, Chicago, IL 60603