Her Story
About Mia
Mia Nelson is an enterprise Total Rewards and Compensation leader with nearly two decades of experience designing and executing compensation strategies that drive business transformation, organizational growth, and talent performance. As Director of Compensation for North America and Global Corporate Functions at Kraft Heinz, she leads compensation strategy and program design for more than 20,000 employees. Since joining the company in 2023, she has built the hourly job architecture, compensation philosophy, and broader rewards strategy across 31 North American manufacturing plants while directing annual salary planning, financial modeling, and executive-level decision support.
Her career began in 2007 at Cook County Government, where she started as a clerk handling job applications and labor relations before transitioning into compensation after her analytical strengths were recognized. She went on to hold senior compensation roles at Northwestern University, Baxter International, Cushman & Wakefield, and Amazon, gaining experience across hourly and salaried populations, union and non-union environments, and large-scale job architecture and M&A integration projects. Mia is recognized for translating complex compensation concepts into clear, actionable guidance that resonates with executives and cross-functional partners, building trust through consultation and influence rather than authority alone.
A first-generation college graduate, Mia holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Roosevelt University, a master’s degree in business administration focused on public administration, and a master’s degree in human resource management, both earned from the Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University. She maintains her Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) credential and remains engaged with the profession through her involvement with the Chicago Compensation Association and WorldatWork.
Mia’s leadership is grounded in family, culture, empowerment, and integrity. Having lost both parents at a young age, she was raised with the belief that hard work and determination could open doors. That perspective continues to shape how she mentors others, including her son, and how she gives back through community initiatives such as Project WISH and Project Hood, which support youth development in the Chicago area. She approaches her work with a people-first mindset, striving to create environments where teams feel supported, heard, and encouraged to grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the foundation my family gave me. As an only child, a first-generation college graduate, and someone who lost both parents at a young age, I learned early the importance of resilience, determination, and making the most of every opportunity. My mother was my greatest champion. She taught me to work hard, lead with integrity, and always put my best foot forward—values that continue to guide both my life and my leadership.
Today, that legacy extends to my son and to the people I have the opportunity to influence. I am intentional about building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for others, and giving people the support and encouragement that can change the trajectory of their lives. I want my success to be measured not only by what I accomplish, but by what I make possible for those who come after me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to decide whether I wanted to be a big fish in a small pond or a big fish in a big pond, and to get clear on what actually drives me and what's next for my career. It taught me to have a plan, be intentional, and think about my long-term trajectory and dreams, rather than chasing titles or money, because those things tend to follow when you're focused on the right goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to believe they belong before anyone else gives them permission to. Stay curious, become students of the business, and never stop learning. Own your seat at the table—regardless of its size or where it is positioned. Your perspective has value, so use your voice, challenge thoughtfully, and have the confidence to influence change.
When you enter a room, come prepared. Know the business, understand the issues, engage in meaningful conversation, and be clear about the value you bring. Ask questions—not because you lack knowledge, but because curiosity builds knowledge. Most importantly, do not wait until you feel completely ready to step forward. Confidence is built by showing up, contributing, and continuing to grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in Total Rewards is navigating complexity while making it meaningful to the business. Compensation decisions require balancing competing priorities, financial considerations, employee expectations, market dynamics, and organizational risk—often across stakeholders with very different perspectives. My role is to bring clarity to that complexity, build alignment, and help leaders make informed decisions with confidence.
That complexity also creates tremendous opportunity. I believe the future of rewards requires us to move beyond simply administering programs and become true strategic advisors to the business. Through creativity, innovation, consultation, and influence, we can challenge conventional thinking, anticipate risks, uncover opportunities, and design rewards strategies that not only respond to where the organization is today, but help shape where it is going.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is at the heart of who I am and how I lead. It has taught me the importance of showing up for others, being dependable, remaining resilient through challenges, and prioritizing the relationships that matter most.
Professionally, I am guided by three core values: culture, empowerment, and integrity. I believe in creating a culture where people feel respected, supported, and encouraged to grow. Empowerment means trusting people, creating space for different perspectives, and encouraging others to use their voices and ideas to make a difference. Integrity means being honest, accountable, and true to my values, especially when faced with difficult decisions.
These values guide how I make decisions, build relationships, and lead others. I strive to lead with care, honesty, and purpose so that people know they can trust me, feel supported, and understand that their growth matters.
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