Nancy Canales
Nancy Canales is an accomplished Human Resources and Compliance professional with more than two decades of experience supporting large, complex organizations through effective people management, regulatory adherence, and operational excellence. She currently serves as a Compliance Specialist at Atmos Energy, where she helps ensure organizational integrity, supports internal compliance initiatives, and contributes to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Nancy is recognized for her strong work ethic, deep organizational knowledge, and ability to build positive relationships across teams and departments.
Throughout her 19-year tenure at Atmos Energy, Nancy has held several impactful roles, including Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist and HR Generalist, where she specialized in recruitment and employee support across the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Her extensive HR background also includes leadership roles at International Galleries, El Paso Electric Company, and Allegiance Healthcare. Across these positions, Nancy developed expertise in HR operations, employee benefits, HRIS coordination, and talent development, earning a reputation as a trusted resource and dedicated partner to employees and leadership alike.
Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a focus on Human Resources from the University of Phoenix. With a career rooted in service, professionalism, and a commitment to organizational success, she continues to contribute meaningful value through her compliance work and her long-standing dedication to employee well-being. Based in Dallas, Texas, Nancy is known for her reliability, collaborative approach, and steady leadership cultivated over more than 30 years in the HR and compliance field.
• University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning. Setting clear goals and staying focused on achieving them has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I believe that staying curious, embracing new challenges, and constantly expanding my skills are key drivers in achieving meaningful results.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, which helps me maintain balance and perspective. I’m also passionate about sports, especially soccer, which keeps me energized and reminds me of the value of teamwork, strategy, and perseverance—qualities I carry into my professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep moving forward and not dwell on the past. I’ve learned to reflect on experiences, take the lessons they offer, and then focus on setting new goals and striving toward them. Embracing this mindset has helped me stay resilient, continuously grow, and maintain a forward-looking approach in both my personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be heard, be present, and stay focused on your passion. It’s important to contribute your ideas, engage fully in every opportunity, and remain committed to what drives you. Strive to make a difference every day, no matter how small, and remember that consistent effort, integrity, and dedication will help you grow and make a meaningful impact in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is raising awareness about the support and resources available to help businesses grow. Many organizations may not realize the guidance and solutions we can provide, so part of our work is ensuring they know we are here to help. At the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding to assist businesses in getting back on track, improving performance, and achieving their goals—helping them succeed creates a real impact both for the company and the broader community.
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 taking pride in what I do, maintaining a strong work ethic, and leading by example. I strive to be a supportive and effective team leader while staying focused on achieving results and getting the job done. For me, success comes from combining dedication, accountability, and collaboration to make a meaningful impact every day.