Tamara Henry, M.S.
Tamara Henry, M.S., is a seasoned Human Resources and Payroll professional with over 20 years of experience leading teams, designing employee programs, and managing payroll and HR operations across diverse industries. Most recently, she served as Human Resources & Payroll Director, overseeing payroll processes, employee coaching, benefits administration, and ensuring adherence to federal employment laws. Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on approach, Tamara has guided cross-functional teams and supported multiple organizational locations, consistently driving efficiency, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
As an immigrant who navigated her early career with determination and adaptability, Tamara has overcome the unique challenges of being a woman and Black professional in male-dominated environments. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes resilience, mentorship, and the importance of understanding the perspectives of employees and stakeholders alike. She combines her expertise in HR with a background in clinical and counseling psychology to support both organizational goals and individual employee growth.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tamara is actively engaged in philanthropic initiatives, serving on the board of a non-profit organization in Jamaica. She is currently pursuing certification as a professional coach, further expanding her capacity to mentor and empower others. Guided by the values of loyalty, trust, and empathy, Tamara continues to shape human resources practices that balance compliance, operational excellence, and meaningful workplace experiences.
• Professional Coach Certification (in progress)
• M.S. Clinical and Counseling Psychology
• Capella University – Master of Science (M.S.), Clinical and Counseling Psychology
• Florida Atlantic University – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Sociology
• Board Member for a Non-Profit Organization in Jamaica
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and a willingness to adapt. In a field where I faced challenges as a woman, an immigrant, and a Black professional, these qualities were essential to reaching an executive-level position.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received is: "You can’t play checkers when everybody else is playing chess." This taught me that to succeed, especially in challenging environments, I needed to think strategically and operate at the same level as those around me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to be resilient, take nothing personally, and be willing to grow mentally. The challenges you face will build character, but mental resilience and the ability not to internalize obstacles are essential for survival and success in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are related to being a woman in a male-dominated environment, compounded by being an immigrant and Black. These intersecting identities create unique obstacles that require resilience and determination to overcome.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are loyalty and trust. I also live by a quote from Maya Angelou: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." This wisdom shapes how I navigate both professional and personal relationships.