Tanisa Williams
Tanisa Williams is a distinguished global human resources leader with over 20 years of experience shaping people strategy and driving organizational excellence across complex, multinational businesses. Currently serving as Global Head of Business Partnering and HR for the Americas at The Economist, she specializes in HR transformation, performance and talent management, and colleague acquisition and retention. Tanisa is recognized for her ability to design and implement strategic workforce initiatives that align employee experience with business objectives, fostering inclusive, high-performing work environments.
Throughout her career, Tanisa has partnered with executive leadership teams to advise on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and change management. She has led large-scale HR and cultural transformations, redesigned HR operating models, and developed retention and succession strategies for critical talent. Prior to her current role, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Amalgamated Bank and held senior HR leadership positions at American Express, where she provided coaching and talent strategies for high-performing leaders across global teams.
Known for her data-driven insights and principled leadership, Tanisa combines strategic problem-solving with a deep understanding of business goals to deliver measurable impact. She holds a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law and a Master of Arts from New York University, and she is a participant in the National Academy of Human Resources CHRO Academy. Passionate about purpose-driven leadership, Tanisa is committed to cultivating workplaces where people thrive, performance excels, and organizational objectives are consistently achieved.
• NAHR CHRO Academy Participant
• Brain Based Coaching Certification
• Attorney
• Syracuse University College of Law - JD
• New York University - MA
• Chief
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a foundation shaped early in life by resilience, discipline, and the example set by my mother. Growing up, I watched her navigate responsibility with strength, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic, instilling in me the importance of accountability, perseverance, and leading with purpose. She taught me that success is not simply about achievement, but about character—showing up prepared, treating people with respect, and remaining grounded in values even during challenging moments. Those early lessons continue to guide my leadership approach today, influencing how I build trust, develop others, and make thoughtful, principled decisions while driving meaningful outcomes for both people and organizations.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be patient and be consistent. I’ve learned that meaningful growth rarely happens overnight; it comes from showing up with intention, doing the work with excellence, and trusting the process even when progress feels slow. Patience allows space for learning and perspective, while consistency builds credibility, confidence, and long-term impact. Together, they’ve reminded me that sustainable success is created through steady effort, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement over time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the human resources and corporate leadership field is to build and nurture a strong professional network. Relationships are a critical asset connecting with mentors, peers, and leaders provides guidance, opens doors, and creates opportunities for growth that can’t be found in a textbook. Cultivate connections intentionally, seek out diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or support. A robust network not only accelerates career advancement but also offers insight, encouragement, and collaboration that will help you navigate challenges and thrive in your career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and self-awareness. Integrity guides every decision I make, ensuring that I act with honesty, transparency, and accountability, even when faced with difficult choices. Self-awareness allows me to understand my strengths and areas for growth, remain grounded in my actions, and foster authentic relationships with others. Together, these values help me lead with purpose, build trust, and create environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.