Tanya Upthegrove-Coleman, MA, SHRM-CP, PHR
Tanya Upthegrove-Coleman has built a career at the intersection of leadership, equity, and impact using the power of human resources strategy to strengthen organizations and expand opportunities for others. With more than two decades of experience in human resources and compensation leadership, she is known for her ability to translate complex workforce challenges into strategic solutions that advance organizational performance while promoting fairness and transparency.
Tanya has distinguished herself as a trusted advisor to leadership, designing compensation structures, performance management frameworks, and governance processes that align people strategy with organizational goals. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that workplaces operate with integrity, accountability, and equitable systems that recognize talent and reward contribution.
Tanya’s influence extends into education, research, and public service. She serves as Adjunct Faculty at Prince George’s Community College, where she mentors and prepares the next generation of professionals in human resources and organizational leadership. Her dedication to teaching earned her the Prince George’s Community College Faculty Excellence Award in 2021.
A published scholar, Tanya authored “Big Money Collegiate Sports: Racial Concentration, Contradictory Pressure, and Academic Performance,” published in Social Science Quarterly, examining the complex intersection of race, athletics, and academic outcomes in higher education. Her research reflects a broader commitment to understanding systems and advancing dialogue on equity and opportunity.
Tanya’s passion for service is also reflected in her long-standing leadership on the Merit System Board for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where she has served for 17 years. In this role, she helps safeguard the integrity of the merit system, ensuring that employment decisions within the Commission remain fair, transparent, and accountable.
An advocate for professional excellence, Tanya holds a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Leadership from Cornell University. She is also a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR). In addition to her academic work, she has operated an HR consulting practice, advising organizations on compensation strategy, compliance, and leadership development.
Through her work as an HR professional, educator, researcher, and community leader, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose by leveraging knowledge, experience, and service to create stronger organizations and more equitable opportunities for everyone.
• SHRM Certified Professional
• PHR-Human Resources Certification Institute
• Cornell University – Graduate Certificate, Strategic Human Resources Leadership
• MA, The Ohio State University
• BA, University of Nebraska
• President's Award – Association of Legal Administrators Capital Chapter
• Opening Doors for Children
• Prince George’s Community College Faculty Excellence Award
• TSAKS Rising Star Award
• Society of Human Resource Management
• World at Work
• Merit System Board for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Central Union Mission Washington DC
• The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square
• The Salvation Army
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, strategic thinking, and the ability to align human resource initiatives with broader organizational goals. Throughout my career, building strong relationships and empowering others to succeed has been central to the way I lead and create lasting impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is simple: continuous learning leads to continuous growth. No matter how much you accomplish, remain curious, stay humble, and always be willing to learn.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to the next generation of women leaders is to remain confident in your voice, continue learning, and never underestimate the value of preparation and integrity. Leadership is not only about achieving personal success but also about creating pathways for others. Build strong relationships, stay curious, and lead with both competence and authenticity; these qualities will sustain you throughout your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in human resources today is navigating evolving regulatory and workplace expectations while maintaining fair, transparent, and effective organizational practices. HR leaders are increasingly responsible for ensuring that compensation systems, talent strategies, and workplace policies remain equitable and aligned with organizational goals. At the same time, this moment presents an opportunity for the profession to strengthen trust by building data-driven, transparent systems that support both organizational performance and meaningful opportunities for employees.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, collaboration, and equity are values that guide both my professional and personal life. I am committed to creating environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.