Kenyatta Nobles: Building People-First Leadership in HR

Kenyatta Nobles has built a career around one clear idea: strong organizations start with strong people. From his early days learning responsibility as a child in Philadelphia to leading HR strategy for hundreds of employees across multiple states, his path shows how resilience, education, and integrity can shape a modern business leader.

From Miracle Baby to Early Leadership Lessons

Kenyatta Nobles’ story starts before his career ever did. Born prematurely at just three pounds, he spent his first month in the hospital. Doctors were unsure of his future. His mother deemed him her “miracle baby,” and that mindset never left him.

“I define success as making a meaningful impact—both professionally and personally—while staying true to my values,” Nobles says.

He grew up in Philadelphia in a family that valued hard work and community. By the age of nine, he was already working, helping deliver Little Debbie cakes. As a teenager, he, along with a few friends, started a T-shirt business. These early experiences taught him responsibility and initiative.

Football also played a key role. It taught him discipline, teamwork, and how to handle setbacks. In high school, he stepped into formal leadership as the inaugural student vice president on the Philadelphia School Board’s student body. It was his first look at governance, decision-making, and accountability.

Education as a Turning Point

Education became a major driver in Nobles’ journey. He was the first among his siblings to attend and graduate from a four-year university. That milestone set a new standard for his family.

At Temple University, he double-majored and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Administration and Risk Management & Insurance. He also served as Treasurer of the student government, managing budgets and learning how financial decisions affect people.

“Education was a cornerstone in my journey,” he says. “It gave me tools, but also confidence.”

He later earned a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Along the way, he committed to lifelong learning, eventually earning the SHRM-SCP certification, one of the highest credentials in the HR field.

Building a Career in Human Resources Leadership

Nobles chose human resources because it sat at the intersection of people and business. His career moved steadily through complex organizations with real-world impact.

He held senior HR roles at organizations like Harlem Children’s Zone, New Community Corporation, Planned Parenthood of New Jersey, Hamilton Health Center, and Everstand. In each role, he focused on aligning talent strategy with organizational goals.

“At its core, HR is about trust,” Nobles says. “You have to balance empathy with results, and integrity with adaptability.”

At Everstand, he spearheaded HR strategy and operations for 700 employees across multiple states. He managed and mentored a 15-member HR team. He helped reduce turnover by 12% and increase employee engagement by 30% through clearer performance processes and transparent leadership.

He also led large system changes, like transitioning retirement plan providers and converting performance reviews to a consistent annual cycle. These changes were operational, but their impact was human.

Leading Through Change and Accountability

One of Nobles’ strengths is guiding organizations through change. He has led culture transformations, process improvements, and leadership development efforts in regulated and mission-driven environments.

“Success in HR and leadership requires empathy, integrity, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset,” he says.

He is known for presenting clear, actionable insights to executives and boards. His work has included improving operational efficiency, strengthening compliance, and increasing representation in senior leadership through focused DEIB strategies.

Even in challenging environments, he emphasizes ethics and transparency. “Building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining ethical standards are foundational to long-term success,” he says.

Entrepreneurship and Giving Back

In addition to corporate leadership, Nobles founded Criterion HR Solutions, a boutique consulting firm focused on strategic human capital solutions. The firm reflects his belief that HR should be proactive, not reactive.

He also gives back through board service, professional associations, and community involvement. He is active in SHRM, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Free Masonry. Faith and service remain central to his life.

“My journey began with uncertainty,” he says. “I rely on faith, family, and purpose during challenging times.”

Measuring Success Beyond Titles

For Kenyatta Nobles, success is not about titles alone. He measures it through outcomes, feedback, and the growth of others.

“Ultimately, success is about making a lasting, positive impact,” he says.

Today, living in New Jersey with his wife and three children, he continues to lead with the same principles shaped in his early years: resilience, learning, and service. His career shows how people-first leadership can drive both organizational strength and long-term trust.