“Empowering People, Strengthening Organizations, Driving Impact.”
Liz Gastelum is a visionary human resources and global operations leader with over 15 years of experience driving people strategy, workforce transformation, and organizational growth in mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and education sectors. With a career spanning multiple continents, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, the U.S., and Europe, Liz has built a reputation for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Her expertise in HR strategy, talent development, compliance, and global workforce management has positioned her as a key driver of success in organizations that prioritize equity, social justice, and education advancement.
In her most recent role as Director of People at NewGlobe, Liz has led HR strategies for a global workforce of over 1,000 employees across Africa, India, the UK, the U.S., and the Netherlands. Under her leadership, NewGlobe saw a 35% increase in workforce diversity and a significant enhancement in HR service delivery, achieved through the implementation of integrated HRIS systems. Her ability to align HR with business objectives has strengthened employee engagement, improved performance management frameworks, and ensured equitable compensation structures.
Liz’s career has been marked by her commitment to excellence in global HR operations. During her tenure at CAPA The Global Education Network, she developed and implemented global HR strategies across the U.S., Spain, Argentina, Ireland, Italy, the UK, China, and Australia. She was instrumental in the adoption of BambooHR, which increased HR efficiency by 40% and standardized processes across multiple countries. Additionally, she created CAPA’s first Manager’s Toolkit, reinforcing leadership development and performance management across the organization.
Her global HR experience extends beyond HR systems and compliance. Liz has a deep understanding of international workforce dynamics, having led HR operations and administration at Root Capital. She successfully standardized HR processes and trained teams across Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and Kenya, ensuring smooth HR operations for a geographically dispersed workforce. Her expertise in compensation benchmarking, benefits administration, and talent acquisition has made a lasting impact on global HR structures.
Beyond HR execution, Liz is a strategic thinker who understands that people are at the heart of every successful organization. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, enhancing employee experience, and creating workplace cultures that drive engagement and innovation. She has led leadership training initiatives that have equipped managers with the tools to navigate hiring, onboarding, and performance management successfully. Her ability to mentor and develop leaders has directly contributed to organizational resilience and growth.
Liz’s approach to HR leadership is data-driven and results-oriented. She has successfully implemented HR metrics and analytics, using key insights to drive talent strategies and inform decision-making. By integrating advanced HR technology, she has automated processes, improved reporting accuracy, and streamlined employee services, contributing to a more agile and effective HR function.
One of Liz’s greatest strengths is her ability to manage complexity in multicultural environments. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is skilled at navigating diverse workforce needs and ensuring HR policies are both globally standardized and locally relevant. Her experience collaborating with international teams has given her a unique perspective on cross-cultural communication, employee engagement, and leadership development.
A firm believer in equity, inclusion, and social impact, Liz is deeply passionate about advancing social justice, eradicating poverty, and improving educational opportunities for underserved communities. She is committed to using HR as a vehicle for meaningful change, ensuring that organizations operate with fairness, transparency, and a strong sense of mission.
Liz is at a pivotal moment in her career, where she is eager to explore board opportunities and advisory roles. She believes that her extensive HR expertise, strategic mindset, and passion for talent development can help organizations navigate growth, transformation, and global expansion. She is driven by a desire to give back and contribute her knowledge to organizations striving for long-term impact.
Throughout her career, Liz has been known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to creating thriving workplaces. Her ability to bridge HR strategy with business objectives, while fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional development, makes her a highly sought-after HR leader in mission-driven organizations.
Character:
Liz is a principled, ethical leader who values equity, inclusion, and integrity in every aspect of her work. She believes in empowering people and fostering environments that support both professional and personal growth.
Knowledge:
With extensive expertise in HR strategy, global workforce management, and organizational development, Liz brings deep insight into scaling systems, optimizing HR processes, and aligning people strategies with business goals.
Strategic:
Liz has a proven ability to drive operational efficiency, implement HR best practices, and lead organizations through periods of transformation. Her work has directly improved diversity, engagement, and workforce scalability.
Communication:
Fluent in English and Spanish, Liz excels in cross-cultural collaboration, leadership development, and employee engagement. Her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders makes her an effective leader and advocate for talent excellence.
