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Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of education and employment, helping institutions and organizations work together to close the gap between the classrooms of today and the workforce requirements of tomorrow. With so much time spent working, leaders must create workplaces grounded in civility, accountability, and opportunity.
Emily M. Dickens
ABOUT EMILY
Chief Administrative Officer
Emily is the Chief Administrative Officer for SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. She is a workforce policy leader, education advocate, and global speaker focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening the connection between education and employment.
Emily began her career in service as an AmeriCorps VISTA, an experience that shaped her commitment to expanding access and building pathways for people without traditional professional networks. She went on to serve in leadership roles at Fayetteville State University and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, advancing higher education, institutional strategy, and opportunity for underrepresented communities.
Areas of expertise
Emily has extensive experience working with leaders and policymakers at the local, national, and global levels to shape conversations around workforce policy, economic mobility, and the future of work.
Emily lives her values of servant-leadership in nearly every aspect of her life. She currently serves in governance and advisory roles that support business leadership and workforce development, including Vice Chair of the Bryce Harlow Foundation and leadership roles in global workforce collaboration.
Emily built her early career in higher education and continues to focus on strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline. Through her E² platform (Education + Employment), she works with institutions, policymakers, and employers to close the growing gap between how people are educated and how the workforce is evolving. Emily is also a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University, where she received her undergraduate degree and her JD. She has several years of service on NCCU's Board of Trustees under her belt and recently completed her term as Chair of the Board in 2025.
Media
Milestones and
Honorable Mentions
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Press Features on Emily
M. Dickens’ Official Website
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Press Features on Emily
M. Dickens’ Official Website
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Press Features on Emily
M. Dickens’ Official Website
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MEDIA APPEARANCES
Emily is a business executive, workforce policy expert, and global speaker who regularly contributes to conversations on the future of work and leadership. For media appearances, speaking engagements, and partnerships, please connect directly below.
Videos
Insights, Conversations & Highlights
