Melissa Pennington is leveraging the advancements of technology to improve her work in human resources (HR). Exposure To Human Resources The Queens, NY, native carries more than two decades in the sector, which she was first introduced to as a high school student. She took a Myers-Briggs personality test, which suggested she consider a career in HR. She was unfamiliar with what it entailed until further research. “I remember thinking, ‘What is that?’ The more I explored, the more I realized how perfectly it aligned with who I am,” she told AFROTECH™ in an email interview. “As I grew into my career, I started to understand the impact HR could have — not just as the department dealing with policies or consequences, but as a true catalyst for positive change.” Pennington’s focus in her work would settle on nonprofits and medium to small-sized businesses. This was inspired by her grandmother, who moved to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. She owned multiple beauty...

Andy Muir will be sporting a new hat as Skims’ new chief financial officer. Women’s Wear Daily reports the former vice president and chief financial officer of the Jordan Brand will lead inclusivity efforts and spearhead Skims’ growth and financial agendas, as it plans to expand globally. Muir’s presence is timely, as the swimwear and innerwear company, created by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, is set to reach new markets, launch new categories, and open brick-and-mortar Skims stores. The advancements will be supported by a Series B funding round in January totaling $240 million. “As Skims expands globally, it’s important to me that we partner with people who resonate with international audiences,” Kardashian said, according to WWD. “As a young brand that’s still growing, we are focused on aligning ourselves with those who represent our brand mission and ethos, while having global influence.” Muir will bring forward an arsenal of skills strengthened by her time working at Nike’s...

Former General Mills executive Tiffanie Boyd has found a new home under the Golden Arches, according to Restaurant Business. On Monday (Nov. 16), McDonald’s named Boyd as its new U.S. Chief People Officer. Boyd will officially start her duties in January, replacing Candace Jean-Louis, who has been interim U.S. CPO for the past several months. “I’m proud to join a company with such a powerful brand and broad presence across our country. I look forward to working with franchisees to bring the McDonald’s values to life through our people and their employee experience, as well as the communities in which we operate,” Boyd said in a statement. Previously, Boyd spent 23 years at General Mills. Most recently, she served as vice president of human resources for North America Retail. Her appointment comes as the company battles a number of discrimination lawsuits. In addition, Boyd’s new role is the most recent hire in a string of role changes within its human resources department. ”Tiffanie...