Divya Divakaran, an HR leader and Forbes HR Council member, has been honored with a 2024 Global Recognition Award for her contributions to human resources. Throughout her over 18-year HR career, she has achieved transformational leadership, organizational development, DEI advocacy, community engagement, and organizational growth.
New York, NY / August 2024 — Divya Divakaran, a renowned HR strategist and leader at EVS and a member of the Forbes HR Council, has been honored with a 2024 Global Recognition Award as HR Person of the Year. This accolade celebrates Divakaran’s exceptional contributions to the field of human resources. It distinguishes her from her peers through her extensive HR expertise, transformational leadership, creative solutions, steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), active community engagement, thought leadership, and resilience.
Divakaran’s professional journey began in India as a recruiter, which was marked by milestones and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Her career has progressively advanced through various pivotal roles, leading to her current position, where she has built the HR department from the ground up, driving substantial organizational growth and transformation. Throughout her more than 18 years of experience, Divakaran’s efforts in cultivating inclusive workplaces and contributing to the HR community have been particularly noteworthy.
Career Progression
Divakaran honed her skills in identifying and attracting excellent talent as a recruiter in India. This foundational experience was crucial in understanding the intricacies of talent acquisition. She then advanced to the role of HR operations specialist, gaining comprehensive experience in end-to-end HR operations. This role equipped her with the expertise to handle various HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and HR systems management.
She joined as the second employee in a leadership role at a startup organization in Chennai, where she established and managed a full spectrum of HR operations, systems, and programs. Her key achievements included developing HR policies and procedures, implementing effective recruitment strategies, and fostering an employee-friendly and flexible work environment. Her efforts contributed to substantial growth, with the organization expanding from two to 142 employees in two years while maintaining a shallow attrition rate of two percent.
Adaptation and Resilience
Divakaran moved to the United States and encountered the challenge of awaiting employment authorization. During this time, she utilized her expertise to volunteer as a freelance HR consultant, focusing on talent acquisition, management, and organizational design strategies for various startups in India and the U.S.
Upon receiving work authorization, she resumed her career as an HR generalist. Within three years of restarting her career in the U.S., she became an HR director at EVS, building the engineering firm’s human resources department from the ground up, driving a significant increase in headcount growth under her leadership. “Adapting to new challenges and remaining resilient in the face of uncertainty is crucial for personal and professional growth,” Divakaran remarked, highlighting her commitment to continuous improvement.
Her accomplishments at EVS include but are not limited to building the HR department from scratch, implementing streamlined, automated HR processes, learning and development programs, succession planning, unique benefits enhancements, and significantly reducing hiring costs by eliminating agencies and building an in-house recruitment team.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Divakaran has cultivated workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has implemented comprehensive DEI initiatives to create a more inclusive environment, ensuring all employees feel valued and respected.
Divakaran’s strategies focus on recruiting and promoting diverse talent, creating a culture that celebrates and leverages the distinct perspectives of all employees. She introduced a cultural holiday policy, encouraging employees worldwide to celebrate their favorite festivals, which are not typically U.S. holidays.
Community Engagement and Thought Leadership
Divakaran’s commitment to community engagement is reflected in her active roles, including serving as a board member of the Minnesota Malayalee Association and SAATH member and participating in Minnesota Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. She also volunteers with Educate Tanzania (ETI), contributing to educational programs and initiatives.
Her contributions and leadership have been recognized through her membership in the Forbes HR Council, an invite-only membership for industry leaders at the senior executive level. She leads discussions related to how HR leaders could make a difference as strategic partners in the boardroom. This prestigious platform has allowed her to publish multiple articles and judge over 100 peer international awards, including the Stevie Awards and the 16th Annual Golden Bridge Awards.
Divakaran’s professional journey, marked by progressive career advancements, resilience, and achievements, highlights her expertise and leadership. Starting as a recruiter in India and rising to an influential HR leader in the U.S., her path showcases her ability to adapt, innovate, and drive organizational success. Her active involvement in prestigious platforms, commitment to community engagement, and DEI initiatives further underscore her dedication to excellence and thought leadership in the HR industry. This journey proves her steadfast commitment to fostering growth, enhancing employee satisfaction, and contributing to the broader HR community.
Alex Sterling, spokesperson of the Global Recognition Awards, remarked, “Divya Divakaran’s achievements are a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication. Her influence extends beyond organizational boundaries, significantly impacting the HR world and setting a benchmark for others.”
About Global Recognition Awards
Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have contributed significantly to their industry.
Contact Information:
Spokesperson: Alex Sterling
Name of Company: Global Recognition Awards
Website: https://globalrecognitionawards.org/
Email Address:
Published By: Aize Perez
