Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Shawna Watson Riley

Kansas City,USA

Summary

Recent Doctor of Public Administration graduate with 20+ years of leadership, compliance, and workforce development experience. Skilled in balancing organizational goals with employee and student needs, with a proven record in mentoring HR professionals, senior managers, and graduate students pursuing continuing education. Adept at advising, curriculum development, dispute resolution, and strategic planning, with strong communication and cross-cultural competencies. Dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional growth across varied populations.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Human Resources Partner – Employee Relations / Training & Development

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
01.2022 - Current
  • - Mentor and coach managers, supervisors, and HR staff on employee engagement, performance management, and compliance.
  • - Design and facilitate training programs on leadership, workplace inclusion, DEI, and conflict resolution.
  • - Lead complex employee relations investigations, ensuring impartiality and adherence to organizational policies and employment law.
  • - Partner with leadership to implement initiatives that improve retention, professional development, and workplace culture.
  • Devised hiring and recruitment policies for over 2,000 -employee company.

Human Resources Analyst – Employee Relations

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
01.2017 - 01.2022
  • - Supported over 2,000 employees and managers with workplace concerns, performance management, and conflict resolution.
  • - Mentored staff, providing career coaching and development resources to strengthen workforce capabilities.
  • - Analyzed trends in employee relations, producing reports and recommendations for HR leadership.
  • - Collaborated with HR teams to align employee relations with organizational strategies and compliance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Manager

Full Employment Council
01.2014 - 2017
  • - Advise and mentor staff, senior managers, and external partners on compliance and training programs.
  • - Conduct investigations, interviews, and evaluations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local EEO regulations.
  • - Deliver quarterly professional development workshops on ADA, EEO, Civil Rights, and workplace compliance.
  • - Provide statistical analyses and reports for senior leadership and state agencies.
  • Developed and implemented compliance policies aligning with regulatory standards.
  • Conducted regular audits to identify compliance gaps and recommended corrective actions.
  • Prepared detailed reports for management outlining compliance status and recommendations.
  • Managed over 100 compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
  • Developed and delivered training programs to inform new and current employees about compliance issues.
  • Supported the implementation of new regulations within the organization by developing strategic plans and action items for each department.
  • Evaluated customer complaints, processes, and all other aspects of operations to assess compliance.
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for employees, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Merchandising Supervisor

Coca-Cola Refreshments
01.2008 - 01.2014
  • - Designed enterprise-wide training modules in leadership, health/safety, workplace inclusion, and ethics.
  • - Provided mentorship and professional development coaching to executives, managers, and frontline staff.
  • - Implemented Affirmative Action Plans supporting DEI initiatives in training and workplace practices.
  • Trained and mentored team members on effective merchandising strategies and best practices.
  • Analyzed market trends to optimize product placement and enhance consumer engagement.
  • Led initiatives to streamline processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
  • Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving overall store performance, including staff training programs and operational efficiency enhancements.

Education

Doctor of Public Administration - Public Administration

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

Masters of Business Management - Business Administration

Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas

Skills

  • Research mentorship experience
  • Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) completion
  • Career Pathways Expertise: In-depth knowledge of HR, public administration, compliance, and professional development career trajectories
  • Communication & Writing: Exceptional writing, policy development, training, and presentation skills
  • Teaching & Mentoring: Led undergraduate and graduate-level training, mentorship, and professional development programs

Admissions & Evaluation: Committee and evaluation experience related to compliance, admissions, and fellowships

  • Guidance and support skills

Global Education Knowledge: Familiarity with international higher education systems and funding structures

  • Equity & Inclusion Leadership: Professional and personal commitment to working with diverse populations across socio-economic backgrounds
  • Research & Academic Writing: Professional editing, writing advising, and applied academic research experience

Websites

Timeline

Sr. Human Resources Partner – Employee Relations / Training & Development

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
01.2022 - Current

Human Resources Analyst – Employee Relations

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
01.2017 - 01.2022

Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Manager

Full Employment Council
01.2014 - 2017

Merchandising Supervisor

Coca-Cola Refreshments
01.2008 - 01.2014

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Emporia State University

Doctor of Public Administration - Public Administration

Capella University

Masters of Business Management - Business Administration

Baker University

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