Felicia Mares

About Felicia Mares

I’m a bilingual (Spanish & English), self-directed HR and ESG leader with 15+ years of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, real estate, and global sustainability sectors. I specialize in aligning people strategy with business goals while cultivating inclusive, values-driven cultures.Over the years, I’ve led cross-regional teams, supported C-Suite leaders through complex change, and built workforce development pipelines that create real opportunity. I’ve advised on DEI strategy, HR transformation, and ESG reporting that reached the 90th percentile in the food & beverage industry. I thrive in ambiguity, learn quickly, and guide organizations through change with empathy, data, and clarity.🟢 Core Strengths:Executive-level communication & influenceCulture transformation & organizational designPerformance management, talent development, & employee relationsESG, DEI, and sustainability reportingData-driven decision-making & people analyticsCommunity outreach, volunteer engagement, and reentry programs Selected Wins:Decreased turnover by 90% by identifying systemic morale issues and partnering with leadership to implement solutionsLed global ESG survey and reporting strategy, increasing ranking from 88th to 93rd percentile globallyTrained global teams in HR systems, supported major system go-lives across North America, Europe, and Asia-PacificSupported high-impact nonprofit and workforce initiatives as a board member and community leaderI’m passionate about people-first leadership and creating systems where both people and business can thrive. Let’s build something meaningful together.

Experience

1. Chief People & Community Strategy Officer

   Citylinc Ministries

   Mar 2024 — Present · MI, US

   As Chief People & Community Strategy Officer at CityLinC Ministries, I provide strategic leadership across people operations, organizational development, and community engagement. I work directly with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to support long-term growth, mission alignment, and talent sustainability.Key responsibilities- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations across departments- Maintain HR compliance and oversee employee handbook and policy development- Coordinate fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement strategies- Represent the organization at community events and cultivate partnerships with stakeholders- Lead internal and external communications, branding, and marketing strategy- Manage internal systems, track grant timelines, and ensure program deliverables- Support organizational strategy, including expansion of Second Wind Handymen ServicesThis role combines human resources, business development, and relationship management to support both the internal culture and external impact of CityLinC\'s programs.

Education

• Cornerstone University

  Bachelor's degree, Psychology

• Liberty University

  Master's degree, Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  2017 — 2020

• Cornerstone University

  Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Psychology

  2012 — 2014

• Kellogg Community College

  Associate of Arts (A.A.), Psychology

  2007 — 2011

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Bilingual
• Customer Service
• Talent Management
• Personnel Management
• Public Speaking
• Recruiting
• Sap Products
• Outlook
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office
• Organizational Development
• Hp Quality Center
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Ceridian Payroll System
• New Hire Orientations
• Performance Management
• Successfactors
• Human Resources
• Employee Relations
• Payroll
• Microsoft Word
• Training
• Critical Success Factors
• Sap
• Management
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Benefits