Sonya Strickland
Little Rock
Summary
Strategic and agile HR leader with 10+ years of progressive experience driving human capital initiatives and fostering performance-focused cultures across education and corporate sectors. Proficient in building consultative partnerships with leadership up to executive levels, navigating complex employee relations, guiding change management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. A trusted advisor with a deep understanding of HR law, DEI&B, organizational design, and data interpretation to influence decisions and shape high-performing workplaces. Adept at managing competing priorities while delivering measurable improvements in workforce planning, engagement, and retention.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Business Partner
North Little Rock School District
North Little Rock
10.2020 - Current
- Serve as a senior HR advisor to VP/GM-level leaders across 1,300+ employees and 7,500 students.
- Lead organizational change initiatives using the ADKAR and Kotter frameworks; ensure employee alignment and leadership buy-in.
- Analyze workforce data to present strategic insights to executives, resulting in a 65% increase in retention.
- Ensure full compliance with ADA, FMLA, PWFA, and labor regulations; partner with legal and benefits for complex cases.
- Lead the annual onboarding of 50+ hires, and implement orientation and recognition programs to improve engagement.
- Revise job structures and compensation models aligned with district goals and regulatory standards.
- Act as a culture steward and a trusted resource in sensitive employee matters.
Human Resources Generalist
North Little Rock School District
North Little Rock
08.2016 - 09.2025
- Increased annual hiring by 42% through refined recruitment and onboarding strategies.
- Decreased employee grievances by 35% by enhancing HR responsiveness and mediation practices.
- Redesigned district benefit programs, cutting costs by 38% and improving employee satisfaction.
- Delivered development programs that increased staff competency by 32%.
- Enforced HR compliance, reducing policy violations by 40%.
- Collaborated on performance appraisal systems, leading to a 42% improvement in workforce productivity.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
Little Rock
05.2015 - 08.2016
Sr. Licensing Coordinator
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
Little Rock
05.2015 - 08.2016
Documentation Support Specialist
USAble Life
Little Rock
05.2012 - 07.2013
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Verizon Wireless
Little Rock
07.2001 - 08.2011
Education
Associate of Arts - Arts
Pulaski Technical Institute
North Little Rock, AR01-2010
Associate of Applied Science - General Studies
Pulaski Technical Institute
North Little Rock, AR01-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, ARSkills
- Strategic HR Planning & Organizational Alignment
- Executive Coaching & ED-Level Advisory
- Change leadership (Kotter, ADKAR)
- HR Compliance & Risk Management (FMLA, ADA, Title VII, PWFA)
- Workforce Analytics & Data Interpretation
- Talent Acquisition & Succession Planning
- Employee Experience & Culture Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Conflict Resolution
- HR Policy Design & Legal Compliance
- Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
- PHR, Professional in Human Resources – HRCI
Issued: June 5, 2023 | Expires: December 31, 2028 - aPHR, Associate Professional in Human Resources – HRCI
Issued: May 14, 2022 | Expires: December 31, 2028 - Micro HR: Employee Relations & Life Cycle – HRCP
Issued: June 29, 2023 | Expires: June 29, 2026 - Micro HR: Organizational Leadership – HRCP
Issued: July 31, 2023 | Expires: July 31, 2026 - Micro HR: Employee Grievances & Discipline – HRCP
Issued: September 24, 2023 | Expires: September 24, 2026 - Micro HR: Organizational Ethics – HRCP
Issued: March 19, 2024 | Expires: March 19, 2027 - Micro HR: Strategic HR Management – HRCP
Issued: March 19, 2024 | Expires: March 19, 2027 - Micro HR: Organizational Theory & Design – HRCP
Issued: March 19, 2024 | Expires: March 19, 2027 - Micro HR: Employee Benefits – HRCP
Issued: May 27, 2024 | Expires: May 27, 2027 - Micro HR: Employment – HRCP
Issued: August 30, 2024 | Expires: August 30, 2027 - Micro HR: Risk Management – HRCP
Issued: October 8, 2024 | Expires: October 8, 2027
Timeline
Human Resources Business Partner
North Little Rock School District
10.2020 - Current
Human Resources Generalist
North Little Rock School District
08.2016 - 09.2025
Executive Administrative Assistant
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
05.2015 - 08.2016
Sr. Licensing Coordinator
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
05.2015 - 08.2016
Documentation Support Specialist
USAble Life
05.2012 - 07.2013
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Verizon Wireless
07.2001 - 08.2011
Associate of Arts - Arts
Pulaski Technical Institute
Associate of Applied Science - General Studies
Pulaski Technical Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
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