FAQ

Soumya Nukala is a seasoned HR and Talent Acquisition professional with extensive experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), recruitment strategy, and operations. With a strong passion for fostering inclusive, innovative, and collaborative work environments, she has successfully designed and led initiatives to source top talent, build diverse teams, and improve candidate experiences across various industries.

Currently serving as a Human Resources Specialist III for Montgomery County Government, Soumya handles recruitment efforts for multiple departments, while also managing the county’s involvement in Project SEARCH, a national program supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has also contributed significantly to talent acquisition and DEI efforts in previous roles at Riverbed Technology and NPR, where she developed and executed diversity hiring programs, led employee resource groups, and partnered with organizations to enhance diversity across all levels of the workforce.

In addition to her role in talent acquisition, Soumya is deeply involved in learning and development, coaching, mentoring, and employer branding initiatives. She is skilled in managing complex recruitment processes, sourcing talent through various platforms, and leveraging data analytics to continuously improve recruitment and onboarding functions. Her leadership and consultative approach have helped numerous organizations achieve greater DEI outcomes while building high-performance teams and advancing organizational goals.

Soumya holds an MBA from Georgia College & State University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources, and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Osmania University. She is also certified as a Korn Ferry Leadership Architect and ApHusys HRIS Professional.

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Robert Roop is a tested and successful Human Resources executive with years of experience in human resources management. Robert started his career with the Marriott Corporation as an entry-level recruiter. When he left Marriott 15 years later, he was a Regional Director of Human Resources. His region included 30,000 nonexempt and 3,000 exempt employees.

After leaving Marriott, Robert joined the Humane Society of the United States where he was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources. At the Humane Society, Robert developed and implemented a nationwide

Tamara Smith is a Management and Program Analyst (Recruiter) in the Office of Human Resources, Corporate Engagement. Also current the National Chairperson for Education, Recruitment, & Training (ERT) for the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), and HQ Region Conference Coordinator.

With over 20 years of Federal Government Service, most of her Federal Service was working with attorneys. Once coming to FAA nine and a half years ago under ATO Diversity office, Tamara took an interest in diversity and recruitment.

Katherine Ponds has a diverse background that encompasses leadership roles in for-profit, non-profit, and public sector organizations.

With over 20 years in the career and talent management sector, Ms. Ponds currently serves as Executive Vice President for Meridian Resources Inc., a career and talent management consulting firm, where she oversees product development, marketing, and relationship management.