Athena Head of Recruitment, Carmela Sais, has been recognized as one of The Bridge Group's Top 100 Talent Leaders for 2024. This honor celebrates recruitment leaders who are not only shaping the future of work through innovative HR practices, but also championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) with unwavering commitment.
With over two decades of experience across various industries and a proven track record of success, Carmela's achievements speak for themselves. In 2023, she was also honored as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn, further underscoring her impact and influence in the recruitment space.
As the Vice President of Recruitment at Athena, she actively works to continue implementing inclusive practices in the company’s recruitment process and spearheads initiatives focused on promoting equity in talent acquisition and retention. Together with her recruitment team, Carmela ensures that Athena not only attracts top talent but also cultivates a work environment where they are valued, developed, and empowered to succeed.
“Being recognized as one of The Bridge Group's Top 100 Talent Leaders is incredibly humbling, but what truly ignites my passion as a talent leader is the opportunity I have to create amazing opportunities for Filipinos to thrive in the global stage," Carmela shares. "I’ve always wanted Athena to be a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, where diverse perspectives ignite innovation, and where collective brilliance paves the way for a future that benefits everyone. This recognition is a shared honor, a reflection of the collective effort it took to create a truly inclusive and thriving work environment like Athena’s."
Looking ahead, Carmela remains committed to advancing Athena's mission of creating a workplace where every individual can thrive. She plans to expand the company's inclusive policies and implement more community outreach initiatives, such as on-ground recruitment events, mentorship programs, and career development workshops, to connect with diverse talent and support their professional growth.
Currently, Athena is establishing a presence in Kenya and Carmela is excited to create new pathways for diverse talent to access opportunities in Athena, reinforcing the company's commitment to inclusion on a global scale.
“My focus at Athena remains clear, which is to continue championing a workplace where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to flourish. I’ve said this before but I just want to continue taking our company to new heights. I don’t want us to just keep up with the changes in recruitment and the future of work. I want us to lead the pack.”
With Carmela at the helm of Athena's recruitment strategies and operations, Athena isn't merely shaping careers; it's pioneering a future where inclusion is the standard, and opportunities for Filipino professionals are limitless.
Connect with Carmela Sais on LinkedIn here.