At the School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER), we take pride in the power of mentorship, leadership, and community–values that are especially meaningful as we celebrate Black History Month. Carolyn Whiteman, Head of Talent Acquisition at LyondellBassell, and Anika Whiteman, Assistant Vice President of HR at The Hartford, two sisters who both found their paths in human resources, embody what makes LER unique: strong networks, transformative education, and commitment to uplifting one another.
Finding a Passion for HR
Carolyn and Anika’s path to human resources took different routes. As first-generation college students, their journey into higher education was a significant milestone for their family. Their parents, along with Carolyn, are from Grenada in the West Indies, and they worked hard to create a foundation for their children’s success.
Carolyn, MHRIR 02, initially majored in child development and stumbled upon HR by chance, while Anika, MHRIR 10, discovered her passion for organizational behavior as an undergraduate business student, not realizing at first that was where her sister was making her mark. Despite their different academic backgrounds, both found a home in HR and, eventually, at LER. Both attended University of Texas at Austin for their undergraduate education, but learned to “LERve” a better shade of orange when they came to graduate school.
For Anika, discovering HR was just the beginning. She was torn between Teach for America and pursuing a career in HR but worried about the cost of graduate school. After being accepted into both, she learned she could defer her LER enrollment for two years to join TFA. However, when she received a fellowship for LER, she knew HR was her true calling and chose to begin her graduate studies right away. That support system made all the difference and continues to be a guiding light for them both.
The Power of the LER Network
One of the biggest takeaways from their time at LER was the lifelong network. Carolyn and Anika are still in touch with friends they met at LER. They also found that connections made through the program continue to provide guidance and opportunities throughout their careers. The relationships built at LER go beyond networking–they form a supportive and engaged community that stays invested in each other’s success. Whether it’s through mentorship, professional collaborations, or simply offering advice, the LER network remains a vital resource long after graduation.
Carolyn and Anika also emphasized the importance of the reputation that LER has earned throughout the years. The program gave them confidence, knowledge, and personal connections that have supported them throughout their careers. Carolyn mentioned that when colleagues know she received her degree from the University of Illinois, they know she is a great HR professional. She still utilizes the skills learned from her coursework in her daily operations, showing the impact of the program. She specifically referenced Professor Feuille’s labor arbitration course to help her with writing grievance responses.
Representation in HR Leadership
HR is a field where women and people of color have a strong presence. That representation, however, is still lacking at the executive level. Both sisters are working to change that.
Anika credits Carolyn’s career path for helping her realize that executive leadership was within reach. They both know that visibility matters and are committed to being mentors to support those who strive to be in similar positions.
Carolyn said of both her and her sister, “A big part of our passion and inspiration is giving back through mentorship, always being willing to have a conversation, and passing on learnings. So that way, hopefully, we can continue to sew it into the next female executives, black executives, who are coming up through the ranks.”
Looking back, Carolyn and Anika have built impressive careers that span industries and continents. Carolyn’s HR journey has taken her to Brazil, Malaysia, and Singapore, where she led diverse teams in environments where being an American leader, especially a Black woman, presented unique challenges. These experiences have shaped her career and deepened her understanding of cultural differences in HR.
Meanwhile, their passion for travel isn’t just about work—it’s about embracing different perspectives and experiences. Their stories remind us that Black professionals are making an impact worldwide, pushing boundaries, and redefining success.
Looking Forward
Black History Month is about honoring the past while continuing to build on the future. Carolyn and Anika’s experiences at LER show the importance of mentorship, education, and representation in making real change.
At LER, students and alumni continue to shape industries, break barriers, and create opportunities for those who come next. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor leaders like Carolyn and Anika, who are mentors and trailblazers and are examples of the impact of education and community.
