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Edith Kardouni

Global Director of People and Culture

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Edith joined Equality Now in 2025 as Global Director of People and Culture. Edith is a seasoned Senior Human Resources and Talent Management professional with over 15 years of experience transforming HR functions and empowering teams in the non-profit and corporate sectors on a global scale. As a strategic leader, Edith has built innovative HR programs that advance equity, inclusion, and organizational excellence.

Before joining Equality Now, Edith served as the Director of Human Resources and Talent Management at PartnersGlobal, where she launched the organization’s first comprehensive HR strategy. In this pivotal role, she fostered an inclusive workplace culture, provided executive leadership with expert counsel on labor and employee relations, and led transformative initiatives in organizational development, compliance, and health, safety, and wellness.

Edith’s career is rooted in a passion for social justice. She began her professional journey in legal advocacy, championing civil and human rights through organizations like the ACLU and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. These early experiences ignited her commitment to advancing human rights and laid the foundation for her unique ability to merge strategic HR leadership with advocacy for workplace dignity and fairness. Her work has consistently championed equitable employee relations practices that strengthen organizational culture and impact.

Over the years, Edith has navigated a variety of industries, including real estate, retail, and legal services, managing complex operations and driving talent strategies that align with organizational goals. She holds a BA in Political Science and Latin American Studies from Baylor University, an MA in Public Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management and Legal/Judicial Administration from Texas State University, and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI.

Beyond the workplace, Edith brings her personality and unwavering energy to every aspect of her life. She enjoys running (at her own pace) and belting out off-tune karaoke hits. As the proud wife of a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel & Physical Therapist, Edith is no stranger to resilience and adaptability – having spent the years moving between Hawaii, Texas, and Washington, D.C. She shares her home with her beloved Australian Shepherds, Koko and Bubba Kardouni, and treasures her role as “Auntie E” to two sets of fraternal twin nieces.

Edith also dedicates her time to mentoring up-and-coming HR professionals, sharing her wealth of experience and passion for people to inspire the next generation of leaders. At her core, Edith is driven by a vision of creating equitable, high-performing workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing the rights of women, girls, and youth and supporting the self-reliance of civil society organizations around the world.