The Transform Community gathered for a special event to recognize the leaders, programs, and organizations shaping the future of work. The announcement of the 2025 Transform Awards Finalists brought together innovators, HR leaders, and executives who are redefining what it means to build people-first workplaces.
This year’s finalists represent bold ideas, fresh approaches, and the leaders setting new standards in their industries. These individuals and organizations have created transformative tech solutions, reimagined talent strategies, and built workplaces that inspire growth, inclusion, and excellence.
Throughout the online event, attendees shared their excitement, support, and reflections in the chat as finalists were revealed, creating an atmosphere of connection and celebration.
How the Finalists Were Selected
Our esteemed panel of industry judges carefully reviewed and chose each finalist, who evaluated entries based on impact, innovation, and inspiration. These leaders brought deep expertise in people-first leadership, workplace transformation, and organizational excellence, ensuring that the selected finalists represent the best in forward-thinking work.
- Brian Elliott – Co-founder & General Partner, McElliott Advisors, LLC
- Cathy Gao – Partner, Sapphire Ventures
- Cher Murphy – Founder & Principal Consultant, The Murphy Advisory
- David Landman – Former Global Head of Talent Development, Goldman Sachs
- Erin Grau – Co-Founder, Charter
- Eugene Lee – Partner, OMERS Ventures
- George LaRocque – Founder, Worktech
- Ian Chiu – Managing Director, Owl Ventures
- Julie Turney – Founder & CEO, HR@Heart
- Linda Ho – Chief People Officer, Seismic
- Marissa Andrada – Chief Transformation Officer, WUF World
- Michelle Delcambre – Operating Partner, Felicis
- Michelle McHargue – Partner, Costanoa Ventures
- Monica Pool Knox – CPO | Board Director
- Peter Phelan – Founder & CEO, ValuesCulture
- Rebecca Port – Chief People Officer, 10x Genomics
- Shelly Morales – Founder & CEO, MoralesHR
- Tammy Perkins – Chief People Officer, ProService
- Usman (Oz) Khan – SVP, ADP Ventures
- Virginie Raphael – Founder & Managing Partner, FullCircle
What the Transform Awards Represent
The Transform Awards honor individuals and organizations that lead with purpose and make a measurable impact. These awards recognize visionaries setting a new benchmark for leadership, innovation, and workplace culture.
Honorees are recognized across two primary categories:
The Transform 10
This distinction highlights ten executive leaders who are making a significant impact in their industries. These individuals are influencing how work is designed and experienced through business, venture leadership, or entrepreneurship.
2025 Transform 10 Finalists:
- Amira Barger – EVP, Health Communications and DEI Advisory, Edelman
- Apple Musni – CHRO, REI
- Chandra Sanders – Founder, Heels N Hustle
- Coco Brown – Founder & CEO, The Athena Alliance
- Donald Knight – Group SVP, People & Culture, Warner Bros. Discovery
- Elana Brickner – Chief People Officer, Payoneer
- Glyn Burleigh – Senior Director, L&D, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
- Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi – Co-Founder & CEO, Dextego
- Joel Hellermark – Founder & CEO, Sana
- Keely Cat-Wells – Founder & CEO, Making Space
- Lynnette Heath – CHRO, nVent
- Mark Hyman – Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Function Health
- Melanie Naranjo – Chief People Officer, Ethena
- Mira Brancu – CEO & Founder, Towerscope
- Rocki Howard – Founder & Chief Diversiologist, Diversiology.io
- Shannon Nash – Board Member, NetScout, SoFi
- Sherry Rais – CEO, Enthea
- Sophia Harris – Founder & CEO, ODRG
- Stephanie Murphy – VP, People Experience, UnitedHealth Group
- Terah Lawyer – President, CROP Organization
The Category Awards
Each category recognizes programs, teams, and companies that are setting a new benchmark for what workplaces can and should be.
Finalists by category:
Transformative Tech of 2025
Recognizes companies with the most forward-thinking tech solutions, improving how people work and live.
- Bond Security
- Circ
- Corti ApS
- Making Space
- Keychain
Connected Culture of 2025
Celebrates organizations that have designed effective models for a thriving distributed workforce.
- BforeAI
- Hanna Andersson
- Mission Federal Credit Union
- ShipHawk
- Spring Health
DEI Initiative of 2025
Honors organizations that are actively shaping a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
- Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
- CROP Organization
- Escalant
- Foley Hoag LLC
- TOOTRIS
Wellbeing Program of 2025
Recognizes holistic approaches that support employee mental, physical, and financial well-being.
- Barstool Sports
- Edifecs
- Fringe
- LAIKA, LLC
- Nextdoor
People Reporting & Insights of 2025
Spotlights employers using data and analytics to drive meaningful people strategies.
- AceUp
- Electronic Arts
- EPAM
- OneModel
- Syndio
Employee Experience of 2025
Recognizes organizations that create exceptional employee experiences from attraction to retention.
- EPAM
- G42
- GumGum
- Harness
- SCAN Health Plan
Social Impact Initiative of 2025
Honors companies that are making a measurable difference in the lives of their employees and communities.
- BusPatrol
- Coast Mental Health
- FosterMore
- Hack.Diversity
- TOOTRIS
Employer Brand of 2025
Recognizes companies that have built strong reputations as great places to work.
- Akamai
- Brilliant Earth
- InStride
- Pixar Animation Studios
- San Francisco Giants
Talent Strategy of 2025
Celebrates companies that have redefined hiring, onboarding, and career growth.
- Brightside Health
- Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
- Planful
- Sparrow
- Thrive Digital
L&D Program of 2025
Recognizes organizations investing in developing their people and their future.
- AceUp
- Mission Cloud
- NextGen People
- Notion
- Turing
Inspiring Resource of 2025
Honors content that educates and supports the Transform community.
- Charter
- Diversiology.io
- Fractional People People
- Hackers Del Talento
- StartupExperts
Total Rewards Strategy of 2025
Highlights companies with a modern, thoughtful approach to compensation, benefits, and perks.
- Affirm
- Calico Life Sciences
- Mysten Labs
- Roblox
- Unum Group
Executive Partnership of 2025
Recognizes dynamic leadership duos driving transformation together.
- Brighton Health Plan Solutions – Julie Bank (CPO) + James Cusumano (CEO)
- Ethena – Melanie Naranjo (CPO) + Roxanne Petraeus (CEO)
- Securian Canada – Sofia Theodorou (CHRO) + Nigel Branker (CEO)
- ThredUp – Along Toe (Chief Strategy Officer) + Natalie Breece (CPO)
- Wagmo – Christie Horvath (CEO) + Jessica Bryant (COO)
What’s Next?
The winners will be revealed at Transform 2025 during a live ceremony on March 18th at 12:30 pm PDT. Individuals and organizations will take the stage, celebrating their impact in front of the community.
Transform 2025 is an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate. The event features insightful conversations, networking opportunities, and a special performance by Timbaland at the official after-party brought to us by Greenhouse and HiBob.
We invite you to watch the winners being announced; register now for Transform 2025.
Congratulations to all the 2025 Transform Awards Finalists! Your work is shaping the workplace for the better, and we can’t wait to celebrate you on the big stage.