Natiya M. Caldwell
Responsibilities
- HR Project management and execution
- Facilitation and execution of HR related projects
- Coordination of recruitment process for staff and temporary staff
- Support personnel transactions, payroll processing, and HR compliance and regulation.
About
Natiya Caldwell currently serves as the HR Project Specialist for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), a role she began in September 2024. In this dynamic position, she facilitates a variety of talent acquisition initiatives, manages HR-related projects, and oversees HR procurement, all aimed at enhancing staffing needs, organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Through her ability to collaborate across departments and manage both large-scale projects and day-to-day operations, Natiya supports the overall mission of the SEAS HR team. Her focus on process improvement, positive employee relations, and fostering an inclusive work culture positions her as a critical member of the team, helping to advance the university's goals and enhance the employee experience.
Key Achievement and Responsibilities
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is the ability to collaborate with different departments, coordinate cross-functional teams, and leverage data analytics to inform HR decision-making. Natiya is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including facilitating talent acquisition processes which includes, pre-onboarding, coordinating interviews, managing HR projects and procurement and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Her role also involves ensuring smooth HR operations, such as handling personnel transactions and maintaining compliance with HR regulations. She manages both large-scale projects and day-to-day operations with a focus on maintaining positive employee relations, supporting organizational development, and fostering an inclusive, engaging work culture.
Before coming to Columbia Engineering, Natiya worked at Fairstead Management LLC, where she played a key role in supporting HR operations by serving as a liaison between employees and the HR department. She handled status changes (promotions, terminations, and title changes) and assisted with drafting offer letters for new hires. She also worked at the Beverage Distribution Center Inc/Pepsi Bottling Co. where she took on a pivotal role in the Talent Acquisition team, where Natiya was responsible for initiating the onboarding process. This included scheduling pre-employment testing, coordinating background checks, and communicating with candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers to ensure a smooth hiring process.
Education
Natiya graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies, where she developed strong analytical and communication skills that have proven invaluable in her HR career. Her education laid the foundation for the ability to write clearly, engage with diverse groups, and think critically—skills she now applies to her HR work, particularly in reporting, and project management.