Kristen Diggs, SHRM-SCP | Chief Human Resources Officer, HR Executive & Leadership Advocate
Kristen Diggs is the Chief Human Resources Officer at San Diego Youth Services (SDYS), a nonprofit organization serving homeless and vulnerable youth throughout San Diego County. With more than 25 years of human resources leadership experience—including over 16 years in the nonprofit sector—Kristen leads the organization’s people strategy, overseeing employee relations, talent acquisition and retention, leadership development, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, and organizational culture.
A Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Kristen is recognized for building people-first workplaces where employees, leaders, and organizations thrive together. She combines strategic HR leadership with a deep commitment to developing inclusive cultures, empowering teams, and creating environments where purpose and performance go hand in hand.
After relocating from Annapolis, Maryland, to San Diego in 2022, Kristen quickly became a respected leader within the region’s HR community. She currently serves as President of San Diego SHRM and is a voting member of the SHRM California State Council. She is also a Board Advisor for Girls Rising San Diego, a member of the HR Givers community, a graduate of the LEAD San Diego ADVANCE program, and a founding member of the CHIEF Washington, D.C. chapter.
Passionate about developing the next generation of leaders, Kristen actively mentors emerging HR professionals and young leaders through the LEAD ADVANCE program, Girls Rising San Diego, the San Diego SHRM Mentorship Program, and the San Diego State University SHRM Student Chapter.
As part of The Quintessence of Leadership, Kristen shares a powerful message that exceptional leadership begins with investing in people. She believes that when organizations intentionally cultivate culture, develop talent, and lead with purpose, they create lasting impact for both their teams and the communities they serve.
Connect with Kristen:
Instagram: @kristendiggs18
LinkedIn: 
/ kristen-diggs-shrm-scp-0912582
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The Quintessence of Leadership, where leadership is about real human connection. This is a space for leaders wrestling with the complex realities of human dynamics. Grounded in neuroscience and hard-earned experience, we’re exploring what truly drives people and organizations. How do you build a culture people believe in? How do you lead when everything feels uncertain? How do you help your team break through their own barriers? We’re sharing strategies, personal stories, and insights that go beyond the boardroom. These are raw lessons from those who’ve been there, learned that, and ready to share it all. This is leadership, unfiltered.
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OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT:
LinkedIn: /alyciamhuston
Instagram: /alyciahuston
Website: TheCultureCru.com
My FREE Masterclass for Leaders: https://go.theculturecru.com/welcome
