Kafi Payne, Shrm Scp
About Kafi Payne, Shrm Scp
Kafi Payne is a Human Resources Director with extensive experience in education and organizational leadership, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds multiple degrees and has worked in various roles within the Oakland Unified School District and other organizations, currently serving at Teleport since 2019.
Work at Teleport
Kafi Payne serves as the Human Resources Director at Teleport since 2019. In this role, she focuses on enhancing employee experience and engagement within the organization. Her responsibilities include implementing strategies that promote a positive workplace culture and performance, particularly in a fast-growing company. Payne's extensive background in human resources and education positions her to effectively address the needs of diverse stakeholders and foster an inclusive environment.
Education and Expertise
Kafi Payne has a robust educational background. She earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Urban Education and Leadership from the University of California, Berkeley, which she is expected to complete in 2024. Additionally, she holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Administration from REACH Institute, achieved in 2012. Payne also obtained a Master of Arts in Education from San Francisco State University, where she studied from 2000 to 2006. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Arts in African-American/Black Studies and Spanish from Emory University, completed in 2000.
Background in Education and Human Resources
Kafi Payne has significant experience in the education sector, particularly with the Oakland Unified School District. She held various positions, including Manager of New Teacher Support & Development, Director of Talent Development, and Assistant Principal of Alliance Academy Middle School. Her tenure at the district spanned from 2007 to 2016. Additionally, she worked as a Spanish Teacher for a decade. Before her current role at Teleport, she served as the Director of Employee Experience, Inclusion, and Operations at Rainforest Action Network from 2018 to 2020.
Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Kafi Payne emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in her professional work. She integrates these principles into her human resources management approach, ensuring that organizational practices are equitable and inclusive. Her bilingual proficiency in Spanish enhances her ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders, further supporting her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
Professional Development and Consulting
In addition to her roles in education and human resources, Kafi Payne has experience as a consultant for E3: Education, Excellence & Equity from 2016 to 2019. She specializes in developing quality systems that enhance employee engagement and performance. Her results-oriented and data-driven approach enables her to tackle complex organizational challenges effectively.