Chief Human Resources Officer
My name is Nisha Banerjee, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am so thrilled and honored to join Journey Mental Health Center as its Chief Human Resources Officer.
My own journey began in my hometown of Toronto, Canada, where I grew up as a first-generation Canadian with a South Asian heritage, and a desire for learning about myself and those around me. My passion for people had me beginning my career in the non-profit sector as a case manager where I worked for organizations with values similar to those of Journey’s, supporting the mental health challenges of members of the community and being an advocate to uplift and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. From supporting survivors of human trafficking while pursuing my master’s in social work in New York to being a champion for creating just cultures within healthcare, it has been my mission to be a people-champion within equitable and inclusive systems of support.
It was my desire to create just and equitable organizational structures that had me transition into a career in labor relations, where I later utilized my clinical lens to implement managerial processes that are grounded in a people-centered approach.
After a decade of experiences in the non-profit and, more specifically, the healthcare sector, today I find myself coming full circle and home to a non-profit community-based mental health center where I continue supporting employees, our consumers, and greater communities through utilizing an employee-first lens. I am looking forward to spending time with Journey employees within their respective sites and departments. There is no better way to apply an employee-first approach than meeting employees, having one-on-one conversations, and authentically getting to know the amazing individuals who support our consumers day in and day out while at the forefront of combating mental health challenges. My vision is to create a people-centered human resources team through connection, compassion and being alongside our change agents whenever and wherever we can.
In addition, I’m hoping to help Journey with implementing a culture of mattering and belonging; a vision that is so close to my own heart. I embrace this vision wholly, and for me, it means incorporating employee ideas, values, and voices within all aspects of our strategic planning and operations. I am excited to contribute to an organization that encourages its employees to bring their whole selves to work, values input, and more importantly, puts that input into action. For me, a culture of belonging means to create a workplace that is a safe space where we encourage ideas, celebrate our differences, and infuse well-being and joy in all that we do.
When I’m not at Journey, I love teaching in the Management and Human Resources program at the Wisconsin School of Business, running, exploring my Madison, traveling with my family, and visiting Henry Vilas Zoo with our toddler, Leo!