Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirene Douglas.
Hi Shirene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for educate | HR began while I was serving as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. In that role, I witnessed firsthand the complexities that come with managing large, fast-moving organizations where priorities shift, resources are stretched, and compliance never stops evolving. Change management in HR is never just about policies or systems; it is about people. I saw how even the most dedicated teams struggled to balance recruitment, compliance, and operational efficiency while still meeting the urgent needs of schools and staff.
That experience sparked a realization. Many mission-driven organizations face the same challenges but lack the capacity to build or sustain strong HR infrastructure on their own. They need strategic, practical support that meets them where they are.
educate | HR was founded to fill that gap. Our work focuses on helping schools and nonprofits streamline operations, strengthen compliance, and scale sustainable talent pipelines in the communities they serve. We provide fractional HR leadership and customized solutions that allow teams to focus on what matters most: their mission.
Today, educate | HR partners with K-12 schools, small businesses, and nonprofits across the country to build people-centered systems that drive long-term success. What started as an insight from one HR department has evolved into a broader commitment to help organizations operate with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur definitely comes with its own set of challenges. Finding the right technology to support the needs of our various clients has been a challenge over the years, but there are so many new companies coming to the market who offer flexible, cost effective solutions that it is easier than it has ever been to find the best solutions.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
educate | HR is a consulting group that partners with schools, nonprofits, and small businesses to strengthen the people systems that power their mission. We specialize in human resources strategy, compliance, and talent operations, helping organizations recruit, retain, and support their teams more effectively.
Our core focus is building sustainable HR infrastructure that reduces risk and increases efficiency. From designing compliance tracking systems to managing onboarding, payroll, and certification renewals, we bring structure and clarity to complex people operations.
What sets us apart is our broad experience across multiple sectors including retail, government, nonprofit, and K-12 education. This diversity allows us to bring cross-industry insights and adaptable solutions to every client we serve. We also operate as a fractional HR partner, providing the strategic expertise of an experienced HR leader without the cost of a full-time hire, giving organizations flexibility and peace of mind as they grow.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our impact in education. Our work with K-12 schools has helped leaders build stronger pipelines, streamline compliance, and ensure that teachers and staff can focus on student success instead of paperwork.
At educate | HR, we believe great organizations start with great people systems. We help mission-driven teams align compliance, talent, and operations so they can focus on what matters most, their people and their purpose.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I wish I knew how important a mentor would be to help avoid mistakes when first starting out. I have two mentors now who help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and am also a member of several communities where we offer support and advice to each other. These relationships have made a significant difference in my life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.educatehr.org
- Instagram: @educatehr
- Facebook: @educatehr
- LinkedIn: @educatehr
