Business Matters

Nicte Chandler, 35, of Corvallis, was checking her feed on social media in December 2019 when she saw that her friend, also a working mom, had gone back to school.

It was a moment of inspiration.

“If she can do it, I can do it,” Chandler thought.

Two years later, she has one term left to complete an MBA in Human Resources Management at Oregon State, and her leadership skills have already earned her recognition in her new job as senior human resources business partner at Amazon.

That outcome might have seemed improbable when she started classes. At first, she felt uncertain if she belonged. Then Chandler met Michele Swift, assistant school head of the School of Management, Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain, and a senior instructor in management who has a background, network and experience as a consultant. Swift supported her learning and professional development right away.

“It was definitely what I needed being new to the program,” Chandler said. “Michele Swift has been a great supporter.”

Chandler was already working in human resources. As the global pandemic began near the end of her first term, she found herself immersed in keeping essential workers safe while continuing operations at her former employer. Most professional COVID-19 response efforts were led by human resources professionals. 

“I remember Nicte putting in extraordinary hours while she was taking her MBA classes,” Swift said.

Chandler put the course material to use immediately, applying what she was learning in real time.

Swift described her student as methodical.

“Her critical thinking is very strong. She asks, ‘what do we need to do? What’s going to have the impact? What pieces should I go after first?’” Swift recalled. “She is very thoughtful about the scope of what she can do and where she can have the greatest impact.”

Robin Silveira, Chandler’s academic advisor, admires her perseverance.

Chandler immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was three years old. She grew up in California and attended California State University, Fresno, receiving double degrees in business and Spanish language and literature. After college, she helped her family launch a successful candy distribution business, where she discovered her passion for human resources.

Chandler is married and has a six-year-old son. Though she left the family business, she still makes time to help on occasion.

Chandler is grateful for the support she receives balancing her education with her personal and professional responsibilities. Silveira makes sure Chandler is set up for success.

“Robin peeks around corners, makes sure people are taken care of and provides additional insights and opportunities,” Chandler said.

Chandler’s strong performance in the MBA program proves she is on her way to becoming a leader in the field of human resources, Silveira said.

“In addition to the joy she finds through education, Nicte has a true passion for helping people,” Silveira said. “She understands the struggles of individuals who come from underrepresented backgrounds, and she has taken important roles to advocate equal access for higher education resources.”

These attributes are why Chandler was chosen as a recipient of the JD Power Fellowship. Each fellow receives scholarship support, as well as support for professional development. The fellowship is given to women who excel in their fields, are leaders and are looking for even more leadership opportunities. The fellowship has been instrumental to Chandler.

“It has offered networking opportunities with fellow female leaders, financial support towards my education as well as continued professional development and inspiration to continue working hard to achieve my goals,” Chandler said.

The fellowship’s mission of supporting women in leadership to shatter the glass ceiling has also been a driver in her educational journey. 

“I am empowered and committed to helping women and underrepresented minorities gain access to leadership roles to continue driving change,” Chandler said.

Recently, Chandler was nominated to give a spotlight presentation to a national audience of Amazon’s corporate human resources leadership. The confidence she discovered shined as she spoke about herself, her projects and ideas for best practices for the company.

Before pursuing an MBA, Chandler never dreamed of being in a position of such influence. But it suits her.

“I love being in this role,” she said.

At Amazon, Chandler is affinity group president of Latinos at Amazon and she supports another group, Women at Amazon.

“We’re building a pipeline for people who are ready for leadership roles,” she said.

Chandler supports career development, conducts resume workshops and serves as a bias disruptor at Amazon.

“Everything I do is for my own passion and my commitment to diversity and inclusion,” she said.

It’s taken determination and hard to work to get here, and she hopes to inspire others to follow.

Taking a risk to continue growing can feel uncomfortable at first, Chandler recalls.

And it is worth it.