Sonya Pankey is the Founder of C. Belle LLC, a business consultancy focused on building best in class human resources strategies to enhance organizations’ People and Culture function, creating a forward-thinking approach to all components of human resources.

With more than 20 years managing human resources from revenue generating retail businesses to home furnishings, Ms. Pankey has demonstrated the ability to architect transformation, forge connections, deliver insights and link talent to culture, strategy, and results. She is a trusted advisor and thought partner who successfully builds high performing teams, cultures, and talent across the business functions she supports.

Ms. Pankey believes that talent, positive leadership, and culture are key to successful businesses. She focuses on the quality of the talent in the business, is instrumental in creating & continuing to evolve a dynamic culture, workforce dynamics which includes a multi-generational workforce, change strategy and inclusive leadership, among other key levers. She has a long-standing passion & curiosity for what makes people join organizations, perform, contribute/stay, and develop – with this, she has a proven track record as a trusted and valued partner to senior leadership, and employees.

Prior to founding C. Belle, Ms. Pankey served as the Head of Human Resources, Vice President of Talent for Corporate + Stores at West Elm and as Vice President of Human Resources at Ralph Lauren for Luxury Brands.

The first grandchild of Rachel and Jackie Robinson, and daughter of Jackie Robinson, Jr., Ms. Pankey studied at the Tobé Colburn School of Fashion and currently resides in New York City.