Valerie Capers Workman

Valerie Capers Workman is the Chief Talent Engagement Officer at career platform Handshake, where she focuses on helping employers define and execute their talent acquisition strategies. She is an established thought leader on the future of work, having grown a global, world-class organization from 50K to 100K employees, and provides expertise and guidance on the imminent impact of Gen-A.I. on the global workforce – all while living her passion for democratizing access to opportunity for everyone.

Prior to joining Handshake, Capers Workman served as the Vice President of People at Tesla, where she reported directly to the CEO. At Tesla, she became known as “Tesla’s Top Diversity Advocate.” She started with the company as the Head of Compliance, leading the governance and legal compliance operations that paved the way for the construction of Tesla’s Shanghai, Berlin, and Austin Gigafactories. As Tesla’s People Leader, she led the doubling of the workforce from 50K to 100K employees; published the company’s first-ever DEI Report; created a comprehensive online Employee Guidebook replacing the “Anti-Handbook, Handbook”; and enhanced pay equity processes, expanded mental health benefits, and led the design and roll-out of Tesla’s company-wide Respectful Recharge training program. Capers Workman has 20 years of executive leadership experience across a variety of sectors, including Electric Vehicle Manufacturing, Tech, Hospitality, Audit and Advisory, and Consumer Packaged Goods.

Capers Workman is also the author of the "Quantum Progression: The Art and Science of Career Advancement in the Age of A.I.," released in 2023.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. Capers Workman is admitted to practice law in New York, Washington, DC, and Texas, and she is the 2024 Diversity Champion Award recipient bestowed by St. John’s University School of Law.