Aliya DeGeneste-Wheeler

Aliya DeGeneste-Wheeler is the Vice President of People and Culture at Waxman Strategies. She brings more than 25 years of human resources leadership across the education and business sectors, with experience at organizations nationwide,  including Educare DC, Aveda, Regency Beauty Institute, and The New Teacher Project. Aliya is a trusted executive and strategic partner to leadership, known for strengthening organizational culture and advancing people-centered business strategy.

At Waxman Strategies, Aliya leads the firm’s people and culture function in alignment with its strategic and operational priorities. Her portfolio includes talent and performance management, organizational effectiveness, change management, learning and development, total rewards, and DEIJ initiatives. She is responsible for ensuring the firm’s core values are embedded across the employee experience while providing strategic counsel to executive leadership on workforce planning, culture, and organizational health.

Aliya began her career in education before expanding into broader business leadership roles, including serving as Director of Operations, overseeing Human Resources and Finance at Educare DC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pensacola Christian College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, Aliya enjoys Pilates, long walks, and spending time with her husband and their cat.