El pagnier K. McCants-Hudson is a proud native of Miami, Florida, where she completed her primary and secondary education. She went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through studies at the University of Miami and Florida A&M University. With more than 33 years of experience in the Human Resources field, El pagnier is widely regarded as a premier “People Person.” Her HR journey began as an intern and has progressed steadily to her current role as Senior Vice President for Human Resources at Florida International University. In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership and policy direction across all facets of human resources administration. She views her vocation not simply as a profession, but as a calling—to motivate, channel, and propel individuals toward realizing their full potential.

 

El pagnier also leads workshops and seminars on employability, leadership, organizational culture, and ministry administration. A respected voice at the state and national levels, El pagnier is a past National Board Member of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), where she contributed to both the Public Policy Committee and the Creating Inclusive Communities Steering Committee. She is also the past Chair and current member of the College and University HR Executives (CUHRE) Consortium, providing leadership on HR issues affecting all state universities in Florida. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Board of OIC South Florida as Board Secretary and Chair of the HR Committee, is an at-large Board Member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, a member of the United Way Board, and proudly contributes to the SHRM Advisory Board within the FIU College of Business.

 

El pagnier’s affable nature is anchored by deep spiritual convictions, which serve as the foundation for the faith-based organization she co-founded with her husband and life partner, Winston Hudson. Together, they work to empower individuals toward maturity—both spiritually and practically—while encouraging success in all areas of life. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters, Imani, Bria, and Chelsea; two sons-in-love, Christopher and Tyler; and doting grandparents to Liana, Cadence, and Christopher II. Their vibrant family also includes Roxie, a spirited rednosed pit bull. An avid reader and lifelong learner, El pagnier is a passionate advocate for higher education and personal development. She engages individuals at all levels with genuine interest and compassion, never seeing human connection as a burden. Her personal interests include reading, traveling, listening to classical and gospel music, and cherishing time spent with her family