With a commitment to provide world-class service, diversity, and professionalism, Dawn Hendricks co-founded FM Talent Source (FM Talent) a national minority & woman-owned, recruiting and management consulting firm. With more than 20 years of project management experience and strategic business insights, Dawn’s forward-thinking and laser-focused vision, maximizes opportunities for her clients and team. FM Talent’s core values have always been commitment and visionary leadership. The business has developed a reputation for quality and dependability thanks to these principles.
Her renowned business savvy, community leadership, and dedication to excellence have been highlighted on radio and television shows, including WHUR and WUSA’s Great Day Washington. Additionally, Rolling Out Magazine, Urban Magazine, and Afro Newspaper have all profiled her.
Dawn was recently recognized as one of the top 50 Woman Leaders of Maryland for 2022. Additionally, FM Talent is a named finalist for the US Chamber of Commerce 2022 Dream Big Award, they were recognized as a Top HR Consulting Company in 2021 by HR Tech Outlook, they have twice received the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award for the Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and District of Columbia region as well as recognized twice as Contractor of the Year from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),Food and Safety Inspection Services (FSIS).
Dawn has a BBA from Hofstra University, an MS in Human Resource Management from American University, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The Long Journey
Dawn began her early career as a professional dancer, appearing in theatre productions, television, and movies. As a performer Dawn developed many attributes and values that have shaped her into the leader she is today, including discipline, sacrifice, and determination. When Dawn decided to hang up her dancing shoes, she entered corporate America and began working at Fannie Mae in the recruitment division. She transformed that job into her passion and career, and eventually co-founded FM Talent.
As a bridge builder, FM Talent connects candidates with opportunities and its customers with business solutions. FM Talent’s approach to serving its customers utilizes their internal execution methodology, coupled with their commitment to quality, are 2 key areas that differentiate them in the marketplace. Dawn asserts, “We are a hands-on, high-touch organization; we take the time to understand each unique circumstance and the desired outcome. Our team consults with our customers using market intelligence and internal subject matter expertise to develop a customized solution, and we don’t stop until we meet the objective. Our motto is to know the customers expectation and exceed it.”
Expertise in Consulting
FM Talent provides services and solutions in 3 primary areas – financial management, grants management and human capital strategy. Their team of professionals provide subject matter expertise across multiple business domains including the Federal, State and Local Government, Commercial and Non-Profit entities. Their Financial Consulting Practice provides general accounting, financial and performance audit as well as more strategic advisory services. Their Grants Management Practice offers full lifecycle grants management services, from pre-award to post award support; and finally, the Human Capital Practice provides both transactional and strategic HR Services.
Views as Leader and an Individual
Dawn loves people and wants to make a difference everywhere she goes. She shares, “If I see an opportunity to add value, I will; I don’t need anyone to coerce me to get involved. It is truly how FM Talent was birthed – we saw there was an opportunity to help people with their careers and help organizations achieve their mission through our customized business solutions.” Dawn is a high-energy, very social, bold person, driven by action and getting things done, and she believes in order to be a successful leader, one must truly love and care for the people they serve. She also believes strong leaders must be continuous learners, and cannot lead from a place of stagnation. Today, Dawn is part of a CEO peer group that meets monthly.
Acquiring Mindset for Leadership
Dawn has been leading FM Talent for over 18 years, and although she has encountered many obstacles, she believes the biggest obstacles she has had to overcome have been within herself –requiring her to transform her mindset to address issues with the ego, increasing faith, and cultivating patience, to name a few. Dawn recognizes there will always be things outside of her control ie: COVID 19; therefore, she decides to focus her attention on making a difference in the areas she can control. When asked how she remains grounded, she referenced her faith in Jesus Christ as her superpower .
Advice From Experience
Dawn advises aspiring business leaders to do three things: 1) If you want a truly fulfilling life, pursue your passion and find your purpose; 2) The fundamentals of business are simple, although not easy, find a need in the market, and fulfill that need – if you are able to do this you will have great success; 3) Keep growing, life is dynamic –it’s a continuous journey, not a destination; enjoy the ride.
Website: www.fmtalent.com
