Amna Khilji's Impact on driving inclusion for Leading Companies and Empowering Nonprofits Around the World

Alumni Office (AO): Amna, connecting with you today is an absolute pleasure. Thank you for taking the time. Can you start by introducing yourself – your graduating year from Breck, and what you're doing professionally now?

Amna Khilji: Thanks for having me! I'm Amna Khilji, and I graduated from Breck in 2001. It feels like a lifetime ago! Currently, I'm the Vice President of North America for Audeliss, an executive search firm.  

AO: That's fantastic. It sounds like you've had quite a journey since Breck. Can you share a little about that path, from your time at Breck to where you are today?

Amna: Oh, it's definitely been a journey, that's for sure! After Breck, I went to Gustavus Adolphus College for a year, but then I took a bit of a detour and moved to London to start a family. I ended up living there for 20 years, which is hard to believe. During that time, I explored a lot of different things professionally – everything from luxury startups and import/export companies to building my own businesses.

One of the highlights of my time in London was working at Regent's University London. I worked in partnership with the Director of Student Recruitment to build out the Pakistan market. It was incredibly rewarding to build that market from the ground up and see its impact. That experience honed my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of international education. I also liked it because Regent's reminded me of Breck in many ways. It was a private university with a strong international focus, and the small class sizes and personalized approach felt very familiar.

AO: It sounds like a challenging but fulfilling role. What prompted your transition from higher education to executive search with Audeliss?

Amna: I reached a point where I felt ready for a new challenge. I wanted to move more into the corporate world and leverage my skills in a different way. I also started my MBA around that time, which was a big step. Then, I connected with Audeliss, a boutique executive search firm focused on driving inclusivity and equity at  senior leadership and board level of companies. Their mission resonated with me. They're very focused on driving representation and inclusion, and as a woman of South Asian background, that was something I was passionate about.  

AO: How has your role at Audeliss evolved since you joined?

Amna: My role has evolved since I started at Audeliss in a sales enablement role, focusing on building partnerships and supporting the team. When the pandemic hit, everything changed. We all went remote, and I transitioned into a more global role, overseeing sales enablement for the US and the UK. That was a fantastic opportunity to expand my reach and work with even more diverse clients and candidates. Eventually, I moved back to the US and took on increasing responsibility, and now I lead the entire North American region.

At Audeliss, we work with a range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to private equity-backed businesses – and some non-profits – with the aim of ensuring representation reflects the diverse makeup of North America. Leveraging representation can heavily contribute to a  company’s competitive advantage. My current role is focused on developing the North American market and building relationships with clients and candidates. I help candidates navigate their career journeys, especially diverse candidates who might face unique challenges. I also work with organizations to understand how to build a truly inclusive and equitable process and create a culture that values the competitive advantage of thought gained from having a highly skilled representative leadership team. 

AO: That's an impressive progression. I understand you're also involved in other interesting projects outside Audeliss.

Amna: Yes, I like to stay busy! I've done quite a bit of work with BBC Radio, commenting on US elections and political issues. It's been a fun and interesting experience. I'm also passionate about my work with South Asian Ladies Unite to Empower (SALUTE). I am on their Strategic Leadership Council.. And then, just for fun, I have my own South Asian fashion brand on Instagram @havilah.noor. Oh, and I almost forgot – I'm also advising on an inter-Ivy initiative, including Cornell, Harvard, Yale, and more, that celebrates the economic and cultural impact of the Pakistani Diaspora. You can check them out at @ivyfutureofpakistan

AO: Wow, you're involved in so many impactful projects! Let's talk more about your experience working across different continents. How has that shaped your understanding of cross-cultural connections?

Amna: It's been invaluable. Working in Asia, Europe, and the US has given me a deep appreciation for the nuances of different cultures. Each region has its way of doing business, its communication styles, and its leadership expectations. Working across cultures is not just about learning the differences but also about finding common ground and building genuine relationships on the foundation of mutual respect, which I think is important to cultivate in the world today.

AO: What advice would you give Breck students interested in pursuing global careers?

Amna: Be open-minded, curious, and respectful. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's studying abroad, doing an internship in another country, or simply traveling and immersing yourself in a different culture, those experiences are invaluable. Be adaptable, be resilient, and most importantly, be authentic. Let your personality shine through, and don't be afraid to try new things. Your experience will give you a global perspective that many senior leaders of companies and organizations value.

AO: That's excellent advice. On a more personal note, what do you do when you're not working?

Amna: I'm always working on something! But, I prioritize spending my free time with my kids and my family. They are  incredibly important to me. I also enjoy hot yoga, catching up on TV shows when I can, scrolling on TikTok (don’t judge!), and trying new restaurants.

AO: And what's your favorite place to travel?

Amna: Right now, it's London because that's where my kids are. I'd love to do more traveling for leisure someday.

AO: Amna, last question. What's a favorite memory from your time at Breck?

Amna: One of the things that stands out is the school's emphasis on service. I remember volunteering at different organizations in the community, and that experience instilled in me the importance of giving back. It's something that I still carry with me today.

AO: That's a wonderful memory. The service program is something that many alumni mention as a formative experience. Amna, thank you so much for sharing your story and your insights. It's been truly inspiring. We are proud to have you as a Breck alum!

Amna: Thank you. It was my pleasure.