Let's make your business flourish.
Hi, I’m Candice – a values-based Human Resources Strategist. And I’m so excited you’re here!
Fortress and Flourish is all about putting the power of HR to work for your unique business, creating a diverse, equitable, safe environment that prioritizes people and experience while still maintaining a healthy bottom line. I build management systems that center fairness, transparency, and kindness, because we believe in changing the world by doing business
better.
My formal degrees are in Anthropology & Philosophy (BA) and Human Resources & Labor Relations (MBA), but my real education has come from running for-profit and nonprofit organizations and working with leaders like you. I’ve had the opportunity to support sustainable and net-zero development firms, conservation organizations, and healthy food and
housing initiatives. And after serving over 100 organizations across sectors, I know exactly how to help you create the kind of workspace you and your employees deserve.
Welcome to the holistic HR movement!
Your HR system is so much more than a bunch of policies and procedures
My holistic approach starts with your core vision and builds out systems and streamlines processes to create the environment you want to bring into the world.
Interested in holistic HR? Wondering how I could support your organization?
Flipping the Script on HR as a “Four Letter Word”
Around here, we’re all about creating sustainable, equitable workplaces that support your people and your financial goals. It’s a workplace revolution!
Instead of making life more complicated or helping you avoid problems, I’m here to help you build something powerful and effective. We’ll streamline your systems so things feel simple. We’ll focus on your people – creating an environment where they feel seen, supported, and fully safe to be themselves. And we’ll keep your vision and values at the center of it all.
Sustainability
This looks like
Financial, physical, and emotional support for every member of your team
We achieve this by
Implementing a values-aligned HR approach
This matters because
A team that’s always running from one fire to the next doesn’t have time to rest or grow. Building a sustainable environment is the best way to help your team thrive!
Equality
This looks like
Diversity in team members and a commitment to working with different perspectives
We achieve this by
Examining unconscious bias in all aspects of business
This matters because
Diversity helps us adapt to changes, solve problems more creatively, and develop resilience. Everyone performs better when they know they are treated fairly.
Community
This looks like
A compensation plan, staff rituals, and reinvesting plans that bring everyone together
We achieve this by
Aligning your actions with your core values
This matters because
People are a stabilizing force in an unpredictable economy. When you prioritize creating a strong community, you build a tapestry of people who can weather any storm.
Values-Aligned HR in Practice
Generosity is a core value at Fortress and Flourish, and I carefully consider where we donate our time and money. Each cause or organization is chosen because it aligns with our organizational values and is committed to powerful change. Click on each organization to learn more about where part of your investment goes when you work with us!
2021 Giving
Housing Matters
Homeless Garden Project
Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
2022 Giving
Amah Mutsun Land Trust
Planned Parenthood, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos
Waldorf School
A Few Surprising Facts About Me. . .
I’m a woodfire
ceramic artist
I throw functional ware (like cups and bowls) and then work with a team of people for 24 hours a day, many days in a row to fire the kiln. There's nothing like pulling the pieces out. I never know what I'm going to get!
I started my first company when I was 23
It was a group tour company and we took people to Key West, Savannah and New Orleans for up to 4 days at a time. I closed the company when I moved back to CA to be closer to family.
I lived and worked as an archaeologist in the Middle East
I specialized in burials and human osteology. When I graduated I decided to take some time away from school to see if archaeology was really what I wanted to do with my life.
My first HR job was for a restaurant group
I'm a foodie & beverage lover! I love trying new local restaurants, weird foods, going to the Farmer's Market, cooking at home and gardening. I tried brewing beer one time, but decided to leave that one to the pros.
Media Bio
Candice Elliott uses values-aligned HR best practices to help impact-driven leaders grow their teams, improve employee retention, create a supportive, safe work environment, and save money.
With over 15 years of experience, a master’s degree in HR from Penn State, and a Senior Professional certification in California, she has the knowledge, experience, and skills your organization is looking for. Candice is passionate about supporting small businesses and nonprofits through monetary donations and time. During the pandemic, she donated hundreds of work hours to support organizations during and through the challenges of the changing world of work.
When Candice isn’t supporting businesses with values-aligned HR best practices, you can find her adventuring with her child in and around her home – the unceded land of the Awaswas speaking people, so called Santa Cruz, California.
