Dawn Apajee
Founder/ President
Harmony | Responsibility | Discipline | Includer | Focus
After graduating from the London School of Economics, Dawn made significant strides in the UK recruitment industry by managing one of the most profitable Temporary Staffing Divisions in London.
Her journey then took her across the world to the U.S., where she worked as a Sales Executive for Adecco, one of the country’s leading employment agencies, based in Chicago, IL. Among Dawn’s many accolades was her national recognition as the Top Sales Executive for the country in 1999.
In 2006, Dawn leveraged her vast experience to establish City Personnel with a clear mission: to provide top talent to businesses in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. With almost three decades of experience in the field, Dawn leads a team of professional recruiters who share her passion and commitment to staffing. This shared enthusiasm stems from a desire to build long-lasting and trusting relationships with both companies and job seekers.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
If I had it my way, I’d be exploring a new city every day off! Travel is such a passion of mine—it recharges me and gives me a fresh perspective.
What’s one place in the world you’ve always wanted to visit?
South Africa has been at the top of my list for years. The natural beauty, vibrant culture, rich history, and wildlife are just incredible. I’d love to experience Cape Town, go on a safari, and spend time learning more about the country’s past and present. It feels like the kind of trip that would be both breathtaking and deeply meaningful.
If you could instantly learn any language, which one would you pick?
Definitely French. It’s such a beautiful, expressive language. I’d love to be able to visit France and speak like a local. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being able to connect with people in their own language.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
I’d choose Madam C.J. Walker—America’s first self-made female millionaire, a visionary entrepreneur, and a fierce advocate for women and the Black community. I’d love to hear firsthand how she navigated the barriers of her time, built a business from the ground up, and used her success to uplift others.
What inspired you to start City Personnel?
After years of working in recruitment, both in London and later in the U.S., I realized I wanted to create something that reflected my values. I saw an opportunity to build an agency that focused not just on placements, but on people. I wanted to lead with empathy, build lasting relationships, and offer a more personalized, integrity-driven experience for both clients and candidates. City Personnel was born from that vision.
How has the staffing industry evolved since you started?
When I started, everything was paper-based—resumes were faxed, and job boards barely existed. Today, technology drives so much of what we do—from applicant tracking systems to AI-driven screening tools. But what hasn’t changed is the human side of recruiting. Relationships, trust, and understanding people’s needs still sit at the heart of great staffing—and that’s where we continue to focus.
What’s the most important quality for success in recruitment?
Listening. Truly listening—to clients, to candidates, to your team. When you understand what people really want and need, you can make better matches, offer better support, and build trust. Recruitment isn’t about filling jobs, it’s about creating meaningful connections.
What’s one business lesson you wish you had learned earlier?
It’s okay to say no. In the early years, I said yes to everything out of fear of missing out. But not every client, project, or opportunity aligns with your values or your long-term goals. Learning to trust your gut and set boundaries is essential for growth and sustainability.