Beyond the Title: A Human-Centered Journey in HR

THE INTERVIEW 

The Human Behind the Title

What first pulled you toward a career in HR?

I actually stumbled into HR by accident. My first role was doing payroll at a long-term care facility, and the Executive Director kept pulling me into more HR-related work because I was curious and eager to learn. I didn’t go to college right away, so I pieced things together through community college, job changes, and lots of research. Eventually, I went on to study urban and metro studies — not business, because it felt too cliché at the time.

I’ve now been in HR for more than 20 years. What drew me in, and what keeps me here, is the people side of the work. Early on, I had a patient with dementia who I would reintroduce myself to every day. Each time, I used that moment to try and make her day better. HR, to me, has always been about compassion, people, and making someone’s day a little brighter.

Work You're Proud Of

What’s one initiative or project at UDA you’re especially proud of?

When I was at UDA, I reshaped our benefits program and partnered with marketing to build a full communication strategy. I even got to present to the captive insurance group in Florida — a big highlight.

We created education campaigns, training materials, and awareness sessions so employees could truly understand and use their benefits. Later, I carried that same model to another company. I’ve always loved the mix of strategy and hands-on work.

A lot of my HR background has been as a ‘one-woman show’ covering everything from payroll to vendor management to training. I like that I understand the full scope, and I can move quickly without waiting for approvals or layers of sign-off. It makes me feel like I’m really making things happen.

Leading in Real Life

What does leadership mean to you today?

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about compassion, empathy, and earning people’s trust. I don’t believe the CEO is automatically the leader — people follow those they believe in.

When rolling out something new, I look for the champions within the business first. I ask for their feedback, test ideas, and if they support it, they help me build momentum. Leadership is about bringing others along, not forcing things through because of a title. Organizations that thrive are the ones that promote from within, focus on the right reasons, and remember that it’s always about the people.

How do you stay motivated in your role?

HR can be tough — there’s plenty of negativity and difficult situations. What keeps me going is those moments when you’ve listened, helped, and an employee walks away grateful. That’s why I do it.

Paying It Forward

What advice would you give to someone just starting in HR?

That HR can make a real impact — but only if we’re included. Don’t close the door on us. Early in my career, I saw leaders keep HR out of the conversation, and it never felt right.

I believe HR should be everywhere — in the boardroom, but also on the ground with managers and teams. I’ll do whatever’s needed, from sweeping floors to meeting with the CEO, because it shows respect and builds trust.

At the end of the day, HR isn’t about holding people back with rules. It’s about letting people thrive.

Help us keep sharing real stories