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Finding My Path to Empowering People

My journey to the world of HR wasn't linear. Like many, I explored different interests early on, gaining diverse experience in dance instruction, retail management, and even cosmetology! This foundation built strong work ethic and adaptability.

In 2019, with a renewed focus on my passion for people, I embarked on a fast-paced academic journey. Within four years, I earned two Associate Degrees (Business and Behavioral Sciences), the SHRM-CP Certification, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude).

Building Connections and Fostering Growth

I'm driven to help organizations thrive through strong employer-employee connections, impactful training programs, and a positive work environment. I believe in leading with humility and becoming a trusted advisor, earning respect through my knowledge and empathy. I'm committed to continuous learning, especially in areas like emotional intelligence and attentive listening, to further enhance my interpersonal skills.

Beyond Work

While passionate about HR, I also believe in body equality and mental health awareness. Having overcome body image struggles, I advocate for self-acceptance. Additionally, I'm vocal about breaking the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety.

Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my family, cooking, exploring nature, and yes, even indulging in some reality TV! I'm also a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter and a blood donor.

Dance was my favorite hobby growing up: tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, baton, lyrical, and modern. While dancing at my first studio in Modesto, CA, I won several awards including "Best in Show" and "Most Improved". When I was in middle school we moved to Arizona and I had to start at a new studio. In 1998, I auditioned for an organization called the United Spirit Association and landed a position dancing at the millennium parade in Paris, France. Later that year, I landed one of my dream jobs as a dance instructor. During this time I was also enrolled at the local community college where took dance classes 5 days a week and was a member of their performing team.

Another interest I had was expressing myself through my appearance, specifically my hair. In 2001, I enrolled at the Carsten Aveda Institute of Cosmetology. Upon graduating, I was an apprentice before having my own chair and working full-time as a stylist. While that ended up not being my "forever career", my salon experiences set me on the path to exploring business management and human resources. 

I still like to experiment with my hair. In 2020, I cut and donated over 20" of hair and shaved my head. It was quite the liberating experience! I am now enjoying my natural color for the first time in over 20 years - and yes this includes lots of grays! Gray hair don't care :)

In 2015, while living in Austin, TX, I came across a non-profit animal rescue called Austin Pets Alive!. I started volunteering and quickly fell in love.  My volunteer hours consisted of spending time with cats to help with their socialization, walking dogs, taking dogs on field trips, and taking photos and videos of the adoptable cats and dogs to help them get adopted. We especially tried to advocate for the  "pit bulls" who are often discriminated against for being aggressive (our pittie was an aggressive snuggler but that's about it!). 

Over the next few years we grew our fur family to 3 dogs and 2 cats as well as fostered over 20 puppies and kittens. My specialty was "bottle baby" puppies--puppies that did not have a mom and needed to be bottle fed.

1 dog and 1 cat have since crossed the rainbow bridge, but their memories live on. They were an integral part of our foster's lives and helped raise our 2 current dogs. 

One year I set a news years resolution to learn how to knit. The first week of that new year, I stuck to it and signed up for a knitting class. While I still only know how to knit scarves, I love it!

I also started getting into embroidery. The patterns  and textures you can create with a needle and thread amaze me. It is such a relaxing hobby.