A Journey Shaped by Experience

My path to People Operations was anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what shaped the leader I am today.

Before stepping into HR, I held roles across a wide range of industries: Teacher Assistant, Lifeguard, Sales Associate, Youth Leader, Receptionist, Scheduler, Medical Assistant, and Associate Marketing Director. These experiences spanned Education, Parks and Recreation, Retail, Health and Beauty, Medical, and Senior Services. Each role offered a new lens and reinforced a core truth I carry into my work today: every business is built on relationships.

One of my earliest lessons was that everyone is a customer. The real difference is whether you treat people as short-term transactions or long-term partners. I’ve always chosen the latter—building trust, loyalty, and shared value.

My volunteer work with youth and seniors, including service through organizations like Kiwanis Club and AmeriCorps, further strengthened this philosophy. Service, at its core, is about showing up for others, valuing their contributions, and helping them thrive. That mindset continues to guide my leadership and consulting work. I now sit on the Alameda Country Workforce development board, where community impact and experience meets.

The Defining Moment: Stepping Into People Operations

In 2013, I took on an Office Administrator role at a re-start company—armed with a Business Administration degree (Management concentration) from San José State University and a strong desire to make an impact. Early conversations with the CEO challenged me to think bigger: about professional development, the future of the company, and the role HR could play as a strategic partner.

I didn’t yet have the language for it, but I instinctively believed HR should operate as a business partner—streamlining operations, supporting leadership, and adding lasting organizational value. Years later, the industry formalized this vision with the Human Resources Business Partner model. I’ve been a proud advocate of that approach ever since.

Influences like Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Went Out into the Real World by Maria Shriver further cemented a belief that guides my work to this day: every employee matters, and it is an organization’s responsibility to create an environment where people can reach their full potential.

Retention, Trust, and Growth

As my career progressed, my focus sharpened on employee retention and organizational health. I’ve seen firsthand that the most successful teams are built on trust—not micromanagement. When people are empowered to use their judgment and strengths, engagement rises, productivity improves, and alignment follows.

Retention is more than a metric; it’s a reflection of how employees are valued. When companies invest in people and set clear expectations, they create loyalty and long-term success. Employees are not interchangeable roles—they are assets. Losing one is a missed opportunity. My goal is to help organizations see, invest in, and retain the talent they already have while building for the future.

Much of my work has been with high-growth environments, where speed and scalability matter. I thrive in these settings—designing systems that grow with the business while keeping engagement and well-being front and center.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of my professional life, I’m a proud mom fully immersed in my #sportsmom era—cheering on my three kids as they pursue their passions. Family is my anchor, and I treasure time spent supporting and celebrating their journeys.

I also have an adventurous spirit and a love for travel, having explored more than 20 states across the U.S. While the Pacific Northwest remains on my list, my family and I are always happy discovering new corners of The Golden State.

A Values-Driven Path Forward

My story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Whether through People Operations, leadership coaching, consulting, or community service, my work is driven by a belief in the power of relationships—and in treating people with respect, intention, and care.

I continue to evolve, learn, and grow, guided by a simple truth: the success of any organization—or individual—starts with understanding the value of people and creating space for them to thrive.