Category: Faces of HR

Faces of HR profiles members of the human resources community, sharing their personal experiences, successes, challenges, current practices, aspirations, and opinions on topics impacting the industry and its workforce.

Faces of HR: Stephanie Manzelli: The HR Maestro Orchestrating Business Harmony

With a career trajectory that veered from finance to HR, Stephanie Manzelli is a seasoned professional who has mastered the art of aligning people and business goals. Her journey, marked by a stint as a temp worker and a pivotal moment in the world of mergers and acquisitions, has shaped her into a strategic leader […]

Faces of HR: From Backpacker to HR Professional—How Alex Duba Built a Career in People and Culture

Alex Duba’s HR journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and a passion for people. After trading snow-covered slopes for global adventures, Duba discovered a deep-rooted interest in understanding what makes individuals and teams thrive. Armed with a business and psychology background, she embarked on a professional path that led her to the […]

Faces of HR: How Klinton Miyao is Building a Better Workplace

Klinton Miyao’s journey is both personal and inspiring. During WWII, Miyao’s family was interned as part of the Japanese American internment, a history that instilled in him a profound sense of justice and resilience. Starting his career in the food service and retail industries, he quickly learned the value of hard work and the importance […]

Faces of HR: From Frontline to C-Suite—Ray Smith’s Passion for People

Ray Smith’s journey to becoming a leading HR professional is a testament to her unwavering commitment to people. Her career, marked by a deep-rooted passion for creating inclusive and high-performing workplaces, has spanned diverse industries, from hospitality to healthcare. Starting as a frontline worker, Smith witnessed firsthand the impact of leadership decisions on employees and […]

Faces of HR: How Connie Ross Fosters Belonging at 84.51°

As a seasoned media buyer for more than 16 years, Connie Ross’ passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) led her down a path of purpose. A pivotal moment in 2020 ignited a desire to create opportunities for underrepresented voices and ensure everyone has a seat at the table. Her media background may seem […]

Faces of HR: The Pilot Leading HR to New Horizons—Cliff Jurkiewicz

Cliff Jurkiewicz is a self-described “technologist, musician, and pilot,” and his diverse experiences have blended to create a unique perspective in the world of Human Resources (HR). While his 30-year journey began in design and technology, culminating in leadership roles at a digital advertising agency and a successful software firm, Jurkiewicz’s true passion lies in […]

Faces of HR: SHRM’s CHRO on the Art of Simplicity

Jim Link’s path to CHRO at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) started with a lucky break: An internship at General Electric threw him headfirst into the world of HR. Tasked with both crafting the company newsletter and navigating the complexities of union grievances, his early exposure to the crucial roles of communication and […]

Faces of HR: Laura Hanson’s HR Odyssey

Laura Hanson’s journey in HR began not in a classroom but at a receptionist’s desk in a manufacturing firm. While responding to calls and screening résumés, fate intervened. A triple departure from the HR team propelled her into a generalist role, throwing her into the heart of the action. This “baptism by fire” proved to […]

Faces of HR: From Counselor to Champion—Denise Kulikowsky’s Journey to CPO

Denise Kulikowsky’s path to CPO at Tapestry wasn’t a traditional climb up the corporate ladder. It began with a deep desire to understand and support people – a passion evident in her undergraduate degree in Psychology and master’s in counseling. Her initial foray into social work laid the groundwork for empathy and human connection, skills […]

Faces of HR: From Venezuelan Roots to Global HR Leader—Maria Melendez Charts Her Course

Maria Melendez‘s path to human capital leadership is a testament to her unwavering dedication to fostering positive workplace dynamics. Originally from Venezuela, her journey began with a local food company, where she discovered her passion for HR while gaining foundational skills. This early exposure to union challenges sparked her interest in the complexities of employee […]