About Vanessa
A deeper look at the heart behind the business-why I do this work, what drives me, and a few personal touches that make me who I am.
Hard Work. Transparency. Respect
I didn’t enter the world of Human Resources through a traditional corporate ladder. I found my way here through real, hands-on experience; freelance projects where business owners needed practical, people-centered solutions. Again and again, I saw the same thing: small businesses struggling to manage their teams, not because they didn’t care, but because they were stretched thin and unsure where to begin. That’s when I knew this was the space I wanted to serve in.
My academic background grounds the work I do. I hold an MBA and two bachelor’s degrees in Public Service & Public Policy and Family & Human Development. I’ve also earned a certificate in Associate Professional in Human Resources by HRCI through Coursera, with the goal of achieving my SHRM-CP certification soon. But just as important as the credentials is the heart behind it.
I’m passionate about people management because I’ve seen the ripple effect it can have. When your team is aligned, supported, and understood, your business thrives. When things feel disconnected or unclear, everything suffers. I believe HR shouldn’t feel like a headache. It should feel like support; rooted in service, transparency, hard work, continuous learning, and mutual respect.
To me, HR is about bringing clarity where there’s confusion, unity where there’s tension, and strategy where there’s struggle. I don’t believe business owners or employees have to choose between what’s right for the business and what’s right for the people. Both matter. My job is to help you find the balance and build something sustainable, healthy, and human.
I want to help your people strategy work for your business- not against it.
How I Bloomed: My Path of Growth and Learning
My blend of education and experience provide me with the tools needed to get the job done.
Education
Master's in Business Administration Bachelor's in Public Service and Public Policy Bachelor's in Family and Human Development
Certificates
Associate Professional in Human Resources
A Reflection on why this work matters to me
My passion for people management didn’t start all at once. It grew over time through lived experience.
Earlier in my career, I had the opportunity to supervise a team. It was in that role that I first discovered how powerful clear expectations, consistent support, and shared goals could be. I saw how much employees thrive when they understand what’s expected of them and feel equipped and supported to deliver. I genuinely enjoyed helping my team grow, solve problems, and meet our common objectives. It showed me how impactful good leadership and structure can be; not just for productivity, but for morale and trust.
Later, I took a role at a nonprofit and was excited to continue making a difference. But I quickly realized that the organization lacked the structure and communication I’d grown to value. Employees, including myself, were left alone for 12-hour shifts with little guidance or meaningful work to do. What some might see as a laid-back, easy paycheck felt like a missed opportunity to me; both for the organization and for every employee there.
I kept thinking: What a waste of potential. The organization was paying for time that wasn’t being used productively, and employees were missing out on growth. That role didn’t just frustrate me- it clarified what I was meant to do. I became passionate about helping businesses avoid those same pitfalls.
Since then, I’ve taken on freelance HR and people operations projects, helping small businesses build the structure, clarity, and support their teams need to thrive. I believe that when people are managed well, when they feel seen, guided, and valued, businesses run better. It’s not about being rigid or corporate; it’s about being intentional. And I’ve made it my mission to help leaders do just that.