Adriana Vertiz

I would say being a first-generation Latina woman has shaped who I am in a powerful way. Knowing that my parents left their home, their family, and their community to give me a better life has fueled my drive to succeed. It constantly reminds me of the sacrifices behind my opportunities. Even without the same advantages as those who may have had more stability, I’ve learned that my determination and resilience are enough. That perspective pushes me to believe I’m capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.

I once came across a quote that said something along the lines of, “Make sure you’re not running away from things, but toward something.” That really stayed with me. I’ve often struggled with imposter syndrome, and in the past, it’s held me back from pursuing opportunities that could have helped me grow. Even with something like this column, my first reaction was doubt. I saw the message, looked at the list of incredibly accomplished women, and immediately thought, “I don’t belong here, I’m nowhere near their level.” But then I caught myself and remembered that I shouldn’t be running away from opportunities out of fear.

Learning to recognize your own worth is not easy, it’s a constant mental challenge. But it’s also necessary. Growth happens when you choose to step forward despite the doubt, and I’m learning to do exactly that.

Remember to stay resilient and never be afraid to use your voice. There will be moments when you question yourself or feel out of place, but it’s important to push through that doubt and trust in your abilities. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means believing that your perspective is valuable and worth sharing.

Show up knowing you’ve earned your seat at the table. Your experiences, ideas, and insights bring something unique that no one else can offer. Speaking up may feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s essential for growth and for making an impact. The more you allow yourself to be seen and heard, the more you reinforce that your presence and your contributions truly matter.

I would say one of the biggest challenges is having HR recognized as a true driver of meaningful change within an organization. Too often, HR is seen as purely administrative or reactive, when in reality, it plays a critical role in shaping culture, improving employee experiences, and guiding organizational growth. HR exists to support employees, but also to strengthen the company as a whole. That balance of advocating for people while aligning with business goals is what makes the function so impactful. However, gaining that recognition isn’t always easy. There can be a lack of understanding around the strategic value HR brings, which sometimes leads to its contributions being overlooked.

I’ve come to realize that the more you invest in yourself, the more it positively impacts every part of your life. For example, when I committed to health and fitness, I didn’t just see physical changes I noticed a boost in my confidence, my energy, and the standards I set for myself. That one decision ended up elevating my overall mindset and how I show up each day.

I also believe that empathy and the ability to remain calm are essential values, especially in HR. Being exposed to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures has deepened my sense of understanding and compassion, shaping the way I approach both my work and my interactions in everyday life.