Influential Woman · Non profit
Aimee Plourde
HR professional, --
Cromwell, CT
Her Story
About Aimee
Aimee Plourde serves as an HR professional at a nonprofit organization in Cromwell, Connecticut, where she supports children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. With 2 years in the nonprofit sector and approximately 20 years in public administration, she brings a wealth of experience to her role, often acting as a hands-on leader who engages directly in recruitment, talent development, and daily operations across schools and residential settings. Plourde obtained her college degree later in life, after her son graduated high school, having prioritized parenting while advancing through progressive professional roles. She is passionate about compassion in both her professional and personal life, using it to advocate for employees and connect with diverse teams. Plourde volunteers her time with the Elks organization and supports off-hour events at her workplace, including open houses, book fairs, and bakery initiatives. She credits early career advice from her controller to focus on building herself rather than worrying about others, a principle she now coaches others on, and encourages young women entering the field to lead with confidence and stick to their principles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aimee
01What do you attribute your success to?
Focusing on building myself rather than worrying about what others are doing, as advised by my controller early in my career. This has stuck with me and I now coach employees on the same principle.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You cannot worry about what others do, you have to concentrate on yourself and building yourself up, and the rest will fall where it should fall. This advice from my early 20s in accounting has guided me through my HR career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go with your convictions, lead with confidence, and don't waver on your beliefs or principles. Stick to your ground, support your advocacy with facts, and feel comfortable sticking to your principles even when executives may have more leverage.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher turnover than for-profit organizations, finding direct care staff with passion, 24-7 environment with high burnout rates. This is an opportunity to network, reduce burnout through wellness programs, build retention, and ensure staff get training and resources to balance work and personal life.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion is the key value I use in both work and personal life. It allows me to work in a diverse workplace, fully connect and listen to people, be an advocate for employees as well as family, and carries understanding and patience making one a well-rounded individual and leader.
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