Her Story
About Beatriz
Beatriz Valencia Hernandez is a workforce strategist, recruiter, emerging talent leader, and researcher whose career has been shaped by her experience as a first-generation student and professional. With approximately nine years in higher education followed by more than four years in talent acquisition, she has built expertise at the intersection of workforce strategy, education, recruiting, and talent development. She currently serves as a Recruiter at Chromalloy, supporting recruitment within the aerospace and manufacturing sector. Her professional focus includes developing talent pipelines, strengthening workforce access, and connecting individuals with meaningful career opportunities.
Before transitioning into talent acquisition, Beatriz built an extensive career in higher education at Idaho State University, where she held roles spanning international recruitment, graduate admissions, student advising, program management, and outreach. She later joined Idaho National Laboratory as a Technical Recruiter, where she led full-cycle recruiting and workforce strategy for technical and mission-critical programs. During her time there, she developed a bilingual recruitment program and expanded partnerships with universities, workforce organizations, and multicultural communities. Her work connecting students and emerging professionals with career opportunities reflects her broader commitment to creating pathways for people who may not have traditionally had access to professional networks or resources.
Beatriz is also a doctoral candidate in Public Administration at Idaho State University and is completing her dissertation, building on her Master of Public Administration. Her professional philosophy is deeply influenced by her first-generation experience and a desire to help others navigate systems that can often feel difficult to understand without guidance. She is passionate about supporting women, first-generation professionals, and underserved communities while promoting diverse pathways into careers, including technical and skilled-trade opportunities. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Beatriz enjoys reading, poetry, hiking, and spending time in nature around her home in Nevada.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beatriz
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to keeping the promises I make to myself, persevering through challenges, and continuing to move forward even when the journey takes longer than expected. Completing my doctorate has been a long-term goal, and I remain motivated by the opportunity to inspire others from backgrounds like mine. I want people to see that difficult goals are achievable with determination, persistence, and the courage to keep going.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering my industry to ask questions, seek knowledge, and never be afraid to advocate for themselves. Stay curious, confident, and persistent, and don’t let rejection discourage you from pursuing your goals.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges is helping younger generations recognize that there are many paths to success. Whether through college, skilled trades, or other forms of education and training, people should feel empowered to pursue the path that best fits their goals and strengths. I’m passionate about education in all its forms and encouraging young people to explore opportunities beyond traditional expectations.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, integrity, strong ethics, and respect for others are among the values most important to me in both my work and personal life. I believe the world needs more understanding and compassion, and I value diversity and creating an environment where people from different backgrounds feel respected, included, and valued.
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