I was betrayed by someone I trusted who took credit for my work, but it taught me to document everything, set boundaries, trust my instincts, and lead with integrity.
Bridgette Michelle Shaw, MHA, BS, CSP · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Bridgette
Bridgette Michelle Shaw, MHA, BS, CSP, is a seasoned human resources leader and Senior HR Talent Manager at Parsec, LLC, a company specializing in intermodal rail transportation. With approximately 15 years of experience in human resources, recruitment, staffing, and workforce management, she specializes in talent acquisition, employee engagement, onboarding, compliance, strategic workforce planning, and continuous improvement.
Since joining Parsec in 2022, Bridgette has played a key role in developing and leading talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, retention, recognition, compliance, and workforce planning initiatives across North America. Her work combines data-driven decision-making, employee feedback, and people-centered strategies to strengthen communication, collaboration, inclusion, and the overall employee experience. Through continuous improvement, she helps organizations transform workplace cultures, enhance operational effectiveness, and align HR strategies with business goals.
Throughout her career, Bridgette has held leadership positions in recruiting, staffing, and human resources with organizations including The Hillman Group, Tri-State Staffing, Express Employment Professionals, and Government Key Personnel. Her experience includes leading recruiting teams, developing high-volume hiring strategies, strengthening partnerships with hiring managers, improving recruitment processes, and supporting employee development.
Bridgette holds a master’s degree in health care administration/education from the University of Phoenix, graduating magna cum laude, as well as a bachelor’s degree. She has also completed human resources management training at Cornell University, earning certifications in Human Resources Management, Consulting Skills for Internal HR, Countering Bias in the Workplace for HR, and Driving Engagement for HR. Beyond her professional responsibilities,
Bridgette is committed to community service and philanthropy. As a Corporate Account Manager and coat drive lead for One Warm Coat, she has helped collect approximately 8,000 coats for individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. She also volunteers with Whitewater Community Christian Church, supporting outreach and poverty alleviation initiatives, and participates in committee activities with American Legacy Theater. Guided by a people-centered leadership philosophy, Bridgette is dedicated to developing talent, fostering inclusive workplaces, strengthening employee relationships, and creating meaningful, lasting change in both organizations and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bridgette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to continuous learning, relationship-building, strategic thinking, and developing people. My career has been shaped by my ability to adapt to different industries, understand organizational needs, and build effective talent acquisition and employee engagement programs. I also believe that leading with compassion, integrity, accountability, and a focus on measurable results has helped me build trust and contribute to organizational success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received in HR was: listen to understand, not just to respond. People may forget the policy you explain, but they remember whether they felt heard, respected, and treated fairly.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering Human Resources is to consider starting in talent acquisition, as it provides a strong foundation for a successful career. Recruitment helps you develop a deep understanding of people, organizational needs, company culture, and business priorities.
Remember not to take everything personally. HR is a people-centered profession, and while you may support many employees, you cannot solve everyone’s problems. Focus on what you can influence, set healthy boundaries, and continue developing your skills in communication, employment practices, technology, and business strategy.
Most importantly, be confident in your voice, advocate for yourself, seek mentors and sponsors, and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Lead with professionalism, empathy, integrity, and resilience—because a successful HR career is built not only on what you know, but also on how you build trust and create positive change.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in HR right now is balancing employee expectations with business needs. Organizations are navigating changing workplace models, talent shortages, evolving technology, employee well-being, and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, these challenges create significant opportunities. HR professionals can use data and technology to improve recruiting, personalize employee development, strengthen workplace culture, and help organizations become more inclusive and adaptable. The greatest opportunity is for HR to move beyond an administrative role and become a strategic partner in shaping business success and the employee experience.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my professional and personal life are compassion, integrity, inclusion, accountability, and service. In my work, I strive to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, respected, and empowered to succeed. I believe in treating people fairly, building meaningful relationships, addressing challenges constructively, and prioritizing employee well-being. Through volunteer work, I also remain committed to serving my community and supporting individuals and families during difficult times.
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