Her Story
About Cynthia
Cynthia Fritz's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. As the eldest daughter of Lao refugee immigrants, she grew up witnessing the challenges that often accompany starting over in a new country. Her parents were very young when they had her, and financial hardship was a constant reality. While those experiences were difficult, they shaped her deep appreciation for family, sacrifice, and service to others.
One of her earliest and most defining memories occurred when she was just six years old. After pleading with her parents for a box of chocolate chip cookies during a shopping trip, they used what little money they had to grant her this special treat. As her family waited at a red light leaving the parking lot, Cynthia noticed a man experiencing homelessness asking for help on the street corner. Without hesitation, she rolled down the window and handed him her treasured box of cookies. While a simple gesture, that moment sparked a lifelong desire to serve others and alleviate suffering wherever she could.
After her parents separated, Cynthia eventually settled in San Diego, where she began forging her own path. Determined to create opportunities for herself and future generations, she became the first person in her family to graduate from both high school and college. Through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, she built a life defined by stability, purpose, and service.
Today, Cynthia Fritz is a transformational Human Resources and People Operations executive with over 20 years of experience leading workforce strategy, organizational culture, and talent development across nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. As Chief People Officer for Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego, she oversees People Operations, organizational culture, leadership development, and HR strategy supporting employees and programs throughout San Diego County and Imperial Valley. Known for building high-performing, people-centered workplaces, Cynthia has successfully led initiatives focused on employee engagement, leadership development, learning and development, organizational effectiveness, and culture transformation. Her work aligns talent strategies with organizational mission, helping organizations strengthen employee experiences while advancing meaningful community impact.
Outside of her professional career, Cynthia is a proud wife and mother of two young children who inspire her daily to lead with compassion, courage, and authenticity. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community and finds joy in serving through her church, where she sings in both the choir and worship band. Whether at home, in her faith community, or in her professional life, Cynthia strives to leave people better than she found them.
Her journey has taught her that success is not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunity to lift others up along the way. That belief continues to guide her work, her leadership, and her dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cynthia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My strong faith in Jesus Christ has carried me through many challenges, and my life and success are a testament to his grace and mercy. My favorite scripture is 1 John 4:4, which says, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world".
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You must be your own biggest cheerleader!
As a second generation Lao-American, there were some real cultural barriers that I had to navigate early on in my career. Asians are often times seen as the "model minority" because we are known for working hard and not making waves. Many hope to get noticed and be presented with opportunities. I have had to find my own voice while humbly advocating for myself and highlighting my contributions.
One of the most important lessons I learned was that self-advocacy is not self-promotion. It is about ensuring your ideas are heard, your contributions are acknowledged, and your aspirations are known.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You don't have to be the smartest person in the room to be successful. Show up, be present and ask good questions!
Early in my career, I often believed that success was tied to having all the answers. Over time, I learned that the most effective leaders are not necessarily the ones who know everything; they are the ones who remain curious, listen deeply, and are willing to learn from others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Attracting and retaining talented employees continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing organizations today. In an increasingly competitive labor market, employees are seeking more than just a paycheck. They want meaningful work, opportunities for growth, supportive leadership, flexibility, and a workplace culture where they feel valued and connected. Organizations that fail to meet these expectations often struggle with recruitment, turnover, and employee engagement.
In my experience, retention begins long before an employee considers leaving. It starts with creating a culture of trust, purpose, and belonging from the moment a candidate first interacts with the organization. Employees who feel connected to the mission, supported by their leaders, and empowered to grow are more likely to remain engaged and committed over the long term.
I believe the organizations that will be most successful in the future are those that view their people as their greatest asset and make strategic investments in developing, supporting, and inspiring them. When organizations prioritize their employees, they not only strengthen retention and recruitment efforts but also build stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and greater overall impact in the communities they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values I live by is courage. Not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. I've learned that some of the most meaningful moments in life happen when we choose courage over comfort.
For me, courage is those moments when I feel deeply called to do something, whether it's speaking up, stepping into a leadership opportunity, advocating for someone who needs support, taking a leap of faith, or pursuing a path that feels uncertain. Often times, those moments come with a racing heart, shaking knees, and a voice in my head questioning whether I'm capable. Yet I've found that when I move forward anyway, growth and transformation follow.
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