Dalia Morillo, MHRMD

I attribute my success to a deep sense of curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning. I’ve always been driven to understand how things work—organizations, systems, and people, and then translate that knowledge into practical insight that helps others grow. Teaching, mentoring, and preparing future leaders to think beyond traditional models has been a consistent thread throughout my career.

Equally important has been the range of leaders I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’ve learned from exceptional leaders who modeled what strong, values-driven leadership looks like, as well as from more challenging experiences that tested my resilience and clarity. Both have shaped my perspective. I’ve been intentional about turning each experience, positive or difficult, into a lesson that strengthened my judgment, adaptability, and leadership style.

Ultimately, my success has come from staying open, reflective, and committed to growth, both my own and that of the people and organizations I support.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to think long-term and not make decisions based solely on the moment I’m in. Early in my career, I was encouraged to focus less on titles or immediate wins and more on building skills, relationships, and experiences that would compound over time. That perspective permitted me to be patient with my growth and intentional about the opportunities I said yes to.

I was also reminded that every role, whether it feels aligned or challenging, has something to teach you. When approached with curiosity and humility, even difficult experiences can sharpen your judgment, clarify your values, and prepare you for what’s next. That advice has stayed with me and continues to guide how I navigate my career and support others in theirs.

My advice to women entering this industry, or any industry, is to be kind to yourself and not take life too seriously, while keeping a clear North Star to guide you. Your priorities will shift as you grow, and that's not something to resist; it's something to honor. Each season of your career builds on the one before it, even when it doesn't feel that way in the moment.

Focus on becoming not only a stronger professional, but a more grounded and confident person. Skills and titles will come with time, but self-trust, perspective, and resilience are what truly carry you forward. Allow yourself to learn, make mistakes, and evolve without feeling like you need to have everything figured out right away.

Most importantly, look for opportunities to lift others as you rise. Support, encouragement, and generosity, especially toward other women, create a ripple effect that extends far beyond any single role or achievement. Success is meaningful, but it’s the human connections you build along the way that will sustain you, open doors, and make the journey worth it.

The values that matter most to me are the ones that show up consistently in how I make decisions and how I treat people. I value alignment—between what I say and what I do, and between my work and the life I want to lead. When something feels out of alignment, I pay attention, because that’s usually a signal that a course correction is needed.

I also value growth, both personal and collective. I’m drawn to environments where people are encouraged to learn, ask questions, and evolve, and where success isn’t measured only by outcomes, but by how we get there. Growth feels most meaningful to me when it creates space for others to develop and step into their potential as well.

Above all, I value connection. Whether in my work or personal life, relationships matter deeply to me. Trust, respect, and care are not “soft” values; they are what sustain momentum, foster resilience, and make any kind of success feel worthwhile. These values guide how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I show up every day.