Donna Abruzzese, SHRM-CP

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and the values instilled in me by my parents. As Irish immigrants, they came to this country with very little and worked hard to build a meaningful life for themselves and our family. They placed a tremendous value on education and encouraged my siblings and me to take advantage of every opportunity available to us, especially the opportunity to pursue higher education. Their example taught me that success requires dedication, perseverance, and personal responsibility. I believe in creating my own path, continuously learning, and putting in the effort to achieve my goals while also finding fulfillment and happiness in the work I do.

The best career advice I have ever received was to “aim to be respected, not liked.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my career because it reinforced the importance of staying focused on doing my job well, making thoughtful decisions, and leading with integrity. While building positive relationships is important, true leadership comes from earning the respect and trust of others through consistency, accountability, and strong performance. I have learned that when you prioritize doing the right work, supporting your team, and delivering results, respect naturally follows.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to take the time to truly understand the business, build meaningful relationships, and continuously seek opportunities to learn. Networking with professionals, joining industry groups, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from the experiences of others can provide valuable insight and perspective. It is important to stay informed about current events, trends, and developments that impact the industry while dedicating time to research and expand your knowledge. Understanding the business is essential because it allows you to contribute confidently, have a voice at the table, and make informed decisions that create value for your organization.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now are driven by the rapidly changing and often unpredictable market environment. Global events and economic factors continue to create volatility, requiring organizations to remain agile and responsive. In HR, my priority is to support employees through these challenges by ensuring they have access to the resources, benefits, and guidance needed to navigate periods of uncertainty, particularly for teams operating in high-pressure areas. At the same time, market fluctuations create opportunities for growth, optimization, and strategic expansion. By staying informed, adapting quickly, and identifying opportunities for improvement and investment, organizations can continue to strengthen their position and achieve long-term success.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. I have always believed that your word matters and that there is never a reason to compromise honesty. I have shared this same belief with my children, encouraging them to understand that mistakes are part of learning and growth, but being truthful and taking responsibility is essential. Throughout my career, these values have helped me build strong, lasting relationships because people know they can trust me. I strive to earn that trust through active listening, thoughtful questions, discretion, and a genuine commitment to doing what is right for others. For me, being someone others can rely on is one of the most important qualities a leader can have.