Emily Hilly
Emily Hilly is a dedicated human resources professional currently serving as a Recruiter at The Upper Deck Company. Based in San Diego, California, she has steadily progressed through roles in human resources, including Human Resources Coordinator and Assistant, and brings a strong foundation in organizational support, team management, and recruitment. Emily is known for her adaptability, eagerness to learn, and excellent communication skills, which have been key to her success in HR and talent acquisition.
A graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Human Resources Management, Emily has actively contributed to her community through volunteer work with organizations like Junior Achievement of San Diego County and Feeding San Diego. She has also been recognized for her performance and leadership, including receiving an Ambassador Highlight award for her impactful contributions to her previous roles.
Passionate about fostering strong workplace connections and creating positive employee experiences, Emily combines her HR expertise with a commitment to service and community engagement. Outside of work, she is motivated by personal challenges and charitable causes, demonstrating a blend of professionalism and empathy that shapes both her career and personal endeavors.
• Washington State University- Bachelor's
• Ambassador Highlight
• Junior Achievement of San Diego County
• Feeding San Diego
• Girl Scouts of the USA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to build genuine connections with both applicants and hiring managers, my eagerness to learn at every step of the HR ladder, and my persistence in a competitive industry. I believe that taking the time to truly understand the person behind the résumé has allowed me to place strong talent and earn the trust of my leadership team. One of my proudest achievements so far has been successfully recruiting a senior-level brand manager, which reinforced the meaningful impact I can make on my company’s talent strategy.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “get your foot in the door” and be open to where that opportunity can lead. Starting in an entry-level HR assistant role allowed me to learn, grow, and use each step as a building block toward a career in recruiting, rather than waiting for the perfect title.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering HR or sports and entertainment recruiting is to be willing to start small, stay curious, and use every interaction to build your reputation. Focus on learning the business, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine passion for both people and the industry, rather than being intimidated by big names or specialized roles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding candidates who not only have specialized skills but also a genuine passion for the sports and entertainment industry. At the same time, this presents an opportunity to stand out as a recruiter by building strong talent pipelines, using creative sourcing strategies, and connecting people to roles where their enthusiasm truly matters.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value authenticity, relationship-building, and clear communication, always striving to treat every candidate with respect and transparency. In my personal life, I prioritize growth, passion, and staying connected to the sports world I love—whether through cheerleading, coaching, or following athletics—which inspires both my career and personal pursuits.