Influential Woman · Contingent Workforce HR

Evelyn Rivero

HR Manager, GreenLight.ai

Tampa, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's degree in HR from Florida International University Degree Bachelor's degree from Florida International University Degree HR Management Certificate from University of California Santa Cruz Extension (completed in 6 months) Cert PHR (Professional in Human Resources) - expired 2024 Cert HR Management Certificate from University of California Santa Cruz Extension Member PTA at daughter's school

Her Story

About Evelyn

My journey into HR started in an unexpected place—retail management. What I loved most wasn’t hitting sales goals; it was the people. I found real fulfillment in training, onboarding, and helping others grow. That experience showed me early on where I thrive: building genuine connections, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a culture where people feel included and actually enjoy coming to work.

I decided to build my career around that passion.

Today, I work in contingent workforce management, partnering with enterprise organizations to support and manage their contractor populations. I oversee onboarding and lead compliance efforts, ensuring workers are properly classified while helping mitigate risk for our clients in our role as an employer of record. My work also involves employee relations, collaborating closely with legal teams, interviewing, and taking a thoughtful, 360-degree approach to decision-making.

I’ve been with Greenlight for the past two years, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.

What matters most to me, though, is how people feel. Whether it’s guiding someone through a challenging situation or even a difficult conversation like a termination, I always strive to keep the human element at the center. It’s not always easy to break through walls, but when someone feels supported, heard, and trusts that I’m there to help—that’s the most meaningful part of what I do.

At the end of the day, the most rewarding moments are when people know they’re seen. That’s what drives me.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Evelyn

01What do you attribute your success to?

A key driver of my success has been my ability to step back, assess the bigger picture, and then re-engage with greater clarity and intention. That balance between strategic thinking and thoughtful execution allows me to navigate complex situations while staying grounded in what truly matters.

I also take pride in maintaining a continuous learning mindset. In my role, I work with individuals at every level—from hourly employees to senior executives—and I genuinely believe there is something to learn from everyone. That perspective keeps me adaptable, curious, and open to new ideas.

At the core of my approach is respect for people and a focus on strengths. I make a conscious effort to understand what each person brings to the table and how those strengths can be leveraged in any situation.

More than anything, I’m proud of my commitment to staying open—to learning, to growth, and to seeing the value in every interaction.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would recommend starting by building a strong foundation in the field, then being intentional about connecting with people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Seeking out mentors and learning from those who have already navigated the path can be incredibly valuable early on. Those relationships not only accelerate your growth, but also give you practical insight that you can’t always get from theory alone.

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