Gerlean Ylephea Baylor, PhD
Gerlean Y. Baylor, MBA (She/Her) is a dynamic Human Resources executive, business owner, published author, and Ph.D. (HR) candidate with more than 25 years of progressive experience in human resources, position classification, and position management across both federal and private sectors. Originally from South Carolina and now based in Alexandria, Virginia, she has built a distinguished career specializing in organizational structure, workforce alignment, and strategic HR operations. As the owner of her own human resources business, she partners with organizations to strengthen workforce strategy while also writing and consulting within the government employment space.
Gerlean is currently pursuing her doctorate at National University, with anticipated completion in 2026. She previously earned her MBA in Human Resources Management from Capella University. In addition to her corporate and entrepreneurial work, she is a published author of five children’s books and has recently returned to modeling—an early passion she embraced as a young girl. Her professional expertise includes position classification, position management, organizational development, and senior-level HR advisory, all grounded in both academic scholarship and decades of practical leadership experience.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gerlean is deeply committed to faith, family, and service. She is a devoted wife and mother of three amazing children, including twins who attend Christ Chapel Christian School. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she actively gives back to her community through volunteer work with United Food Bank and NOVA Pregnancy Help Center, where she mentors young women. As a God-fearing woman, she strives to make a meaningful difference in every space she enters, keeping her faith as the foundation of her success and her commitment to empowering others through leadership, service, and example.
• Capella University - MBA
• Upper Iowa University - MSOD
• Voorhees College - BS, Organizational Leadership
• South University - AAS
• Influential Women Spotlight Feature for 2026
• Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
• United Food Bank
• Nova Pregnancy Resource Center (mentoring young ladies)
What do you attribute your success to?
I truly believe that God is in control and has His hand in everything I do. He places us where He wants us to be when He wants us there. He will make barriers where they need to be, and He will provide for us when we need it. He adds the blessings and adds the barriers where they need to be. I also believe my father, who recently passed, has his hand in all of this too. I can hear him talking to me, saying 'Jerry, why are you worrying about that? You gotta let worry, worry itself.' My faith guides everything, and I know that when you put God first, He directs your path and makes things happen. Even today, with everything going on including my father's estate hearing that I couldn't attend due to health issues, God showed me He was in control by opening this door for me instead. That's exactly what He did today, and I truly believe it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can do anything and create those vision boards as she has 5 and is checking off her achievements and accomplishments each and everyday.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a career you love put God first and watch it happen!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a business owner, author, wife, mother, and an important member of her community and making a little time for herself in between.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being a God-fearing woman is at the core of everything I do. My faith guides my work as a business owner, my role as an author, and my responsibilities as a wife and mother. I believe strongly in giving back to my community and making a difference through volunteering at the United Food Bank and the Nova Pregnancy Resource Center where I mentor young ladies. I strive to be a major support to my local community while balancing all my roles. I also believe in the importance of not fearing, trusting that God has a plan, and letting Him direct my path. Even during difficult times, like grieving the loss of my father, I hold onto my faith and trust that God places barriers and blessings where they need to be.
Locations
Human Resources Business
Alexandria, VA 22309