Her Story
About Gerlean
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 PhD from National University, with anticipated completion in 2026. She previously earned her MBA in Human Resources Management from Capella University and MBA in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa 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 are the Christ Chapel Academy Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Her commitment to education has clearly passed to her children. 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. Gerlean has been called to share her life lessons and voice to other women and those in need of counsel and a safe place to share and grow through her "My Pretty is Enough-FWM" Life Coaching.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gerlean
01What 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. He was truly the most influential human in my life and I miss him dearly. I can hear him talking to me, saying "Gerri, why are you worrying about that?" "You gotta let worry, worry itself." As my faith guides everything, and I know that when you put God first, He directs your path and makes things happen, I do my best to live and act in accordance with Proverbs 3:5. Despite life's challenges to including my father's estate hearing that I was unable to travel and 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 every day and I truly believe it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can do anything that you put your mind, heart and soul in to. Write the vision and make it plain, in accordance with Habakkuk 2:2; and create those vision boards so that can see yourself doing it. Remember to give thanks to Him as you checking off your achievements and accomplishments each and every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Put God first and remember the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you would have them treat you". Also, have a heart to help others, because people may forget what your say or what you do, but will always remember how you made them feel.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Professionally, the biggest challenge is selection of the best opportunities that allow me the freedom to still have time to serve my community and take on endeavors most important to me. Personally, managing the balance of orchestrating my ideas and efforts. I find myself always working on something or planning the next undertaking. My mind never stops working and that is a blessing that requires continuous momentum and effort.
05What 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. The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are my Faith and my Family. My faith guides my work as a business owner, my role as an author, and my responsibilities as a wife and mother. As part of my faith and being not only a "hearer but a doer of his word", in accordance with James 1:22, 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. With regards to my family, grieving the loss of my father had place much in perspective for my life and more than ever I hold onto my faith and trust that God places barriers and blessings where they need to be. Additionally, I value my father's life lessons and love for learning and service to others that he passed down to me and I have passed down to my children.
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