Her Story
About Gisela
Gisela Belinfante, BBA, MHRM, is a dynamic operations and human resources leader based in New York with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare and workforce development. Currently serving as an Operations Leader at Northwell Health, she is known for driving organizational performance through strategic leadership, workforce planning, and operational excellence. Gisela’s unique career path—from talent acquisition specialist to operations leader—has equipped her with a rare ability to bridge the gap between human resources and healthcare operations, ensuring both business success and meaningful employee engagement.
Throughout her career, Gisela has demonstrated a strong commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering professional growth. She has personally hired and supported over 1,500 individuals, using her expertise to align talent strategy with organizational goals. Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder and CEO of Resume Journeys, an initiative dedicated to empowering individuals to take ownership of their professional narratives. Through career coaching, public speaking, and her “Resume Journeys: Off the Rack” program—which provides free professional attire to women re-entering the workforce—Gisela continues to make a tangible impact on communities and career pathways.
A passionate advocate for education and leadership development, Gisela also brings her real-world experience into academic and mentorship spaces, with aspirations to serve as an adjunct faculty member in human resources. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends into the culinary world as the force behind her catering venture, further showcasing her versatility and drive. Grounded in both academic achievement and lived experience, Gisela leads with purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting others—proving that leadership is not just about results, but about the lasting impact made on people and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gisela
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in the quiet work of resilience. I’ve chosen a path that I truly believe was my destiny, and that sense of purpose makes me unstoppable. On the days when leadership feels heavy or defeat creeps in, I lean on affirmations to reset my perspective.
I live by the rule that your professional story is only as good as the people you help write theirs. I often tell my team: Success is hollow if it’s solitary. My greatest achievement isn't a title or a seat at the table; it’s the 1,500+ individuals I’ve helped find their own footing. I am here to prove that when you persevere with integrity, you don't just reach the top—you bring a whole community up with you."
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most transformative advice I ever received was to stop viewing a career as a linear ladder and start seeing it as a fluid journey. We are often taught that a career must have a rigid beginning, middle, and end—formatted in a perfect, predictable order. But in reality, the most impactful lives are often the ones where the chapters are shuffled.
There will be seasons where you are the student, seasons where you are the architect, and seasons where you must be the one to tear it all down and start fresh. You are not meant to worry about whether you are in the 'right' season; rather you are to know that whichever path you are taking has already been prepared ahead of your steps.
I’ve learned that when the order of your life doesn't match the 'standard' format, it isn't a sign of failure—it’s a sign of a unique calling. The only true constant is that giving up is not an option. Whether you are in a gap or at a peak, you must keep moving, knowing that the 'scrambled' chapters are often the ones that create the most beautiful story. Your career isn't a document to be formatted; it’s a narrative to be lived."
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To the young women entering the high-stakes worlds of Healthcare, HR, or Operations: You will face barriers that are designed to make you feel small. My advice is to realize early that you—and only you—are the architect of your journey.
We are often told that success is about power, but true success is about sovereignty. You must be in total control of your narrative. And while I firmly believe we must help others succeed, I also believe in the sanctity of your own 'inner circle.'
Success is not about making others feel 'less than,' but it is about knowing your worth. In my career, I have mentored hundreds, but I have also learned that access to your wisdom and your network is a privilege, not a right. To the women coming up: Be a bridge for those who are willing to do the work, but remember that access to you must be earned. Don’t give away your strategy or your energy to those who haven't shown the accountability to handle it. Help others climb, but ensure they are bringing their own ladder of integrity to the meeting. When you lead with this balance of generosity and boundaries, you aren't just a leader—you are a force that commands respect.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The rise of AI has created a painful obstacle for many—individuals who have dedicated years to their education and careers only to find themselves replaced by automation. It is a significant challenge, but I view it as a call to innovate. As a leader, my goal is to think beyond the 'bot.' While AI can take over tasks, it cannot take over the human narrative. We overcome this challenge by redefining our value and focusing on the human elements of the workplace that remain AI’s greatest blind spots.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, work is about more than just tasks; it’s about integrity and making sure people actually feel seen. I believe that every contribution deserves recognition, no matter how small, because everyone needs to know their work has value. I stay adaptable when things change, but I’m firm about work-life balance it shouldn't be an "extra" benefit, but a standard that keeps us human. Personally, I aim to live with total authenticity, showing up as my true self while keeping a growth mindset so I’m always evolving. Above all, I deeply value my autonomy and independence; having the freedom to own my choices is what keeps me motivated and grounded.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · New York
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.