Jessica Baca, SHRM-CP – Administrative Supervisor
Jessica Baca, SHRM-CP is an accomplished Administrative Supervisor with over five years of experience in human resources and organizational operations. At VARP Inc., she oversees staff management, HR functions, licensing, certifications, and business compliance for the nonprofit’s substance abuse treatment programs. Her role blends administrative leadership with a passion for helping others, ensuring that operations run efficiently while supporting the organization’s life-changing mission.
With a strong foundation in human resources, Jessica’s expertise spans recruitment and retention, employee relations, compliance, staff development, mediation, and benefits administration. She is also skilled in business development activities, including licensing, business registration, RFQs, grant management, and audits. Her SHRM-CP certification reflects her commitment to maintaining professional excellence and staying current with evolving HR practices.
A graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with honors, Jessica values continuous learning and empowerment through proactive leadership. She believes in fostering an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture that encourages growth and accountability. Guided by her dedication to both people and purpose, Jessica continues to make a meaningful impact in her organization and community.
• SHRM-CP – Certified HR Professional
• Associates Degree
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to align my work with both my strengths and my purpose. As an Administrative Supervisor, I manage staff, oversee HR functions, handle licensing and certifications, and coordinate internal events for our nonprofit substance abuse treatment program. My career with VARP began in auditing, but I soon discovered that administration and human resources better matched my skills and passions. Working in a mission-driven organization that transforms lives allows me to use my professional abilities to support others on their recovery journey—something deeply meaningful to me personally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, Lynn Kiensly, who dedicated decades of service to VARP before retiring. She taught me the importance of leading with empathy, communicating with clarity, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Her guidance has shaped how I approach leadership and teamwork every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be proactive, confident, and unafraid to use their voice. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, take initiative, and embrace new challenges. Every experience is an opportunity to learn, build resilience, and strengthen your professional presence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field today is adapting to generational differences in the workplace. Each generation brings unique communication styles, work values, and expectations, which can sometimes create gaps in understanding and collaboration. However, this also presents a valuable opportunity—to build more inclusive, flexible, and dynamic work environments that leverage the strengths of every generation. By embracing these differences, we can create teams that are more innovative, engaged, and resilient.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value empowerment through proactivity—taking initiative, seeking solutions, and continuously learning rather than waiting for direction. I believe in leading by example, encouraging others to grow, and fostering an environment where teamwork, integrity, and personal accountability drive meaningful results both at work and in life.