Karah Maldonado
Karah Maldonado is a results-driven recruiter with experience supporting large-scale talent acquisition across manufacturing, HR, finance, IT, and legal functions. Currently serving as a Recruiter at International Paper, she specializes in full-cycle recruiting, market analysis, and strategic sourcing, leveraging data-driven insights and advanced search techniques to identify and attract top-tier talent. Known for her adaptability and organization, she partners closely with hiring managers and HR teams to build effective, inclusive recruiting strategies aligned with business goals.
Prior to her current role, Karah built a diverse professional foundation spanning technical recruiting and education. She has held recruiting roles with Microsoft and TEKsystems, where she supported complex hiring needs in the technology space. Earlier in her career, she worked in education as both an elementary school teacher and an ESL instructor, experiences that strengthened her communication, training, and relationship-building skills—qualities she continues to bring into her recruiting work today.
Karah holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Union University and a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Memphis. She is passionate about continuous learning, collaboration, and fostering inclusive workplaces. Through her work, she remains committed to connecting people with meaningful career opportunities while supporting organizational growth and innovation.
• Licensed Associate Member of Orton Gillingham
• University of Memphis
• Union University
• Orton Gillingham (Licensed Associate Member)
• SHRM Association
What do you attribute your success to?
The best career advice I’ve received came from mentors like Mickey Love and Tim Mackie. Their support and belief in my abilities helped me recognize my own potential and gave me the confidence to keep growing professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay on course and not let anything interfere with my goals and dreams. I’ve learned to stand tall, remain confident, and stay focused on what I want to achieve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry not to be intimidated by others and to let their voices be heard—your perspective matters. Stay open to learning by being a good listener, and as you grow, take the time to mentor and support others along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is supporting more individuals and businesses with their hiring and HR needs. As workplaces continue to evolve, there’s a growing demand for thoughtful, people-focused strategies that help organizations build strong teams and create positive work environments.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are a commitment to continuous learning and growth. I’m always eager to learn new things, I don’t give up when faced with challenges, and I take pride in the work I do.