Kat Ebiwonjumi, MBA
Kat Ebiwonjumi, MBA, is a seasoned Human Resources professional and travel consultant with a passion for connecting people, systems, and experiences. Her HR journey began unconventionally. Initially drawn to healthcare, she discovered her passion for human resources during her master’s program, where the intersection of systems, people, and purpose captured her attention. From starting as a contractor at VIBE, transitioning into payroll analysis, and ultimately moving into the complex realm of onboarding, her trajectory reflects both ambition and adaptability.
Today, Kat manages critical elements of the employee lifecycle, including background checks, I-9 verification, vendor coordination, and compliance documentation. A notable accomplishment was overhauling I-9 files during a high-stakes audit, a project that demanded persistence, seamless coordination across multiple locations, and composure under pressure. Her expertise in HR is complemented by her skills in ADP Payroll, data analysis, and operational efficiency, gained through her MBA in Human Resources Leadership from Sullivan University.
In addition to her HR career, Kat recently launched her own travel agency, Without Border, in September, allowing her to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for creating meaningful, life-changing experiences for others. Balancing dual roles in HR and travel consulting highlights her adaptability, leadership, and commitment to making an impact both professionally and personally.
• Sullivan University - MBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, adaptability, and persistence. My HR journey began unconventionally—initially drawn to healthcare, I discovered my passion for human resources during my master’s program, where the intersection of systems, people, and purpose captured my attention. From starting as a contractor at VIBE, transitioning into payroll analysis, and advancing into onboarding, I have managed critical elements of the employee lifecycle, including background checks, I-9 verification, vendor coordination, and compliance documentation. A highlight of my career was overhauling I-9 files during a high-stakes audit, a project that required focus, coordination across multiple locations, and composure under pressure. Recently, I also launched my own travel agency, Without Border, combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for creating meaningful experiences.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
What I’ve learned is to never settle. Believing in yourself and your goals can take you further than you might expect, especially at a time when others are still figuring out what they truly believe. Trust your instincts, stay persistent, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in HR today is staying compliant while adapting to new technology. I-9 documentation alone has changed significantly, especially with remote onboarding becoming more common, and navigating these requirements in high-volume environments can be complex. Another challenge I see is connecting emerging HR professionals with real-world opportunities. Despite the abundance of online courses and certifications, many young professionals struggle to gain the hands-on experience employers require. Mentorship and access are key—I’ve seen so many talented individuals get overlooked because they lack the right network or visibility, and that is something I am passionate about helping change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are persistence, self-trust, compassion, and a commitment to helping others. My philosophy of persistence and belief in myself has shaped my career and positioned me as a mentor to younger HR professionals. I am a passionate advocate for networking and perseverance, and I am now expanding my professional scope into travel consulting to help others create life-changing experiences beyond the workplace. Leading with compassion and bringing my family values of leadership, shaped in part by growing up as the youngest in my family, has been recognized by mentors and continues to influence how I contribute to every team I join.