Learning something new means becoming a beginner again. I stepped outside HR to learn website design and coding, and discovered we're never too established to start fresh.
Katherine Lacayo, SHRM-CP · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Katherine
Katherine Lacayo, SHRM-CP, serves as the People and Talent Experience Manager at FIU Online, where she supports the full employee lifecycle and partners with leaders and teams across recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, talent development, performance management, and workforce planning. With more than 10 years of human resources and people leadership experience spanning retail, healthcare, and higher education, she brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by supporting employees at every level of an organization. Her career began in customer-facing leadership and evolved through payroll, human resources, talent development, and People Operations, giving Katherine a unique understanding of both the operational and human sides of the employee experience. Those experiences have shaped her coaching-oriented approach to leadership and her belief that HR is at its best when it balances the needs of the organization with the experiences of its people. She is particularly energized by opportunities to simplify complex work, thoughtfully leverage technology, develop talent, and create experiences that help employees and organizations grow together. Katherine earned her bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management through FIU's College of Business. Her professional development also includes the SHRM-CP credential, an HR Management Certificate through FIU Executive Education, an HR Liaison Certificate, and participation in the Leadership Education Advancement Program. As an active member of SHRM, she remains committed to continuous learning and to exploring how emerging practices and technology can strengthen the future of work while keeping people at its center. At the heart of Katherine's professional philosophy are humanity, curiosity, and accountability. She believes strong organizations are built on strong cultures and that some of the most meaningful work in HR happens during the moments that matter most in people's careers. Whether welcoming someone into an organization, helping an employee navigate change, developing a future leader, or supporting a team through a challenge, she approaches the work with the understanding that behind every process is a person and an experience that matters. Katherine also values opportunities to make an impact beyond the workplace. Through FIU Online community service initiatives, she has supported local elementary and middle schools by helping paint murals, revitalize school landscapes, and create outdoor classrooms designed to enhance students' learning environments. She attributes much of her success to consistency and curiosity, along with a willingness to keep learning, build meaningful relationships, trust her instincts, and remain open to growth. As the workplace continues to evolve, Katherine remains grounded in a simple belief: no matter how work changes, its future is human.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katherine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency and curiosity. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always come from having all the answers, but from showing up, staying committed, and being willing to ask questions along the way. Curiosity has pushed me to explore new ideas, learn from the people around me, and step into opportunities that have challenged me to grow. Above all, I believe consistency matters. Continuing to learn, putting in the work, and staying open to where each experience can take you have been key to my growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: trust your gut. It’s three words many of us have heard, but when you’re truly in tune with yourself, they carry a lot of meaning. I’ve learned that your instincts are often shaped by your experiences, what you’ve learned, and what you know about yourself, even when you can’t immediately explain why something feels right or wrong. Trusting my gut has helped me take chances, make difficult decisions, and recognize opportunities for growth. It’s taught me to listen to the people around me, remain open to different perspectives, and ultimately trust myself enough to move forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to remain curious, stay passionate about what you do, and be intentional about the relationships you build along the way. Ask questions, seek out opportunities that challenge you, and never feel like you need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Some of the greatest growth comes from being willing to learn as you go. Just as importantly, build genuine relationships with people you can learn from and grow alongside. A strong network matters, but so does being someone others remember for how you showed up, how you treated people, and the value you brought to the conversation. Never underestimate the power of a genuine handshake, a thoughtful conversation, and staying connected.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in HR right now is learning how to embrace technology without losing the human element of the work. AI and emerging tools are changing how we recruit, communicate, analyze information, and support employees, and there is tremendous potential to make HR more efficient and intentional. At the same time, people still want to feel heard, valued, and understood. The opportunity for HR professionals is to find the right balance, using technology to make the work better while creating more space for the conversations, relationships, and experiences that require a human connection. No matter how work evolves, its future is still human.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are humanity, curiosity, and accountability. Humanity reminds me to lead with empathy and recognize the person behind every situation. Curiosity keeps me learning, asking questions, and open to perspectives beyond my own. Accountability means taking ownership of my actions, following through on my commitments, and holding myself to the same standards I expect of others. Together, these values shape how I build relationships, navigate challenges, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
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