Her Story
About Kristen
Since 2020, I have served in the field of Human Resources as the Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of HR Notes, a company dedicated to helping businesses build stronger workplaces while connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. In my role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, including recruitment, interviewing, onboarding team members and clients, marketing initiatives, client relations, and strategic business development. As a business owner, I wear many hats and remain actively involved in every aspect of our company's growth and success.
HR Notes was founded in 2020 with a mission to strengthen businesses and support individuals within our community. We recognized a growing need among small and emerging businesses that lacked proper HR guidance and struggled to find qualified talent. Our journey began when the church we attended, Christian Tabernacle Church in Washington, D.C., needed assistance recruiting leadership for its daycare center. After successfully helping them fill that need, we decided to expand into other avenues, and our business grew from there.
Beyond supporting employers, we are passionate about helping job seekers achieve their professional goals. Through services such as resume development, interview coaching, career guidance, and workforce readiness support, we strive to bridge gaps in employment opportunities and empower individuals to succeed. Serving others and creating opportunities for growth remain central to our mission.
In addition to my work in human resources and business leadership, I am also an author and writer. Through my writing, I seek to inspire, educate, and encourage readers by sharing stories, experiences, and lessons that promote personal and professional growth. Writing has allowed me to extend my impact beyond the workplace and connect with people in a meaningful way through the power of words.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been bringing HR Notes from a vision into a thriving reality. What began as a desire to help businesses strengthen their workforce and connect job seekers with meaningful opportunities has grown into a company that serves organizations and individuals throughout our community. Building the company from the ground up required faith, persistence, and a commitment to serving others, and seeing the impact we have made over the years has been incredibly rewarding.
A significant part of that achievement has been the development of our online platform and website, which has become one of our most valuable assets. The platform has enabled us to expand our reach, better serve our clients and job seekers, streamline our services, and continue fulfilling our mission of creating opportunities, strengthening organizations, and making a positive difference in the communities we serve. Knowing that a vision born out of a community need has grown into a resource that helps so many people is something I consider one of my greatest successes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith in the Most High. His guidance, grace, and unwavering presence have carried me through every challenge and milestone along the way. Without Him, I would not be where I am today, and I give Him all the honor, glory, and gratitude.
I also credit our success to the remarkable team of dedicated and persistent individuals who share a commitment to excellence. Their hard work, resilience, and passion have played an invaluable role in helping us achieve our goals and continue making a positive impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to give your best effort in everything you do. No matter your profession, passion, or calling, approach it with dedication, commitment, and excellence. Whether you're a writer, a driver, an artist, an entrepreneur, or pursuing any other path, success comes from wholeheartedly investing in your craft. When you give your all, you not only maximize your potential, but you also create opportunities for growth, achievement, and lasting impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would like to leave the next generation of young women with this affirmation: You are at that table because you deserve to be there. Your presence is not an accident, and your seat was not given to you out of chance—it was earned through your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
For many years, I sat at tables wondering if I truly belonged, questioning whether I was worthy of the opportunities before me. Over time, I learned that I had earned my place, just as you have earned yours. Never allow self-doubt to diminish your accomplishments or silence your voice. Walk confidently in your purpose, contribute boldly, and remember that you belong in every room where your talents, experience, and value have brought you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been gaining visibility and recognition while working to advance professionally. Often, our approach is rooted in humility and hard work rather than self-promotion, which can sometimes make it difficult for our contributions to be seen and acknowledged.
Coming from an underprivileged community, I have had to overcome obstacles and disadvantages that are not always visible to others. As an African American woman, there have been moments when breaking through barriers and gaining access to opportunities required additional perseverance and determination. Despite these challenges, I have remained committed to excellence, continued to build my skills and experience, and worked to create opportunities not only for myself but for others who may face similar obstacles. Those experiences have strengthened my resilience and reinforced my belief that representation, visibility, and opportunity matter.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the core values that guides me is the commitment to giving back and being a blessing to others. With every decision I make and every step I take, I ask myself how it can positively impact the next person, the next family, or the next community.
Whether serving businesses, employees, or individuals, our focus has always been centered on service. We believe that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the difference we make in the lives of others. Helping people grow, creating opportunities, and providing meaningful support are at the heart of everything we do. Service is not just a part of our mission—it is our highest priority and the foundation upon which we build lasting relationships and positive change.
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