Her Story
About Liliana
Liliana Vasquez is a Talent Acquisition Recruiting Supervisor at Fortrex, bringing extensive experience in human resources, talent acquisition, and workforce development to the food safety and sanitation sector. With more than six years of experience in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and HR operations, she has supported organizations in building effective teams through strategic recruiting initiatives, compliance-focused processes, and strong community outreach efforts. In her role at Fortrex, Liliana oversees hiring strategies, candidate engagement, onboarding processes, and workforce support while partnering with leadership to address staffing needs and promote organizational success.
Before specializing in talent acquisition, Liliana built a strong foundation through nearly a decade of social work with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, where she focused on investigations, foster care, adoption, and supporting families through complex situations. She also brings experience as an elementary educator, which strengthened her skills in communication, mentorship, adaptability, and relationship building. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas A&M University-Commerce and holds an LCDC credential as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor through the State of Texas.
Liliana attributes her success to perseverance, resilience, and maintaining focus on the factors within her control while continuing to pursue personal and professional growth. She is passionate about creating positive workplace experiences, supporting diverse communities, and helping others achieve success. Outside of her professional career, Liliana volunteers with God’s Closet Center, contributing to community outreach through food pantry services and assisting the Latin community with translation and guidance. Her commitment to integrity, empathy, accountability, and continuous learning continues to define her impact as a human resources leader.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Liliana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, resilience, and the determination to never give up. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of focusing on what I can control while accepting and letting go of what I cannot. Balancing the responsibilities of raising 10 children, working multiple jobs, and pursuing my degrees simultaneously required discipline, commitment, and a strong belief in my goals. These experiences strengthened my ability to overcome challenges, remain focused, and continue moving forward despite obstacles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from an unexpected place. A high school counselor once told me that I would not amount to anything, and rather than allowing that statement to define me, I used it as motivation to prove what was possible. That experience taught me the importance of believing in myself, focusing on what I can control, and letting go of the opinions or circumstances I cannot change. It reinforced my resilience, determination, and commitment to creating my own path and achieving my goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to build strong relationships, embrace new challenges, and remain committed to continuous growth. Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, advocate for yourself, and believe in your own abilities. Success is not only about personal achievement; it is also about supporting, mentoring, and uplifting others along the way. As you advance in your career, remember the importance of creating opportunities for those who follow behind you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field right now are centered around growth, professional development, and embracing new ways of learning. Building strong mentorship relationships, expanding networks, and staying open to continuous learning are essential for long-term success. As technology continues to evolve, developing new skills and understanding emerging tools can create broader opportunities for advancement, innovation, and career growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that matters most to me, both professionally and personally. I believe in always doing the right thing, even when it may be challenging, and taking full accountability for my actions and decisions, including acknowledging and learning from mistakes. I also value empathy, especially in the workplace, because understanding and supporting others helps build stronger teams and meaningful relationships. Continuous growth is equally important, as I believe there is always an opportunity to learn, improve, and become a better version of myself.
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