Her Story
About Lyssa Ann
Lyssa Ann Buerano-Quiroz, SHRM-CP, has long believed that when people are empowered to reach their potential, organizations and communities thrive. Guided by that conviction, she has built a career in Human Resources centered on developing people, creating opportunities for growth, and helping organizations build workplaces where individuals can succeed.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Lyssa's passion for leadership began at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, where she earned a scholarship through the University's Cultural Arts Office as a member of TEATRO Lasalliana while pursuing a degree in Human Resource Development. Her experiences in theater, student leadership, and the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines (JPMAP) shaped her belief that empathy, discipline, and service are at the heart of leadership. She credits mentor Nazer Salcedo with encouraging her to lead with authenticity and purpose, lessons that continue to guide her today.
Her career has spanned the heavy equipment, logistics, freight forwarding, semiconductor, biotechnology, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, giving her a broad perspective on Human Resources across diverse industries. She helped establish the Human Resources function for a growing startup before joining Analog Devices, where she supported employee relations for approximately 9,000 employees. Mentors Nora Montemayor and Airene Lazatin helped deepen her understanding of strategic Human Resources and servant leadership. During this time, she also earned her Master of Business Administration from Philippine Christian University, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.
Seeking to broaden both her perspective and her impact, Lyssa made the life-changing decision to move to the United States to pursue a Master of Science in Human Resources Management at Houston Christian University. Leaving behind her family, especially her beloved grandmother, Felipa Buerano, was one of the most difficult decisions of her life. Grounded by the faith of her grandmother, the guidance and support of her aunt and uncle, Ron and Ruth Crittendon, and the encouragement of her father, Otto Buerano, she embraced the challenge of building a new life in a new country. While pursuing her graduate studies, she met her husband, Marco Quiroz, whose love and unwavering belief in her continue to be a constant source of strength.
At Houston Christian University, under the guidance of Dr. April Kinchen, Lyssa became the founding President of the HCU SHRM Student Chapter, helping lead the organization to earn SHRM's Superior Merit Award and Houston Christian University's New Organization of the Year Award. She later completed an HR Governance Co-op with Biogen, received scholarships from the National Academy of Human Resources and the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
Today, Lyssa serves as People Business Partner Lead Fellow at Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, where she helps strengthen people operations and mentors future leaders through initiatives such as the Summer Youth Employment Program. She is also a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and an active member of SHRM and HR Houston.
Grounded in her Christian faith, Lyssa believes every achievement is made possible by people who choose to invest in others. Having experienced the impact of mentors, family, and leaders who believed in her, she is committed to paying that investment forward by creating opportunities, mentoring future leaders, and helping others realize their full potential. For Lyssa, leadership is not measured by the titles we hold, but by the lives we uplift and the opportunities we create for others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lyssa Ann
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, perseverance, and the people who believed in me long before I recognized my own potential. Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with mentors, educators, family, colleagues, and leaders who opened doors, challenged me to grow, and invested in my development. Their support taught me that success is never achieved alone.
Because so many people chose to invest in me, I feel a responsibility to pay that gift forward. Whether through mentoring students, supporting colleagues, or helping organizations build strong, people-centered cultures, I strive to create the same opportunities that others once created for me.
To me, success is not measured by titles, awards, or accomplishments. It is measured by the lives we impact, the opportunities we create, and the legacy we leave in helping others grow. If the people I have worked with become more confident, discover their potential, or achieve something they once thought was impossible, then I consider that my greatest success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to be a sponge and never stop learning. Every experience, whether a success or a challenge, has something to teach you if you're willing to listen and grow. Equally important is having faith in God through every season. Not every opportunity will make sense in the moment, but I've learned to trust His timing and remain faithful, knowing that even challenges are shaping me for a greater purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain. Believe in yourself, embrace every opportunity to learn, and never lose sight of why you chose this profession. In Human Resources, our greatest impact comes from serving others, helping people grow, and creating opportunities that can change lives. Stay curious, remain resilient, and remember that your purpose is far greater than any title you will ever hold.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in Human Resources today is finding the right balance between technology and the human element. AI and applicant tracking systems (ATS) have transformed recruitment by making processes faster and more efficient, but we must be careful not to overlook talented individuals simply because they do not perfectly match an algorithm. Technology should support better decision making, not replace human judgment or empathy.
At the same time, I see technology as one of our greatest opportunities. When used thoughtfully, AI can streamline administrative work, provide valuable insights, and allow HR professionals to spend more time on what matters most: building relationships, developing people, and creating meaningful employee experiences. The future of Human Resources is not about choosing between technology and people. It is about using technology to better serve people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, compassion, and service. My faith reminds me to trust God's plan through every season and to approach others with humility and grace. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, while compassion allows me to lead with empathy and genuinely care about the people I serve.
I also value continuous learning and paying it forward. I believe every experience is an opportunity to grow, and every person we meet has something to teach us. Because so many people have invested in my journey, I strive to invest in others by mentoring, encouraging, and creating opportunities that help them reach their potential. At the end of the day, I hope to be remembered not only for what I accomplished, but for the positive impact I made in the lives of others.
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