Her Story
About Maranda
Maranda Schrock, SHRM-CP, is a Human Resources Manager at Hawthorn Aero, an aerospace manufacturing company in Miamisburg, Ohio. With extensive experience spanning human resources, operations, leadership, and employee development, she brings a practical, people-centered approach to supporting organizations and their employees. Her areas of expertise include employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, process improvement, fair chance employment, workforce management, leadership coaching, and HR operations. Before joining Hawthorn Aero, she spent nearly four years with JBM Packaging, progressing from Human Resources Generalist to Senior Human Resources Generalist and supporting a workforce of approximately 150–180 employees.
Maranda’s career also includes significant operations and leadership experience. As Director of Operations at Mobility Fit Physical Therapy, she partnered with ownership on organizational growth, hiring, staff development, operational procedures, budgeting, and the expansion of the organization from two to five locations. Her earlier experience as a Client Coordinator and All Star Cheerleading Coach further developed her skills in communication, team leadership, coaching, organization, and relationship management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States. She is also a SHRM Certified Professional and holds a Workplace Mental Health Ally credential through PsychHub.
A particularly important area of Maranda’s professional focus is creating workplaces where accountability, consistency, opportunity, and empathy can coexist. She has been involved in Fair Chance employment initiatives designed to provide opportunities and support for individuals transitioning from incarceration, as well as employee-focused programs and community initiatives. She is a member of SHRM, Cincy SHRM, and the Miami Valley Human Resources Association and is connected with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing through Mental Health First Aid. Maranda attributes much of her success to continuous learning, relationship building, and her determination to keep growing. She values ownership and honesty and believes that mistakes can become opportunities for learning, particularly for women building careers in manufacturing and other traditionally challenging environments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maranda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being the first person in my family to graduate from college and ultimately earn a master’s degree. That accomplishment has been a significant source of motivation for me. I have always wanted to continue growing, learning new things, and challenging myself rather than becoming comfortable with where I am. Building strong relationships and becoming involved in different programs and professional opportunities have also played an important role in helping me get to where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to follow my heart. I actually have that phrase tattooed on myself as a constant reminder. Human resources involves a great deal of gray area rather than simply being black and white, and I believe that following my heart has helped me navigate complex situations and build a successful career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the manufacturing industry is not to be afraid of making mistakes. We are all human, and things will inevitably happen, but what matters is how we learn from those experiences and how we respond and grow afterward. Being a woman in manufacturing can come with its challenges, but if you have a seat at the table, you have earned that seat. Own your place, continue learning, and do not be afraid to contribute your perspective.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in human resources right now is engaging with the newer generation of workers while also bringing together different generations in the workplace. HR professionals often serve as the bridge between people with different mindsets and expectations surrounding work, benefits, workplace culture, and what employers should provide. This creates an opportunity for HR to facilitate meaningful conversations, understand different perspectives, and find practical approaches that work for both employees and organizations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ownership and honesty are the values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally. If I make a mistake, I believe in taking ownership of it. I consider myself a loyal and honest person, and I value receiving that same level of honesty and respect from others. I would rather hear the honest truth from the beginning so that we can understand the situation, make adjustments, and move forward appropriately.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.