Influential Woman · Human Resources Services
Mariam Cudello Rodriguez
CEO and Founder, Pelayo Workforce Solutions
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Her Story
About Mariam
Mariam Cudello is the founder and CEO of Pelayo Workforce Solutions, where she helps healthcare organizations, small businesses, and job seekers navigate today's evolving workforce through strategic recruiting, career consulting, and human resources support. With more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition and human resources, including over eight years with Jackson Health System, she has built a reputation for connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mariam is especially passionate about empowering Hispanic and Latino professionals, immigrants, and individuals navigating career transitions by providing personalized guidance in resume optimization, interview preparation, LinkedIn branding, and professional networking. Before launching Pelayo Workforce Solutions, Mariam progressed through multiple HR roles at Jackson Health System, where she gained extensive expertise in full-cycle recruiting, workforce planning, candidate experience, and human resources business partnering. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University (FIU) and an Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College, complemented by certifications in Lean Six Sigma, data analysis, and professional development. Her background as a healthcare recruiter, military spouse, and community volunteer has strengthened her ability to understand the unique challenges professionals face while adapting to career changes, relocation, and evolving workforce demands. Driven by a deep commitment to service, Mariam has built her company around the belief that meaningful relationships and authentic conversations create lasting career success. She is dedicated to helping individuals build confidence, expand their professional networks, and achieve long-term career growth while supporting organizations with effective workforce solutions. Outside of her professional work, Mariam treasures time with her husband, their young son, and their dog, Charlie. As a military family, they enjoy hiking, camping, spending time at the beach, and exploring nature together. Her passion for helping others, grounded in faith, family, humility, and respect, continues to inspire her long-term vision of expanding Pelayo Workforce Solutions into nonprofit initiatives that support students, women, and underserved communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mariam
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and faith, which have guided me through every challenge and achievement. They have given me the strength, resilience, and confidence to keep moving forward. My personal motto is, "Be the best version of yourself all the time," and I strive to live by it every day, both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a friend who works in the same industry and is also a mother. She reminded me that there will be times when balancing career and family feels overwhelming and it may seem impossible, but I should never give up. Her advice to keep going, stay resilient, and persevere has remained with me and continues to inspire me through every challenge.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be as good as you can be, remain genuine, and stay humble. Lead with authenticity, treat others with kindness and respect, and let your character speak for itself. When you stay true to your values and consistently do your best, good things will come your way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining trust and genuine human connection as technology becomes more involved in recruiting, career development, and HR. Technology is an excellent tool, and I use it regularly in my work, but it should support people, not replace the conversations, judgment, empathy, and individual perspectives that make this field meaningful.
At the same time, this challenge creates an opportunity to show that technology and human expertise can work together. My goal is to help current and future generations use technology responsibly while continuing to value people, protect employment opportunities, and build meaningful professional relationships. For me personally, it is also an opportunity to expand my network, strengthen my brand, and earn trust by consistently providing thoughtful, people centered support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are humility, passion, and respect for myself and others. I believe that staying humble keeps me open to learning, passion motivates me to give my best every day, and treating everyone with respect helps build meaningful relationships and a positive environment wherever I go.
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