Mariela Mercado
Mariela Mercado (She/Her) is an accomplished HR executive and currently serves as the Lead Global Employee Relations Partner at Population Services International (PSI). With over a decade of experience in international human resources and employee relations, Mariela leads PSI’s global employee relations strategy across more than 35 countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. She provides strategic counsel to executive leadership on high-risk matters, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international labor laws while fostering a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
Throughout her career, Mariela has built a reputation for her expertise in complex investigations, organizational development, and change management. Her prior roles include Associate Director at Save the Children US, HR Business Partner at PSI, and HR leadership positions at Marriott International and the American Institutes for Research. She has worked extensively on performance management, workforce restructuring, diversity and inclusion, and cross-cultural engagement, always centering her work on employee well-being and operational integrity.
Mariela holds a Master’s degree in International Human Resources Management from Georgetown University and completed specialized training in Diversity and HR Management at King's College London. In recognition of her professional achievements, she was recently inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. A passionate advocate for equitable workplaces, Mariela continues to lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to advancing inclusive global HR practices that support both people and mission.
• Maquis Who's Who
• Georgetown University
• King's College London
• SHERM
• Who's who marquee
What do you attribute your success to?
Global Experience: 20+ years of diverse HR experience, spanning multiple countries in network and sectors (nonprofit, government, corporate), played a key role in my success. I attribute my success to a strong foundation in employee relations, workplace investigations, and strategic HR design, which have enabled me to lead with both structure and empathy. Managing HR across 35 countries—particularly in remote and hybrid environments—has deepened my leadership experience and reinforced the importance of building trust and credibility at all levels. My background in clinical psychology has also been instrumental in understanding diverse perspectives and creating people-centered strategies that truly support employees and business goals alike. I feel my entire career has prepared me for this moment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never underestimate the power of networking. Building authentic relationships has opened doors, expanded my perspective, and connected me to invaluable mentors and collaborators. I also believe in staying curious—keeping up with industry trends and committing to continuous learning has been essential to staying adaptable and effective in the ever-evolving world of HR.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the best pieces of advice I’d give to young women entering this industry is to be patient and kind—with yourself and with others. Early in my career, mentors reminded me that growth takes time, and moving too quickly can sometimes compromise the quality of your work. Stay present, focus on doing each task well, and trust your instincts. Your intuition is often one of your strongest tools in navigating complex situations and building authentic relationships in the workplace.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the HR and nonprofit space right now is navigating significant funding cuts while still maintaining effective support for global teams. Working across multiple time zones in remote environments adds layers of complexity, so streamlining processes and maintaining strong communication is essential. Despite these hurdles, there’s also a real opportunity to innovate—reimagining how we support employees and drive productivity in ways that are more flexible, inclusive, and sustainable.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Networking: The importance of building and maintaining professional relationships. Industry Awareness: Staying informed about industry trends is crucial for career growth. Patience & Active Listening: In leadership and employee relations, being patient and actively listening is essential for building trust. Trusting Instincts: Following your gut and intuition can guide decisions, particularly in leadership and complex HR matters. Be mindful having empathy humanizing HR there is no HR without the human aspect in it