Her Story
About Marilyn
Marilyn Rodriguez serves as Human Resources Generalist in Ithaca, New York. With more than 30 years in the field, her expertise lies in recruiting and safety, including two years in the transportation industry. Previously, she worked as safety manager for Hyatt Hotels overseeing 1,146 employees, recruiter for Nike and TJ Maxx Warehouse, and director of human resources at a nursing home. Rodriguez earned her degree from Belhaven University at its satellite campus in Memphis, Tennessee. She is actively pursuing SHRM certification as a Senior Certified Professional and maintains membership in national SHRM as well as having served as board secretary for SHRM Tompkins County from 2020 to 2022. Among her notable achievements is a customer service award resembling an Oscar for back-of-the-house contributions early in her career. Rodriguez attributes her success to building honest, upfront, and transparent relationships with employees and upper management. She values treating everyone with dignity and respect to foster credibility and trust, and she has volunteered with Special Olympics, bowl-a-thons, and soup kitchens.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marilyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
Building honest, upfront, and transparent relationships with employees and upper management.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give more to an answer than what they ask. Just keep it short and simple. Just answer the question.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take your time. Answer only the questions that are asked. Keep it simple. Do your research. Slow down to make sure you're giving the correct response. Cover yourself and cover your bases.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Faced a walkout at Hyatt Hotels in New York City early in career, had to fill in for union employee giving uniforms to non-union staff.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Treating everybody with dignity and respect in a genuine manner. Building credibility and trust so employees feel comfortable coming to you.
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