Mercedes Hanchey
Mercedes Hanchey is a business management professional and student at McNeese State University with a strong background in operations, team leadership, and customer-facing roles. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management, bringing both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to her professional development. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to teamwork, organization, and delivering high-quality results.
Mercedes currently serves as a Sales Associate and Social Media Manager at Smith Jewelers of Leesville, where she supports customer engagement and brand visibility while delivering exceptional service. Prior to this role, she spent over a decade as a Production Manager with Almost Eden Plants, where she supervised a nine-member team, implemented inventory and marketing strategies, and maintained high standards of product quality. Her leadership and operational initiatives contributed to a 200% increase in sales in 2020, demonstrating her ability to drive measurable business growth.
Earlier in her career, Mercedes developed strong communication, accuracy, and customer service skills as a Server and Bartender in a fast-paced environment. Across all roles, she is recognized for her adaptability, attention to detail, and ability to align team strengths with organizational goals. Mercedes is eager to continue building her career in business and human resources, leveraging her diverse experience to support organizational success and employee development.
• McNeese State University
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to recognize and value the people who make a difference in your growth. I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from my husband, Corey, and from mentors like Angela Dowden, whose knowledge, gemological expertise, and commitment to empowering women have deeply influenced my development. Their guidance has reinforced my passion for human resources and my goal of pursuing opportunities that align closely with that field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, and a genuine passion for helping others. I aspire to build a long-term career with a company I can grow with, contributing to an environment that feels like family. My true passion lies in human resources, and I am committed to giving back, supporting others as I have been supported, and fostering open, clear communication in everything I do.