Millie Rios
Millie Rios is a seasoned Human Resource Manager with over 20 years of experience in the transportation and operations industry. She began her professional journey with an Associate Degree in Tourism and Hotel Administration from Puerto Rico’s Instituto de Banca y Comercio, initially pursuing a career in hospitality. Early exposure to human resources sparked her passion for people operations, leading her to dedicate her career to building strong, high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, supportive workplaces.
Throughout her career, Millie has specialized in transportation compliance, talent acquisition, employee development, and process improvement. Known for her attention to detail and exceptional people skills, she combines deep industry knowledge with emotional intelligence to guide employees and mentor young professionals. One of her most fulfilling accomplishments was mentoring team members who achieved promotions under her guidance, a success she likens to watching her own children graduate and thrive. She recently joined Fancy Foods Incorporation as Human Resource Manager, bringing her expertise and leadership to support the next generation of professionals.
Millie’s professional philosophy centers on family, mentorship, and service. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, she is committed to sharing knowledge, empowering others, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers with inner-city youth programs, homeless shelters, and food banks, demonstrating her dedication to community and social impact. Her motivation is grounded in her family—her mother’s resilience and her children’s inspiration—and her belief that great teams and successful careers are built through intentional guidance, hard work, and authentic relationships.
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• New York Public Notary
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Instituto de Banca y Comercio, Puerto Rico – Associate Degree, Tourism & Hotel Administration
• Influential Women 2026
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Influential Women Network
• Inner-City Youth Cheerleading Program
• Homeless Shelters
• Food Banks for the Homeless
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to my children and my mother. My mother gave up her life in Korea to be with my father in the U.S., and her strength, discipline, and example are one of my biggest inspirations. My children are the light of my eyes, guiding my decisions, while my mother anchors me. Ultimately, my motivation comes from the need to provide for my family and my love of helping develop and mentor young professionals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take every opportunity and don’t take a single one for granted. Time is not always on your side, so embrace every chance to learn, grow, and gain experience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Networking and visibility are key opportunities in our field. They are often underrated, yet they are essential for career growth. Adapting to changing times, including leveraging social media and personal visibility, is increasingly important.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, mentorship, hard work, and helping develop others. These values guide both my professional and personal decisions.