Her Story
About Payton
Payton Mabrey is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at American Honda Motor Company in Marysville, Ohio, where she connects emerging talent with opportunities in the automotive industry. With experience spanning recruiting and human resources, she currently focuses on hiring full-time entry-level engineers, recent graduates for rotating engineer development programs, and interns. Before joining Honda, Payton worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Citrin. She attended Indiana University Indianapolis and took time to focus on motherhood following the birth of her daughter in 2019 and the birth of her son in 2021, an experience that became an important part of her personal and professional journey. Payton is also committed to professional development, leadership, and service. She has played an active role in planning her organization’s annual talent acquisition conference, serving on the speaker committee responsible for selecting speakers and organizing the event schedule. Her contributions earned her a certification and special recognition. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Payton has volunteered with Coburn Place in Indianapolis, supporting survivors of domestic violence and receiving an award for her service. These experiences reflect her belief in the importance of creating opportunities for others and contributing meaningfully to her community. Payton credits much of her growth and success to the supportive leadership and collaborative coworkers she has encountered at Honda. She believes in asking questions, learning from others, and being willing to take on new projects—qualities that have helped her continue developing in her career. She is also inspired by her father, whose own career progression within the organization demonstrated the possibilities available through dedication and perseverance. For young women entering the industry, Payton encourages an open perspective, adaptability, and a growth mindset, emphasizing that success comes from remaining curious, embracing change, and continually learning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Payton
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support of my leadership and coworkers, as well as my willingness to ask questions and keep learning. I have never been afraid to say, “I don’t know.” Instead, I ask questions, learn from the experience, and apply what I’ve learned. Honda has also given me opportunities to take on new projects and grow through new experiences. My father’s career at Honda has been another source of inspiration and makes my own journey with the company especially meaningful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never be afraid to ask questions and to approach every opportunity with a willingness to learn. My team lead, Meg Post, has been an important source of encouragement, and Honda’s supportive culture has allowed me to take on new projects and learn through experience. That support has made a significant difference in my growth and has taught me that being open about what I don’t know is an opportunity to learn, improve, and move forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my industry to have an open perspective, be adaptable, and remain open to learning new things. Talent acquisition is a field that requires continuous growth, so having a growth mindset and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone can make a meaningful difference. I also believe that embracing new challenges and learning from each experience can help build both confidence and a successful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities and challenges in my field has been adapting to changes in the team and recruiting process. The organization has shifted from relying primarily on internships and co-ops to recruiting full-time employees for the Engineering Development Program and entry level engineers. With a smaller team, this has also meant taking on a heavier workload and adjusting to new processes. While change can be challenging, I see it as an opportunity to become more adaptable, learn new skills, and contribute in new ways.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service, resilience, flexibility, and helping others are values that are especially important to me. My experience with nonprofit work shaped my perspective on the importance of giving back. As a mother, I have also gained a deeper perspective on career and success. Having my daughter and son taught me resilience, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly—qualities that have translated directly into my professional life.
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