Rhode Meone Malangwasira, MHRM, SHRM-CP

I believe the driving force behind my success is my two children. My journey has been filled with challenges and moments that could have easily caused me to give up. Early in my life, after getting married, I struggled with infertility and spent five years going through IVF treatments which was a deeply emotional and difficult experience. When I finally had my daughter at age 29, and my son at age 31, everything shifted. They became my reason to push forward and finish what I started. I wanted my children to see more than where I came from; I wanted them to see what was possible. As an immigrant from Haiti, I had to start from scratch. I didn’t speak English, and I lost my father shortly after arriving in the United States. There were many moments when I could have chosen an easier path, including dropping out of school, but something within me kept me going. When I became a mother, I made a promise: the struggles I faced would not define my children’s future. I was determined to create opportunities for them that I did not have. I worked full-time, dropped them off at daycare early in the morning, picked them up late in the evening, and still found the strength to continue my education. Every step I took was with them in mind. My faith and resilience carried me. I believed that if I had the ability to keep going, then I had the responsibility to do so. I stayed focused on one goal; to start, to persist, and to finish so my children could have a better future.

Professionally, I often think back to when I was a temporary employee at Walmart’s Distribution Center. At the time, I never imagined myself working in HR let alone sitting in meetings with senior leaders. When the HR Director approached me about a vacant payroll position and shared that he had been observing my work for the past 90 days, I was hesitant and initially told him no. He invited me into his office, pointed to his SHRM certification hanging on the wall, and said, “One day, you’re going to be sitting where I’m sitting, and you’ll have your certification on your wall.” That moment stayed with me. Today, every time I look at my own certification, I think of him. His belief in me became a turning point, especially at a time when I didn’t yet believe in myself. I never imagined becoming an HR Director, but here I am. Personally, I’ve also been shaped by the encouragement of others, especially within my church community. When I first arrived in the United States, we had very little support. My father was the only person we knew, and building connections was not easy. However, there were individuals in our church who consistently encouraged us to stay in school and to keep going, reminding us that help was always available if we needed it. Those moments of encouragement, though simple, meant everything. They helped shape my mindset, reinforced my determination, and reminded me that even small acts of support can have a lasting impact.

The world is constantly changing, so I don’t believe there is one piece of advice that fits everyone. Each person’s journey is different, shaped by their circumstances and the season they’re in. What worked for me may not work for someone else, and that’s okay. My advice is to start with yourself. Ask: What do I truly want? and Who am I doing this for? Whether it’s for your personal growth, your family, or your future, you have to define your purpose. Once you are clear on that, it becomes your anchor. From there, commit to the journey. It won’t be easy, and it won’t always be quick. You will face obstacles, setbacks, and moments where you question yourself, but you have to keep going. If you fall, get back up. If you need to pivot, do so with intention. The key is to keep moving forward and to make decisions that align with your goals not someone else’s expectations. When it comes to Human Resources specifically, it’s important to understand that it’s not for everyone. HR requires resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work with all kinds of people and situations. You have to be able to navigate challenges without taking things personally and remain grounded in fairness and professionalism. So take the time to explore, do your research, and be honest with yourself about what you can handle and what you truly want. And if you decide this is your path, go after it with purpose and determination.

The HR field is both challenging and evolving right now. One of the biggest challenges is the job market itself. There are many talented HR professionals who have been out of work for extended periods, sometimes one to three years, and are still actively searching for opportunities. While I’m grateful to have transitioned quickly into a new role after resigning, I recognize that this is not the reality for many. The market is competitive, and networking has become increasingly important and who you know can significantly impact your ability to secure opportunities. Another challenge is not just finding a job but finding the right fit. Many organizations often still view HR as administrative rather than strategic. In some environments, HR is expected to “push paper” and enforce policies, rather than serve as a true business partner. I’ve experienced firsthand how misalignment between leadership expectations and the HR function can lead to frustration and limit impact, even when meaningful systems and improvements are put in place. At the same time, this presents a major opportunity. The organizations that truly embrace HR as a strategic partner are the ones where real impact happens. When you find the right fit, where leadership values HR, where there is alignment, and where you can contribute meaningfully, it creates space to build strong cultures, support employees, and influence organizational success. The most rewarding part of HR is the ability to connect with people and make a difference, even behind the scenes. Shifting the perception of HR from a compliance function to a trusted resource where employees feel safe to engage and leaders seek partnership is where the true opportunity lies today.

The most important value in my life, both personally and professionally, is balance; especially when it comes to my family. My family is my foundation and my “why.” Everything I do professionally is ultimately to create a better life and more opportunities for them. I am very intentional about protecting that space. When I leave work, I make a conscious effort not to carry the stress of the day into my home. No matter what challenges I face at work, I believe my children and my family deserve the best version of me. They deserve the same energy, presence, and care that I give in my professional role. That doesn’t mean I ignore stress; it means I process it in a healthy way. I’m grateful to have a supportive husband who creates space for me to talk things through. Sometimes that looks like going for a walk and simply releasing the weight of the day. Once I’ve done that, I’m able to come home fully present as a wife and a mother. For me, work-life balance isn’t just a concept; it’s a commitment. It’s about being intentional with my energy, setting boundaries, and ensuring that while I strive for excellence in my career, I never lose sight of what matters most at home.