Sarah Zevalkink, PHR, SHRM-SCP

I attribute much of my success to my ability to bridge strategy and operations. I’ve always been drawn to understanding the bigger picture—how culture, leadership, and people strategy connect to organizational goals—but I also believe strategy only matters if it can be executed well. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on translating big ideas into practical systems, processes, and structures that leaders and teams can actually use. That balance between thinking strategically and operating effectively has allowed me to help organizations move from intention to impact.

The best career advice I received was simple: listen more than you speak. In HR especially, the ability to truly hear people—leaders, employees, and stakeholders—often reveals the real issue and leads to better, more thoughtful solutions.

One piece of advice I would give to young women entering HR is to go in with both passion and realism. HR can be a tough and often misunderstood profession. Much of the work happens behind the scenes, and when things are going well, it can sometimes feel like no one notices. The work can also be emotionally taxing because you’re often navigating complex people situations and supporting others through difficult moments.

That said, it’s incredibly meaningful work. Even when it feels thankless, you are helping shape culture, support employees, and guide organizations through important decisions. My advice is to stay grounded in your values, stay true to who you are, and remember that the work you’re doing does make a difference—often in ways you may not immediately see.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in HR right now is the rise of AI in the workplace. AI is helping automate many administrative tasks and enabling more data-driven decisions across the employee lifecycle. But it also raises important questions about ethics, transparency, and how we support employees through workforce changes. HR has a critical role in helping organizations adopt AI responsibly while keeping people, trust, and human judgment at the center.

The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, and authenticity. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, and in approaching people and situations with honesty and respect. In HR especially, integrity is critical because people trust you with some of the most important and sometimes vulnerable moments in their careers. Empathy is also central to how I lead and make decisions. Understanding different perspectives and truly listening to people allows you to build stronger relationships and create healthier, more supportive workplaces.

And finally, authenticity. I believe in showing up as your true self and encouraging others to do the same. When people feel comfortable being who they are, it creates stronger cultures, deeper trust, and ultimately more meaningful work and connections.