Sonia G. O'quain-Osman, SHRM-CP
Sonia G. O’Quain-Osman, SHRM-CP, is a dedicated HR professional and servant leader committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Currently serving as Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Bristol Industries, LLC, she also owns SG Consulting, an HR consulting practice providing tailored solutions for small businesses and nonprofits. With a career spanning over 22 years, Sonia has worked across industries including construction, government contracting, hospitality, manufacturing, and telecom, consistently building and reorganizing HR programs that promote growth, compliance, and a people-first culture.
A passionate advocate for both personal and professional development, Sonia emphasizes empathy, integrity, and clear communication in her HR practice. She has led initiatives such as "Businesses for Recovery" in Kentucky, helping employers hire and sustain employees in recovery programs. Her expertise spans employee relations, benefits and compliance, disciplinary processes, and creating sustainable HR systems for small organizations. Sonia’s consulting work has made her a trusted advisor to businesses seeking effective, affordable, and human-centered HR solutions.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sonia is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers as a youth minister, reading coach, and participates in mission work in Uganda through IMANIMIELE. An accomplished athlete, she trains with her husband for half-mile marathons and champions local initiatives supporting recovery and business development. Recognized for her leadership and impact, she was named one of the “Top 100 People to Know in Western Kentucky” in 2025 and has received the Lyle Hanna Spirit Award for her outstanding volunteer contributions.
• SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Cosmetology
• Murray State University - B.S.
• Lyle Hanna Spirit Award
• Top 100 People to Know in Western Kentucky
• Four Rivers SHRM
• Freemont Baptist
• United Way
• The Merryman House/Cornerstone of Hope
• KY FAME Program
• Leadership Paducah
• KY SHRM State Council
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep love of people and a genuine desire to help others, guided by honesty, empathy, and integrity. I have been fortunate to have mentors who invested in me early in my career, and their guidance shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities. Additionally, my broad experience across multiple industries has allowed me to learn valuable lessons in each role and apply those insights in new contexts, continually growing both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to build your business around values, not trends, and to meet people where they are. When you operate with integrity, communicate clearly, and genuinely invest in others, you create an organization that attracts top talent, earns lasting trust, and stands the test of time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with empathy and focus on how you make people feel—people may forget your words, but they will always remember the impact you have on them. Emphasize clarity, professionalism, and confidence in your expertise. Protect your integrity and character, learn to negotiate effectively, hire people who are smarter than you, and embrace collaboration. By doing so, you not only advance your own career but also build meaningful relationships and lasting influence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, some of the biggest challenges in my field include limited budgets for small businesses, rising costs and salary pressures, shifts in the workforce driven by remote work and COVID-era changes, the rapid pace of technology, and confidence barriers for women in male-dominated sectors. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, such as collaborating with legislators and communities to support small employers and scaling effective workforce programs like Businesses for Recovery. Navigating these challenges while leveraging these opportunities is key to driving meaningful impact in the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, and career. My faith in God guides my decisions, and I strive to operate with integrity, clear communication, empathy, and a spirit of service to others. These principles shape the way I lead, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact in everything I do.
Locations
Bristol Alliance of Companies
Paducah, KY 42003