An inspiring exploration of human resources as a deeply personal mission, emphasizing authentic human connection, employee empowerment, and transformative leadership that bridges organizational strategy with genuine care for people's growth and potential.
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My passion has always been to clear the path for others. True leadership creates spaces where people feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Starla Garcia, MBA · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Starla
Starla Garcia is a Senior Human Resources Generalist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for her strategic focus on employee relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and organizational development. In her current role with the State of New Mexico, she leads initiatives that strengthen workforce planning, improve HR operations, and support equitable talent management practices across departments. Her work centers on building inclusive systems that support employees at every level while aligning HR strategy with broader agency goals.
With over a decade of progressive experience in human resources, Starla’s career includes impactful roles at organizations such as T-Mobile, where she served as both a Workforce Planning Analyst and DEI Program Manager. In these positions, she contributed to large-scale organizational change, improved employee engagement, and helped expand employee resource group (ERG) participation and representation. Her background also includes experience in training and development, leadership coaching, and data-driven workforce optimization, all of which reflect her commitment to building strong, people-centered workplace cultures.
Starla is currently advancing her academic journey at Colorado Technical University, where she is completing graduate studies in Human Resources Management and pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Development and Change. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society and values lifelong learning as a foundation for leadership. Outside of her professional work, she is passionate about fostering growth through compassion, integrity, and communication, and she also enjoys playing the bass as a creative outlet.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Starla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong commitment to perseverance and self-discipline, as I maintain an “I cannot fail” mindset and recognize that the main obstacles I face are often internal. I focus on continuous learning through studying and consistently improving my knowledge, while also intentionally building relationships with influential people who provide valuable guidance and perspective. I also see feedback as a gift, using it constructively to refine my skills and grow both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that nothing is ever one extreme or the other, and it’s important to take an objective approach when evaluating situations. I’ve learned to step back and assess circumstances logically rather than reacting purely from emotion, which helps me make more balanced and effective decisions. I also strive to lead with the assumption of the best in others, which fosters stronger relationships and a more positive and productive work environment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay grounded in your values, follow your moral compass, and never lose sight of what truly matters to you. It can be easy to become focused on protecting the business, but it is equally important to protect and prioritize people. Stay true to your ambitions, and always choose to do the right thing, even when it is not the easiest path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is staying true to the morals. It's very hard to balance the business needs with your own morality. The biggest opportunity is finding out what drives the workforce and finding the best marriage between the goals of the business and the goals of the workforce. Getting to know people as people is always at the core of everything.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It's always been the golden rule. Treating others how you want to be treated has always been a pinnacle for me. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar is true in this aspect as working relationships thrive off of respectful collaborative efforts rather than micromanagement and faceless delegation.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Starla
The Heart of the Workplace: Why True Leadership Begins with Uplifting Others
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Human Connection in Modern Workplaces
Human Resources: Transforming Organizations Through Human Connection
We often talk about human resources in terms of metrics, policies, and structures. But to me, this work has never been just about the data on a screen or the guidelines in a handbook—it is deeply personal.
My entire journey as a human resources professional has been driven by a simple, unwavering belief: when you care for people, give them a voice, and create pathways for their growth, you transform not only an organization but also the lives of the people within it.
Every day, I step into my role motivated by the opportunity to create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether I am designing a training program that helps a new hire find their footing, conducting research to ensure pay equity, or developing retention strategies rooted in honest employee feedback, my goal remains the same:
I want to bridge the gap between organizational strategy and authentic human connection.
True leadership is not about holding authority; it is about clearing the path so others can step into their potential.
I have found immense joy in mentoring high school interns as they take their first steps into the professional world. I have also felt a deep sense of responsibility when collaborating with executive leaders to address complex, systemic workforce challenges.
Every process improved, every job classification corrected, and every training barrier removed represents a victory for the people who show up and give their best to their work every single day.
My commitment to this work also drives my own personal and academic growth. Pursuing doctoral studies in organizational development and change management is not simply a milestone for my résumé—it is a commitment to strengthening my skills so I can become a more effective advocate, a stronger mentor, and a more impactful voice for the workforce.
As women navigating leadership, our greatest power lies in our ability to lift others as we climb. By leading with empathy, advocating fiercely for equitable environments, and investing wholeheartedly in human potential, we can help build workplace and community cultures where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
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