Discover how saying "yes" to opportunities, serving others, and embracing continuous learning can unlock your leadership potential, regardless of title or experience level.
Her Story
About Stefanie
Stefanie Lozano, is a Certified Payroll Professional with more than 20 years of experience in payroll administration, specializing in payroll operations, compliance, and multi-state payroll processing. Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, she currently serves as a Senior Corporate Payroll Processor at NACCO Natural Resources, where she supports complex payroll cycles using systems such as Workday, Workforce Software, and JD Edwards ERP. Her work focuses on ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, and supporting certified payroll reporting for government-funded and Davis-Bacon projects. Prior to her current role, Stefanie spent over two decades with the City of Waxahachie, where she advanced from Human Resources Assistant to Lead Payroll Administrator. During her tenure, she directed municipal payroll operations, strengthened internal controls, and led the implementation of electronic timekeeping systems that improved accuracy and efficiency across departments. Her extensive public sector experience built a strong foundation in payroll law, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership in complex payroll environments. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Stefanie is deeply engaged in advancing the payroll profession through leadership and volunteer service. She has served on the Texas Payroll Conference Board of Directors, including a term as President in 2023, and currently serves as Marketing and Membership Director for the Lone Star Chapter of PayrollOrg. Passionate about education and professional development, she is committed to supporting payroll professionals, strengthening industry standards, and promoting accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement in payroll operations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stefanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success is never achieved alone. Much of who I am today is rooted in the values my dad instilled in me from a young age. He taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and that if you're going to do something, give it your very best. That lesson has guided me throughout my career.
I've also been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by talented payroll professionals who have challenged, encouraged, and inspired me along the way. Their mentorship, combined with my commitment to continuous learning, hard work, and always striving to grow, has played a significant role in my success. I truly believe that every achievement is the result of the people who invest in you, the lessons you embrace, and the effort you're willing to put in every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever been given is to never stop learning, because knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you. Every new skill, lesson, and experience helps you grow both personally and professionally. And when you're faced with challenges that seem impossible, remember that there will be moments when you'll have to pull off a miracle. Trust yourself, stay resilient, and know that you've got what it takes to figure it out.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to pursue your passion and serve with integrity. When you're genuinely passionate about what you do and lead with honesty, your work becomes more meaningful, fulfilling, and worthwhile. Passion fuels excellence, and serving others with integrity creates a lasting impact.
The payroll profession can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. There is a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing your work makes a difference and seeing a process through from beginning to end. Stay committed, embrace every opportunity to learn, and don't be discouraged by challenges. If you stick with it, continue growing, and always give your best, you'll build a career that is both impactful and deeply fulfilling.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing the payroll profession today is keeping pace with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. Federal, state, and local laws continue to change, and payroll professionals must stay current while ensuring compliance, maintaining data security, and delivering accurate, timely pay. At the same time, organizations are increasingly adopting new payroll technologies and automation, which means payroll professionals must continuously learn and adapt.
The greatest opportunity is that payroll is becoming a more strategic business partner. Today's payroll professionals aren't just processing paychecks. They're providing valuable insights, improving processes, supporting compliance initiatives, leveraging technology, and helping create a better employee experience. As automation takes over routine tasks, payroll professionals have more opportunities to focus on analytics, process improvement, and advising leadership.
For me, that's what makes this profession so exciting. Payroll is constantly evolving, which means there's always something new to learn, new ways to improve, and new opportunities to make a meaningful impact on both the organization and its employees.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are honesty, integrity, leading by example, commitment to purpose, and compassion. I believe in doing the right thing, treating others with respect, and serving with authenticity. By leading with integrity and staying true to my purpose, I strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of others.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Stefanie
Leadership Doesn't Require a Title: How Saying "Yes" Changed My Career
How One Small "Yes" Can Transform Your Career and Define Your Leadership Journey
If someone had asked me years ago whether I saw myself serving on boards, inspiring aspiring payroll professionals, or being recognized as an influential woman in my profession, I probably would have laughed and said, "Not a chance."
At the time, I was simply focused on doing my job well.
What I didn't realize was that leadership often begins long before you're given a title. It begins the moment you decide to say "yes."
The Power of One Yes
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible payroll professionals who challenged me to think bigger, learn more, and step outside my comfort zone.
Each opportunity started with a simple decision.
- Yes, I'll volunteer.
- Yes, I'll join that committee.
- Yes, I'll help organize that event.
- Yes, I'll learn something new.
Those small "yeses" gradually became experiences that transformed not only my career but also my confidence.
Leadership wasn't something I was handed—it was something I built, one opportunity at a time.
Leadership Is About Service
Many people associate leadership with managing a team or holding an executive title. While those roles are certainly important, I have learned that true leadership is rooted in service.
- Leadership means showing up consistently.
- It means encouraging others when they doubt themselves.
- It means sharing knowledge instead of keeping it to yourself.
- It means celebrating the success of those around you.
Some of the most influential leaders I've met aren't the loudest voices in the room. They're the ones quietly investing in others, building relationships, and leaving people better than they found them.
That is the kind of leader I strive to be.
Never Stop Learning
One of the greatest pieces of advice I ever received came from my father.
He taught me that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing wholeheartedly.
He also instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning—lessons that have guided me throughout my career.
Learning is something no one can ever take away from you.
Whether it's earning a certification, attending conferences, volunteering, finding a mentor, or simply asking thoughtful questions, every experience adds another layer to your growth.
Every opportunity to learn becomes another opportunity to lead.
Finding Confidence Through Community
One of the greatest gifts of my career has been becoming involved with professional organizations.
Serving alongside passionate payroll professionals has reminded me that leadership is not about competing with one another—it's about lifting one another.
I've learned from mentors who believed in me before I believed in myself.
I've been encouraged by peers who celebrated my successes and challenged me to continue growing.
Today, I try to do the same for others.
Because success becomes far more meaningful when it's shared.
You Don't Have to Wait
Too often, we tell ourselves we're not ready.
- We're waiting for the promotion.
- We're waiting until we know more.
- We're waiting until we feel confident.
- We're waiting for someone else to notice us.
But growth rarely happens while we're waiting.
It happens when we're willing to step into opportunities before we feel completely prepared.
Some of the most rewarding experiences of my career began with uncertainty.
I didn't have every answer.
I wasn't the most experienced person in the room.
But I was willing to learn.
And sometimes, that's all leadership requires.
Say Yes
If there's one message I hope to leave with readers, it's this:
- Don't wait for a title before deciding to lead.
- Lead by serving.
- Lead by learning.
- Lead by encouraging others.
- Lead by saying "yes" to opportunities that challenge you to grow.
You never know where one small "yes" may lead.
Mine led me to a career filled with purpose, lifelong friendships, meaningful service, and the privilege of helping elevate a profession I'm proud to be part of.
Because leadership isn't defined by the title on your business card.
It's defined by the impact you leave on the people around you.
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