Her Story
About Stephanie
Stephanie Taylor is building a career rooted in service, leadership, and people. As an HR professional for the City of Mauldin, South Carolina, she oversees recruiting, employee relations, employee engagement, and the full spectrum of human resources functions that help support local government. Before joining the City of Mauldin, she spent three and a half years in human resources with the City of Greer, where she developed a passion for creating positive workplace experiences and fostering a strong organizational culture.
A 2019 graduate of Anderson University with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Stephanie earned her SHRM-CP certification in 2024. She is an active member of both the Greenville Society for Human Resource Management (GSHRM) and the South Carolina Municipal Human Resources Association, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Stephanie credits her parents with instilling the work ethic, determination, and confidence that have guided her career, while also recognizing the mentors, colleagues, and supervisors who have encouraged her along the way. She believes the strongest leaders lead with honesty, kindness, empathy, and fairness—values she strives to demonstrate every day. Her advice to young women entering the profession is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself, build meaningful relationships, earn trust through integrity, and stay resilient as you pursue your goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and an unwavering belief that I could achieve anything I was willing to work for. That confidence and determination became the foundation of my early success in HR. Along the way, I've also been fortunate to learn from incredible colleagues and leaders who have challenged, encouraged, and mentored me. Their guidance has played an important role in shaping both my career and the professional I continue to become.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop believing in yourself. One rejection, one missed opportunity, or one tough performance review doesn't define your career—or your potential. Especially in HR, resilience is one of your greatest strengths. Develop a thick skin, keep learning, stay passionate about your work, and don't let temporary setbacks distract you from your long-term goals. Persistence, paired with purpose, is what ultimately opens the right doors.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Walk into every conversation with confidence, even if you're still growing into your role. In human resources, success is built on trust, and trust starts with genuine relationships. Take the time to connect with people, listen to their perspectives, and earn their confidence. When you believe in your purpose and the mission you're representing, that confidence becomes contagious—and it's one of the most powerful tools you can bring to your work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being the only woman in the room—and often one of the youngest, has definitely come with its challenges. I've learned that confidence is essential. You have to walk in knowing your expertise, trust that you've earned your place, and never question whether you deserve a seat at the table.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty has always been at the heart of who I am—not just professionally, but personally as well. In HR, kindness, empathy, and fairness aren't just nice qualities to have; they're essential. I believe people deserve to feel heard, respected, and treated with compassion, no matter the situation. Those values guide every decision I make, and they're just as important in my personal life as they are in my career.
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