Stephany Colegio

I attribute my success largely to perseverance and my refusal to give up on myself. My career path has required me to adapt, teach myself new skills, and step outside of my comfort zone, but those experiences have pushed me to keep growing. Staying committed to learning and believing in my ability to build a meaningful career in human resources has helped me continue moving forward.

Honestly, most of the career “advice” I’ve received wasn’t traditional advice at all. Much of what I’ve learned came from observing situations or decisions in the workplace that showed me the kind of professional I didn’t want to become. Those experiences became valuable lessons and helped shape my own approach to work, leadership, and integrity. They taught me to be thoughtful about how I treat others, how I handle challenges, and the kind of impact I want to have in my career.

My advice is simple: it’s never too late. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what path was right for me, and I changed my major more than once along the way. At one point, I even stepped away from school for about a year and a half so I could really think about what I wanted my future to look like. That time helped me realize that I wanted to work in human resources and support people in the workplace. I know what it feels like to be overlooked or unsupported at work, and that experience is a big part of why I care so much about helping others navigate their careers.

I want young women to know that changing direction, continuing your education, and taking the time to figure out your purpose are all completely valid parts of the journey. I’ll be earning my bachelor’s degree in my 30s, and I’m incredibly proud of that. Everyone’s path is different, and growth can happen at any stage in life.

One of the biggest challenges in HR right now is keeping up with how quickly the workplace is changing. Employee expectations are higher than ever, especially when it comes to work-life balance, pay, and overall experience, which means organizations have to be more intentional about how they support and retain their people . At the same time, HR is navigating the growing use of technology and AI, which creates both opportunity and complexity in how we hire, manage, and support employees .

On the opportunity side, HR is becoming more strategic than ever. Instead of just handling administrative tasks, there’s a shift toward shaping company culture, improving employee experience, and playing a bigger role in business decisions. For me, that’s exciting because it creates space to make a real impact, not just on organizations, but on the people within them.

The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, perseverance, and compassion. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, and in treating people with fairness and respect regardless of their position or background.

Perseverance is also a core value for me. My career path has not been traditional, and many of my accomplishments came from continuing to move forward even when things felt uncertain or challenging. That mindset has shaped how I approach both my professional goals and my personal growth.

Above all, I value compassion. Whether it’s in the workplace or in everyday life, I try to remember that everyone is navigating their own challenges. Being able to support others, listen, and help people feel respected and understood is something I strive to bring into every part of my life.