Her Story
About Susan
Susan Orihuela has spent over 20 years in HR after falling into the field without initial intention. She progressed from being a high school dropout who later earned her diploma to completing a college degree over a decade of night classes, all while building a career that took her from the daughter of Cuban immigrants to executive roles at Microsoft, JP Morgan, and Bank of New York Mellon, along with client work for organizations such as Waste Management, Bissell, and Starbucks. Recently, she stepped back from corporate executive positions to start her own business. Triple certified in AI, she applies this expertise within HR and emphasizes people-centered approaches with humanity at the core to achieve better results. She attributes her success to a cycle of opportunity meeting execution and gives back through mentoring with the Association of Latino Professionals for America.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
It's been execution meets opportunity. Someone sees something in me, gives me an opportunity, I execute and prove them right, and that creates new opportunities. It's been that rinse-repeat cycle from being the daughter of immigrants to becoming an executive.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just do it. Any opportunity, just do it. You're going to regret what you don't do. Make yourself uncomfortable and create opportunity.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
People-centered motivation with humanity in mind. Show people their strengths and talents to help others do well. Approaching business with humanity leads to better results, happier people, and more credibility.
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