Her Story
About TraLena
TraLena West is an HR and compensation professional with a strong background in compensation analysis, benefits administration, HR compliance, talent acquisition, and employee relations. She currently works as an HR Analyst - Compensation and Benefits at Arlington ISD, where she analyzes compensation for 70+ positions, supports compensation planning for 8,000+ employees, manages job-description governance, and contributes to employee wellness initiatives. Previously, at Toyota North America, she worked in compliance and talent acquisition, handling I-9 audits, immigration compliance, compensation analysis, recruitment processes, and HR data. Earlier roles at Enterprise and AAFES gave her direct customer service, customer support, training, and operations experience, while her Lease Account Manager role at GM Financial added collections, account management, negotiation, and customer relationship experience. Her education includes a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman's University and a Human Resource Professional certificate from Auburn University.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with TraLena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm definitely a follower of Christ, and so I definitely believe, like, He's my driving force. Anything that I put my mind to, and I meditate on it, and I pray on it, I just moving action. It's like it just flows through me, like it's a superpower. That's my driving force. And knowing that I love myself so much that I can't afford to lose. Like, I always have to bet on myself, because if I don't believe in myself. And nobody's gonna believe in me. And then I have people, my children. And other people that look up to me, so just setting an example is very important to me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's never too late. I didn't start my career until I was [AGE]. I was a military spouse. So I followed my husband and his career, and then, when he retired, I was able to start my career. what you go to school for is probably not what you're gonna end up doing. justice, and I, I landed up in human resources, that I put my mind to it, and I said, I want to get into human resources, that's what I like to do. And I just went for it, I was determined. You have to have determination and drive. Keep going. And you're lame. Where you're meant to be.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.