Influential Woman · Consulting Leadership Development Organizational Transformation
Dr. Trina Peterson-Garcia
Founder | Principal Consultant, Growth Focus Consulting, LLC
Shorewood, IL
Her Story
About Dr. Trina
I have spent approximately 26 years in corporate HR, working across a range of industries and organizational environments. Before stepping into my current roles, I served as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner and Regional Talent Development Leader for a global architectural firm. Before that, I was a Regional Employee Relations Partner at Ulta Beauty, where I also supported talent acquisition for some time, and I also served as a senior HR leader at Amazon. My earlier experience includes work in training, learning, and development at Ashley Furniture, as well as public service roles with the Cook County Department of Corrections, DCFS, and another Non-profit.
These experiences have given me a broad and well-rounded perspective across service-oriented fields, while keeping my work consistently rooted in building strong cultures and effective leaders. Today, my core areas of expertise include culture transformation, inclusivity, organizational improvement, strategic relationship building, and helping organizations strengthen their structure and direction.
In my role as Director of Human Resources, my day-to-day work centers on thought partnership, people strategy, and organizational equity. I focus on understanding culture, creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed, and helping shape the strategy for where the organization is headed. Through my consulting firm, I serve as a thought partner and strategic advisor to executives and leaders, helping them advance key initiatives and plan their next steps with clarity and intention.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Trina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say grit is a big part of what drives me, along with my faith above all else. My family also plays a major role, especially my parents, my husband, and my child. My mother, in particular, has always shown me there is a way and consistently reminded me that anything is possible.
When I look at my son, Eli, I am reminded that I do not want him to face the same struggles I have faced. That fuels my desire to make the world better, to improve spaces, and to help create environments where others can thrive.
My success is also deeply connected to the incredible support system around me. My family relies on me in many ways, but they also see my growth and potential. They believe there is nothing in this world that I cannot accomplish. Even in moments when I feel defeated or question whether I can keep going, the way they encourage and push me is truly inspiring. I do what I do for my loved ones.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that no task is too large and no goal is too big to achieve. Still, the advice that has stayed with me most is: if you are not provided a seat, take your own. That message deeply resonates with me because it speaks to courage, initiative, and refusing to wait for permission to walk in your purpose.
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