Ximena (Mimi) Jara

I attribute my success to my mother—the strongest woman I know. She is the warrior who carried our family through every storm, the constant source of love, faith, and courage that held us together when life felt overwhelming.

Her sacrifices gave me opportunities she never had. Her resilience taught me how to rise after every setback. Her unconditional support made me believe in myself long before I ever found my voice.

Everything I am today—the leader, the mother, the woman who shows up for others with compassion and strength—is a reflection of her example. My success is not mine alone. It is the legacy of her strength, her prayers, her guidance, and her endless love.

She is the reason I never gave up.

She is the reason I lead with heart.

She is the reason I am who I am.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my brother, an entrepreneur who has always inspired me. He taught me to believe in myself, to never give up, and to trust that I can become anything I aspire to be. He reminded me to follow my dreams with confidence and intention, and to work smarter—not harder—by focusing on the strategies and opportunities that create real impact.

His advice has guided me throughout my career, helping me take bold steps, push through challenges, and lead with purpose.

My advice to young women entering the HR field is simple: trust the power of your story. I came to this country as a young Latina immigrant, unsure of my place, yet those early challenges became the strengths that shaped my entire leadership journey.

Lead with empathy.

Speak up even when your voice shakes.

And don’t ever hide the parts of you that make you different—your culture, your resilience, your lived experiences. Those are your leadership superpowers.

Stay curious, stay grounded, and give yourself grace. You don’t need to be perfect to make an impact; you just need to show up with heart and purpose.

Remember: you belong in every room you step into, and your courage will open doors not just for you, but for every woman who follows.

One of the biggest challenges in HR today is supporting a workforce that is more diverse, more dispersed, and more vocal about its needs than ever before. But within that challenge lies tremendous opportunity.

We have the chance to build consistent, people-centered practices across multiple locations, strengthen leadership at every level, and create workplaces where employees feel respected and valued. As expectations around culture, communication, and wellbeing continue to rise, HR has the opportunity to become a true strategic partner—one that not only manages compliance and hiring, but also shapes the heart of an organization.

The future of HR is about more than policies; it’s about creating environments where people can thrive. And that is the greatest opportunity of all.

The values that guide me both personally and professionally begin with family, which is the foundation of who I am and the source of my strength. I deeply value spending quality time with her two boys, creating memories that keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters.

Community envolvement is also central to my life—I believe in lifting others, staying connected, and giving back in meaningful ways. My faith anchors me, helping me navigate challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Outside of work, I prioritize activities that bring balance and joy. I enjoy watching movies, taking long walks in nature, and going on rides—simple moments that allow me to recharge and stay present for my family, my community, and my work.