Her Story
About Yolunda
Yolunda Haynes, CPP, MBA, is a Global Payroll Director at Arclin USA and an accomplished payroll executive whose career spans more than 32 years. What began as a career in payroll has grown into a lifelong passion for building strong organizations, developing people, solving complex challenges, and creating meaningful change.
Throughout her career, Yolunda has built and transformed payroll organizations across hospitality, manufacturing, consulting, healthcare, and multinational environments. She has led global payroll operations, enterprise system implementations, shared services transformations, governance and compliance initiatives, and the development of high-performing teams. Most recently, at Davidson Hospitality Group, she built the company’s first centralized payroll organization supporting more than 13,000 associates across 80+ hotel properties, led its Workday Payroll transformation, and helped create a more scalable and efficient payroll operating model.
Yolunda holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Alcorn State University and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Northcentral University. She earned her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2007 and is also a Georgia Notary. While she is proud of her professional accomplishments, she considers the opportunity to develop, mentor, and encourage others to be among the most meaningful aspects of her career.
Her educational journey is also a powerful reflection of the perseverance that has defined her life. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Yolunda had always planned to continue her education and obtain an MBA. However, as life evolved and she focused on raising her children and building her career, that goal was placed on hold—but it was never forgotten. Twenty-five years after earning her bachelor’s degree, Yolunda returned to school and accomplished the goal she had set for herself decades earlier, earning her MBA in Human Resource Management.
Her journey ultimately became an inspiration to others. Northcentral University selected Yolunda as one of only 10 graduates to represent the university in a campaign featuring inspiring graduates and the personal journeys that led them to graduation day. Her story was featured in university commercials and advertisements across its social media platforms, providing Yolunda with an opportunity to share the perseverance, determination, and commitment it took to return to school and fulfill a dream 25 years in the making. The experience reinforced something Yolunda deeply believes: dreams do not have expiration dates, and a delayed goal does not have to become an abandoned one.
Her resilience and work ethic were shaped early by one of her greatest inspirations—her mother, whom Yolunda proudly calls her “shero.” Her mother raised three children while working multiple jobs, yet always found a way to be present for her family. Watching her persevere instilled in Yolunda a deep appreciation for hard work, determination, family, and the importance of never allowing circumstances to define what is possible.
That determination was recognized early in Yolunda’s life. During her senior year of high school, she was featured in Ebony magazine in an article titled “Ten Achievers: Although Disadvantaged, They Bet on Education and Beat the Odds.” The recognition celebrated young people who overcame challenging circumstances and looked to education as a pathway to a brighter future. Decades later, that early recognition remains an important part of Yolunda’s story and reflects a principle that has guided her throughout her life: where you begin does not have to determine how far you can go.
Today, Yolunda is passionate about encouraging women and emerging professionals to believe in themselves, recognize their value, and confidently pursue opportunities to lead—even when they find themselves as the only woman in the room. She believes leadership is not simply about a title; it is about how you treat people, the opportunities you create for others, and the impact you leave behind.
Loyalty, compassion, and leading with love are at the heart of who Yolunda is. She is also passionate about giving back to her community, particularly through causes that support survivors of domestic violence.
Outside of her professional life, Yolunda treasures time with her family and enjoys traveling internationally. With her children now grown, she embraces this chapter of life as an opportunity to experience more of the world, continue growing personally and professionally, and inspire other women to pursue success without losing sight of the people and values that matter most.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yolunda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother, who has always been my greatest inspiration and my “shero.” She became a mother of three at a very young age and worked two, sometimes three, jobs to provide for our family, yet she always found a way to be present for us. Watching her navigate life with incredible strength, resilience, sacrifice, and determination taught me one of life’s most valuable lessons: never give up.
Whenever I face challenges or moments of uncertainty, I think about my mother and all that she overcame at such a young age. Her example reminds me that I, too, have the strength to persevere and overcome whatever challenges come my way. The woman and leader I am today are deeply rooted in the lessons she taught me—not only through her words, but through the extraordinary example she lived every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: “Never give up.” Throughout my 32-and-a-half-year career in payroll, there have been moments when I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going—particularly as a woman navigating the challenges of corporate America and leadership. Yet those three words have continually reminded me to remain resilient, trust in my abilities, and keep moving forward, even when the path has been difficult. I’ve learned that challenges do not define your journey; how you choose to rise, persevere, and continue believing in yourself does.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to encourage yourself, stay motivated, and never underestimate your abilities. There may be times when you find yourself as the only woman in the room or navigating an environment where women remain underrepresented. While that can feel intimidating, always remember that you have earned your place, your voice matters, and you are capable of succeeding.
Lead with confidence, remain resilient, and never allow fear or self-doubt to diminish what you bring to the table. Most importantly, remember that another woman may be watching your journey and drawing inspiration from the way you navigate yours. Let your confidence, perseverance, and success help create a path for the women who will come after you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is continuing to advance women in leadership. While barriers still exist, women have demonstrated that we not only belong at the table, but that our voices, perspectives, and leadership make organizations stronger. We are here to stay, and we must continue creating space for ourselves and for the women who will follow.
That means advocating for equitable opportunities, supporting and uplifting one another, and having the courage to pursue leadership roles even when the path is not always easy. Progress happens when we continue pushing boundaries, opening doors, and ensuring that the next generation of women has even greater opportunities to lead, influence, and succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are loyalty, compassion, and leading with love. These values were instilled in me at an early age by my mother, who always reminded me that no matter where life takes you, lead with love. That lesson has remained a guiding principle throughout my life and career. Whether I am leading a team, mentoring others, or simply navigating everyday relationships, I strive to treat people with kindness, respect, compassion, and genuine care. I believe how we make people feel is just as important as what we accomplish, and I hope my leadership reflects that every day.
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