Zara Mubeen
For over 10 years, I have built my career in human resources across the Midwest region, growing from hands-on recruiter to strategic HR leader. I began as an HR Administrator with a technology and software staffing firm, where I managed full-cycle hiring and on-boarding across multiple client organizations. That early experience gave me a strong foundation in talent acquisition and workforce strategy within fast-paced, technical environments. As my career progressed, I stepped into a Human Resource Manager role, leading end-to-end HR operations. I oversaw onboarding, new hire orientations, candidate selection, exit interviews, and performance metrics, while managing a team of 10 recruiters supporting international outsourcing functions. I also led performance management initiatives, implemented 360-degree feedback processes, and ensured compliance and audit readiness. Today, I serve as an HR/Recruiting Professional with Source Owls, an AI-driven recruitment platform. In this role, I partner with organizations to implement HR policies, guide on-boarding and benefits strategy, audit personnel processes, and align HR operations with broader business objectives. My work bridges traditional HR leadership with modern, technology-enabled solutions. I hold a master’s degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, January 2019 and earned an Applied Data Science certificate from MIT Professional Education, October 2023, where I developed skills in leveraging AI, Python, and data analytics to drive smarter HR decision-making.
• Applied Data Science Certificate - Leveraging AI for Decision Making
• MIT Professional Education (October 2023)
• Master's Degree
• St. Mary's University of Minnesota (January 2019)
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
• I actively mentor young professionals and students pursuing careers in HR and technology, sharing insights on recruitment, career growth, and leveraging data-driven HR strategies.
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit much of my success to the mentors who have guided me throughout my life - my parents, who instilled strong values and a solid work ethic; teachers, who inspired curiosity and growth; and friends, who offered support and perspective. Their guidance, combined with my own curiosity and willingness to adapt, has helped me navigate each step of my career with confidence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always put people first and focus on building genuine relationships. These connections go much further than simply following processes. When you invest in understanding and supporting others, everything else falls into place.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In HR, the key to advancing is being people-centric & building meaningful connections opens the right doors and creates opportunities. Excel in every task and project, while still fostering strong relationships along the way. Make every first impression count, own your worth, lead with confidence, and never let anyone underestimate the value you bring!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In today’s HR landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how AI and automation are transforming the way we recruit, evaluate, and manage talent. These tools bring amazing opportunities for efficiency, but they also come with real ethical and regulatory challenges such as bias, transparency, and maintaining employee trust can’t be overlooked. From my experience, the organizations that succeed are the ones that balance technology with a people-first approach: reskilling teams, updating policies, and building strong connections so AI enhances the workforce instead of replacing it. Navigating these changes thoughtfully is what truly sets both employees and organizations up for long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, kindness, and ethical decision-making guide how I live and work. I believe in being people-centric, valuing employees as the true assets of an organization, and building trust and lasting relationships that strengthen both teams and business outcomes.
Locations
SourceOwls
Chicago, IL