Community Highlights: Meet Jasmine Pablo of WORKHERO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Pablo.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
For a little backstory about me… My name is Jasmine Pablo, and I am WORKHERO’s Co-Founder and Chief People and Operations Officer of WORKHERO. I attended the University of Southern California as an undergraduate from 2003-2006 and again as a Graduate student from 2018-2020. During my time at USC, I went from being a student worker to a full-time employee, working for the university for over 16 years. During that time, I experienced both positive and negative work environments, giving me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing workplace culture, and this is where my passion for organizational improvement developed. I decided to study Human Resource Management, where I earned my M.S. in HRM in August 2020. 

Now for a little backstory about the WORKHERO trio – Trisha, January, and me. 

Trisha, WORKHERO Founder and CEO (friend and fellow USC Alum), called me in October 2019 to ask my husband, Krishnan Pablo, for business advice; he has owned Premier Educational Staffing for over 20 years. It was during this conversation that he realized her business focused on HR, and, ironically, I was in the middle of my HRM program, so it was perfect timing. After their conversation, he informed her of this, and we met for dinner a week later. 

When Trisha told me about WORKHERO and how it would benefit employees, I loved the idea! All I could think about was how employees like me need resources and outlets, and that was missing within my organization. The feeling of being passed over and underpaid because of my gender and race, and then not feeling like there was anyone I could turn to for help, I saw WORKHERO as the much-needed solution. But, for WORKHERO to be accessible to employees, I knew we would need buy-in from the leadership of the organizations. And that is where my background came into play. I focused more on organizational change to help develop a curriculum that would benefit both employees and the organization. I mean they are the ones who have to pay for our services (lol). It became evident to Trisha and me during that initial meeting that we shared a vision for meaningful change and would make formidable partners moving forward. 

In 2020, I remember talking to my best friend, January Swiderski, WORKHERO’s Chief Brand Officer (and fellow USC Trojan), while I was camping in Santa Clarita. Our discussion delved into the critical topic of DEIB, and I found myself engaged in one of the most enlightening exchanges I’ve had in a long time. It was at that moment that I knew January had to be part of our team. There was an immediate synergy, and WORKHERO suddenly felt complete. What truly sets our trio apart is that each of us brings something unique to the table, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Together, we truly embody the essence of a dream team. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a black woman-owned HR consulting company, we navigate a unique landscape in the industry and have faced challenges that stem from both gender and racial biases. And as a new company, we had to prove ourselves despite our credentials and expertise. In WORKHERO’s initial stages, we faced significant hurdles, particularly in our attempts to secure partnerships with industry giants, because of our relative newness in the market. We soon realized that establishing credibility and visibility were crucial. This led us to shift our strategy, focusing on platforms where we could showcase our capabilities and allow potential clients to discover us organically, ultimately overcoming the barrier of our startup status. 

Additionally, the opportunity to represent and pave the way for future generations of black women in the industry is an empowering responsibility. And this is why our journey is fueled by a deep sense of purpose—to create positive change and champion diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility in workplaces across the globe. We see each obstacle as an opportunity to showcase our resilience and innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to succeed in the field. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about WORKHERO, Inc.?
At WORKHERO, we specialize in bridging the gap between HR and employees by addressing three key workplace trenches: mental health, organizational redesign, and workplace violence. We firmly believe that regardless of position within an organization, everyone encounters workplace challenges that can become overwhelming. 

What sets us apart is our unique approach in identifying these workplace trenches by conducting assessments and determining a company’s trench(es). Using our Organizational Redesign program, we “renovate” companies by deploying customizable programs and strategies to effectively address these issues and equip both organizations and employees with the necessary tools to navigate change successfully while boosting productivity. 

At WORKHERO, we go beyond report delivery; we provide ongoing, innovative support because we understand that lasting change requires continuous effort. Our services include Professional Health and Wellness programs, DEIB action series, Workplace Violence Assessments, and Individual and Confidential Workplace Counseling, all designed to create tangible and sustainable improvements within organizations. 

We take pride in our dedication to organizational improvement, partnering with companies to develop strategies that enhance employee retention and contribute to overall company success. We’re passionate about making workplaces better, one step at a time. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born in South Central LA, went to schools in Inglewood and Corona, and went to college at USC. I love the city! On a good day, you’ll find me eating at La Valentina Mexican Grill on Manchester and Western and then having great drinks at The Lab Gastropub across the street from USC. My favorite rooftop restaurants are Perch, Takami, and The Highlight Room. I always enjoy watching concerts at the Hollywood Bowl with my husband and friends and then grabbing a late-night snack at the Rancho Bar. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.work-hero.com
• Instagram: jasmineworkhero; workhero_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminemencias/

Image Credits
Jasmine
Sheryl Sims