Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Mendoza.
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?
I think I was always going to be someone whose language was acts of service and balancing career with community service. A lot of times I knew I wanted to go into a corporate role, but wanted to also keep the volunteering roots I was raised with. My parents instilled the idea that being successful is important, but being humble and generous is crucial
Right now, I am an Executive Director for a wonderful group – Rusnak Auto Group. I got my Juris Doctorate and that really helped me garner the confidence, skills, and aptitude for the job I wanted in Human Resources and compliance adjacent components.
However, I think it is equally important to give back to the community you live in because if not, you’re not helping shape it. I now serve on five Boards in the local San Gabriel Valley community and I love it.
A lot of people think once you work in the corporate world, your heart hardens. I disagree. It encouraged me to network beyond my career by investing in the community I work in. Your time is valuable and how you spend it is what you are going to look back on and take inventory of. A successful career was something we were raised we needed to build a foundation and legacy, But service is how we enhance that. I believe the best executives are well-rounded community advocates.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No! I wish it was! I went to law school part-time so I could work full-time, but I did it two years removed from graduating from college. During that time, I had my first big Management position at a video game company and was so excited that I felt I was finally getting where I wanted to be.
Fast forward, our company went under and we all were laid off. So picture you’re the HR Manager and you lay off everyone and you yourself are also laid off. I had tuition, I had bills and was really worried I would have to give up on law school, but I knew myself better than that. I would always find a way.
At that time, I started a tutoring business and worked part-time until I could find full-time employment again. It was hard because you’re working multiple jobs and people are telling you to focus on school. I was! But it was a strange, hard balance. I was studying at night on weekends and every time I could because I knew that was my ticket to what I really wanted. Looking back, I don’t know how I had the energy, but when you need something you just find ways to get it done.
It’s hard when you are trying to build your career and you feel like you see people catching up or surpassing you. That was hard. But there is not a timeline and no one is keeping score except you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I am the Executive Director of Human Resources and Payroll. This covers everything from Safety, Compliance to Recruitment and Cybersecurity. I wear many hats!
I have also focused my specialty in Employee Relations because it forces you to solve complex human issues that arise. At the end of the day, all of us are imperfect so a workplace is a collection of flaws that sometimes come to a head and we need to fix. I am a fact-finder so I enjoy digging deep. I have a certification in internal investigations so I actually enjoy working on investigations to help my employers.
I am really most proud of the fact I have been able to learn to lead with my weakness which was not always easy for me. Early on in my career, I was afraid of not having the answer right when someone asked me. You need to break out of that. If you do not know the answer, lead with questions and look for the answer. People respect you more when you tell them you will get back to them to confirm as opposed to just trying to give them an answer.
We have also built a DEIB program at work as well as a comprehensive training program that was not present before. Automotive is such a unique industry and deserves a unique approach.
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt when it comes to my communications. When people come to you, you cannot communicate the same with all people. Working in different industries has enabled me to learn how to be disarming and make it comfortable for people to approach me. I think what also sets me apart is the way I connect my corporate life with my community life. I use the skills I train in at work to become a better advocate and Board member. It gave me the confidence years ago to also consult on the side.
Lastly, I love that I make sure I help other women get what I have. I didn’t get on all these Boards by myself! Someone led me there or an organization did. If I get on a Board and I know someone who would be great, I recommend them. My life is my journey, but my journey is more rewarding when I lift others up. My work and mentors, including those at RUSNAK helped shape me. There is always a voice and a place to grow if you put in the work. I like working with people in the community to realize their own potential. Women like me are breaking down barriers every day, but we need help. My work and circle help me do that.
I think working in the corporate world opens your eyes to what it takes to be a responsible corporate citizen in your community. RUSNAK is very supportive of that.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love any HR nerd-type books and blogs. Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson is amazing.
