Juan is originally from Nebraska and grew up in Bayard, NE, a small farming community in Western Nebraska. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MBA-emphasis in HR from Ottawa University. I was the first one in my extended family to obtain a college degree which I take great pride in.

Before my career in Human Resources, I worked in higher education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 2000, I moved to Phoenix, AZ, and started my Human Resources career. My experience spans 20 years of HR knowledge in public and private companies in insurance, healthcare, transportation, financial services, and retail in multi-state and multi-sight locations.

One of my passions is education which provided me the foundation for my success. For the past 22 years, I have served on the Board of Directors for Jobs For Arizona’s Graduates. A non-profit program that helps young people stay in school and to acquire the academic, personal, leadership, and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation.

As you might know already, I am a big Nebraska Cornhusker Fan (Go Big Red!!!). I enjoy the outdoors, sports, reading, movies, and music. My fun hobbies include collecting Pez Dispensers and Life Magazines!

I am in Human Resources to help people and make their lives better. But, yes, there are so many negative aspects of this job. I don’t understand HR employees who say they like working with people but treat employees with a lack of respect. We all work with people, and we need to bring back the “Human” in Human Resources.

In my opinion, HR has moved away from the “Human” aspect. Instead, HR can over-complicate, obfuscate, and systematize everything wonderful about working with human beings. All these negative aspects fail in comparison to the special moments that most people do not witness or hear about the positive stories.

Being in HR is not meant to be heroes who save the day. Instead, we should inspire, empower, create, drive, lead, understand, communicate with employees who are the true heroes and are the most critical assets of any organization.

I will continue with my mission by positively impacting someone’s life by providing them direction or words of encouragement and support when they need it the most. Also, provide mentorship to employees and watch their careers blossom and develop into leaders. But most importantly be honest, truthful, and unfiltered when needed.