Coach Spotlight: Claudia Mendoza

Coach Spotlight

Jun 3

In this edition of HRuprise’s Coach Spotlight, we’ll meet Claudia Mendoza. Even after 20 years, Claudia is still very passionate about her career in Human Resources. She helps people at all levels in the field of HR and has worked in a variety of industries and sectors. While she has extensive experience with California HR, she has worked with employees in many states.

Why did you decide to become an independent HR coach on HRuprise?

I thought the concept of HRuprise aligned nicely with the view of my role in HR. There was a point in my career when I would have really benefited from “HR for HR,” as we have in HRuprise. I hope I can provide other employees, especially HR professionals, with the support I wish I’d had.

Tell us about one of the most meaningful moments in your career. What made it so special for you?

A previous employer did an annual employee survey, and in that survey I was named as the most trusted leader within our organization. It felt great to see that my efforts of creating safe spaces were received as authentic by the team.

What matters to you most in your relationship with HRuprise clients?

People sometimes end up in jobs that do not match their personal goals because career counseling has not been accessible for them. I love to help people align their careers with the things that matter most to them. It feels good to me to help my clients in such a meaningful way.

What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I didn't speak a single word of English until I started Kindergarten. My parents immigrated separately here from El Salvador in the early ‘70s, and they shared a desire to maintain our roots as a "traditional" Salvadoran family... even if in another country. Because of this, my sister and I were not allowed to speak English at home. They knew we would learn it in school, and wanted to ensure that we were perfectly fluent in Spanish as we would grow to be in English. The "traditional" thing didn't quite pan out the way they might have expected, but my sister and I are both completely fluent in Spanish, which is awesome. Good job, mom & dad.

Tell us about a book/movie/television show that changed how you thought about something.

Reading Oh, the Places You'll Go! as an adult was far more impactful than reading it as a kid. It truly does a great job describing the highs and lows of life.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for making a difference in people's lives, in the small ways that I can.

What is one thing you're currently working on in your own development?

I’m currently working on my meditation practice to learn how to show compassion in situations where that typically isn't my “go-to” reaction.

What's your favorite thing to do when you're not helping employees as an HRuprise coach?

Listen to music! Preferably live, when we’re not in a pandemic. I love indie and modern rock, and hip hop. My favorite artists include Radiohead and Depeche Mode, and I have a forever soft spot for Tupac.

Where can people find you?

@chicananerd and @ClaudiaInHR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.