Today we’d like to introduce you to Neyda Urias
Hi Neyda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up as a first-gen Latina, navigating a world where I had to figure a lot of things out on my own. My parents migrated to the US from El Salvador in the 1980’s escaping the civil war. My parents worked hard to provide for us, sometimes juggling 2-3 labor-intensive, low-wage jobs each. There was no handbook for how to climb the corporate ladder or build a career. So, I learned by doing.
I started my career knowing absolutely nothing about HR. I landed a job as a recruiting assistant, and little did I know, it would change my entire life. Watching my recruiting team help people find better jobs, secure higher pay, and set themselves on career paths ignited a passion in me. I fell in love with the impact we were making—not just filling roles but changing lives.
Over time, I dove into every aspect of HR, learning as much as I could. I worked my way up, getting promoted several times, and here I am now—a corporate leader with over six years of experience under my belt. I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, create impactful strategies, and help both employees and employers succeed.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were challenges, like being the only woman of color in the room, fighting for my seat at the table, and learning how to lead while staying true to myself. I used those experiences to pivot into HR and career coaching, where I could really make an impact.
I started my own business because I saw a gap—people weren’t getting the career advice they needed, and employers weren’t tapping into their teams’ full potential. I’ve made it my mission to help job seekers find success while helping employers build better workplaces. Whether it’s through career coaching, speaking engagements, or my workshops, I’m passionate about helping people thrive.
Now, I run my own brand, HR & Career Talks, where I offer everything from federal resumes to LinkedIn revamps. I’ve been featured on panels, podcasts, and even went viral on TikTok sharing real-world HR advice. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m here for it—and I’m just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been smooth by any means. Like most people, I’ve had my share of struggles along the way. Starting off in HR without any prior experience was definitely intimidating. I had to learn quickly and make sure I was proving myself every step of the way. Imposter syndrome? Yeah, I’ve felt it—especially as a first-gen Latina, I was often the only woman of color in the room, which added another layer of pressure.
Another big challenge was figuring out how to navigate corporate politics while staying true to myself. There were moments where I questioned if I was “too much” or “not enough.” But those struggles helped me grow thicker skin and taught me how to advocate for myself and others.
Starting my own business was a whole new set of challenges—juggling everything from clients to content creation, and learning how to be an entrepreneur on top of being an HR expert. But through all of it, the tough times have made me more resilient and even more passionate about what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of HR and Career Talks. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business, HR and Career Talks, is all about helping people and companies thrive in the workplace. I specialize in career coaching for job seekers, professional development coaching for employees, and HR training for employers. Whether it’s helping someone land their dream job with a resume revamp or guiding employers to create compliant and inclusive workplaces, I’m here to make sure people and businesses succeed.
What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to everything I do. I’m not just another career coach or HR speaker—I’ve been where my clients are. I started from scratch, worked my way up, and now I use my experience to help others navigate their own career journeys. I take pride in making sure my clients not only meet their goals but exceed them, and I’m with them every step of the way.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. From going viral on TikTok for sharing real HR moments to launching my blog and YouTube channel, I’ve been able to reach people who truly benefit from my advice. I want readers to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting services—they’re getting a partner who’s invested in their growth. Whether you’re an employee looking to elevate your career or a company trying to develop your team, I’ve got you covered with real-world, actionable advice.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, I want to thank God. He’s the one who has made everything fall into place perfectly and has guided me through this entire journey. Without His blessings, none of this would have been possible.
Beyond that, there are so many people who have supported me along the way. Olivia Hunter, my first HR manager, was the one God used to open the door for me in this field. I’ll always be grateful for her giving me that chance.
My Career Services team—Adenia Bradley, Jewels Wilson, and Sandra Zuniga—were like my big sisters. They taught me everything I know, supported me through every challenge, and continue to have my back today. Whether they’ve hired me for business opportunities or referred my services to clients, they’ve played a huge role in my growth.
On the home front, my husband Carlos has always made sure everything was taken care of so I could focus on my career. He’s been there through the late nights, the moments of doubt, and has been my constant voice of reason. My boys, Marvin and Elijah, fuel my drive every single day. They push me to be better and to give them a better life as part of the second generation.
My best friend Damien has always been there for me, whether it’s listening to me vent or giving me that push when I need it. And Candice Manning-Taylor has been instrumental in supporting my business ventures. She shares my vision and has been a true blessing.
I could go on and on because there are so many people who’ve supported me along the way. Even if I didn’t mention you by name, know that I appreciate your support more than words can express.
Pricing:
- $150 – Resume Revamp
- $150 – LinkedIn Revamp
- $500+ Brand Partnerships
- $750+ Speaking Engagements
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hrandcareertalks.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hrandcareertalks
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hrandcareertalks
Image Credits
Kea Dupree Photography