Meet Jasmine Pablo

We were lucky to catch up with Jasmine Pablo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As a Black woman in HR, I’m proud to see that we now have a seat at the table – a space that wasn’t always open to us. I’m encouraged by the progress, as I’ve started seeing more people who look like me in professional spaces, creating a sense of community and representation that has long been missing. Yet, there are still moments when I find myself as the only one in the room who looks like me. In those instances, I take a strategic approach by first listening, which allows me to gauge who’s in the room and understand the variety of perspectives at play.

This active listening helps me navigate the dynamics of the conversation and find common ground, even in situations where our backgrounds differ significantly. My lived experiences and professional skills offer a unique viewpoint, one that adds depth and dimension to discussions. I’ve learned that what I have to offer is not just important but necessary in shaping outcomes that are equitable and inclusive.

Over time, I’ve found that relationships can be built on shared values and common goals, regardless of someone’s background. By focusing on what unites us, I foster collaboration and mutual respect, which not only enriches the work environment but also sets the stage for more voices like mine to be welcomed into these spaces. Being the only one in the room is not always easy, but it’s an opportunity to pave the way for future generations and to ensure that diversity of thought is at the forefront of every conversation.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the Co-Founder and Chief People and Operations Officer of WORKHERO, a Black woman-owned HR consulting company focused on creating better workplace experiences for both employees and organizations. Our mission is to bridge the gap between HR and employees by addressing key workplace challenges like mental health, organizational redesign, and workplace violence. What excites me most about WORKHERO is how we’re able to offer actionable solutions that truly make a difference in workplace culture. We don’t just provide reports and leave it at that—we offer ongoing support to ensure long-term, sustainable change.

What sets WORKHERO apart is our personalized approach. We conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific workplace “trenches” a company faces and create customized strategies to address them. From our Professional Health and Wellness programs to our DEIB Action Series and Workplace Violence Assessments, we offer a range of services aimed at improving employee well-being and productivity. We’re proud to help organizations build environments where employees feel supported, valued, and safe.

Currently, we’re expanding our DEIB initiatives and rolling out new Workplace Wellness programs designed to support mental health in a more holistic way. It’s an exciting time for WORKHERO as we continue to grow and partner with companies that are committed to fostering inclusivity and making meaningful changes in their workplace dynamics.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and empathy. First, resilience helped me navigate the challenges of launching a business as a Black woman in an industry where gender and racial biases can be significant hurdles. There were plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned, but staying persistent and learning from setbacks was key. For anyone early in their journey, I’d advise building resilience by embracing challenges as learning opportunities. It’s all about staying committed to your vision, even when the path gets tough.

Second, adaptability was essential as WORKHERO evolved. Initially, we faced difficulties in securing partnerships with larger companies, but we pivoted our approach to focus on platforms where we could naturally showcase our capabilities. Flexibility in both thinking and strategy is vital. For those just starting out, I recommend being open to change and ready to adjust your approach when necessary—because growth often happens in unexpected ways.

Lastly, empathy has been central to our mission at WORKHERO. Understanding the real struggles that employees face in the workplace shaped our services and solutions. For anyone starting their journey, I’d say to prioritize empathy in your work—whether you’re managing people, developing products, or providing services. Understanding your audience or team on a deeper level can set you apart and help you build meaningful, lasting relationships.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

At WORKHERO, collaboration is at the heart of how we drive change and create more inclusive and supportive workplace environments. We’re actively seeking partnerships with organizations and professionals who share our passion for improving employee well-being, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and addressing critical workplace issues like mental health, organizational redesign, and workplace violence.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with companies looking to enhance their workplace culture, HR leaders who are committed to innovative solutions, DEIB professionals who want to champion inclusivity, and mental health experts who can provide valuable insights into employee well-being. Additionally, we welcome partnerships with consultants, educators, and thought leaders in the HR and wellness space who want to join forces with us to tackle the challenges employees face and help build more resilient, productive, and equitable organizations.

By collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can expand our reach, share knowledge, and implement strategies that make a real difference in the workplace. Whether you’re an organization aiming to boost employee retention or an expert who wants to contribute to our DEIB action series or Professional Health and Wellness programs, we’d love to explore how we can work together to achieve our shared goals.

If you’re interested in partnering or collaborating with WORKHERO, you can connect with us through our website, LinkedIn, or email. We’re always excited to engage with people who are as passionate as we are about creating meaningful and lasting change in the workplace. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Sheryl Sims of Shurlgurl Productions