Empowering Others: The Journey of Olivia Smith to Human Resources Leadership

A Tale of Overcoming Adversity and Championing Equity

Olivia Smith's journey from adversity to achievement serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing numerous hardships, Olivia's unwavering determination and passion for advocating for others have propelled her to new heights in the field of human resources.

Smith was a non-traditional student, returning to college to finish her associate degree at WKCTC. Smith said her life has been filled with hardships she imagines many of her fellow students have faced as well, resulting in setbacks to her academic career.

As she was taking classes at WKCTC and working three part-time jobs, she saw a listing for a position in her chosen field — human relations — with Kroger. After two interviews she was thrilled to be offered the job as a district HR specialist. “I am the first point of contact and face of HR for seven stores, spanning four states,” she said. “My role varies based on the time of year, but consists of assessing applications, scheduling, interviewing, and onboarding new hires, and compliance training.”

But Olivia's journey is not just about personal success—it's about empowering others. Inspired by her own experiences of marginalization, Olivia is dedicated to advocating for fairness and inclusivity in the workplace. Her involvement in both national and local SHRM chapters reflect her commitment to advancing HR practices that prioritize the well-being of employees.

As Olivia continues her educational journey with online courses at the University of Alaska Southeast, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of professional growth and development. Her story is a reminder that with resilience, determination, and a commitment to empowering others, anything is possible.