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Heather Herrera
Heather Herrera
00:42

Heather Herrera

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM USA

"Assuming positive intent in life is the best thing you can do."

Career Roadmap

Heather's work combines: Business, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Faculty, School of Business, Hospitality & Technology

I teach business and HR, helping students build knowledge, prepare for their careers, and move toward their goals.

02:18

Day In The Life Of An HR Professional

My Day to Day

My days are spent teaching business and HR and getting to know my students. I lead classroom discussions and use tools like AI to create presentations, activities, and assignments that help students learn how to use it thoughtfully. I also help students build resumes, practice interviewing, and navigate job opportunities. Beyond the classroom, I connect students with resources, mentor them, and support them as they work toward their goals.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Business Management

    Undergraduate

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Right out of high school, I took a temporary payroll position, and the relationships I built there opened the door to another role and eventually a career in HR.

  • 2.

    Over about 25 years, I grew from entry-level HR roles to becoming a business partner, learning how to support employees, managers, and organizations through all kinds of situations.

  • 3.

    I created a nonprofit to help people with resumes, job skills, salary negotiations, and difficult workplace conversations, carrying forward my commitment to helping others.

  • 4.

    After years of building my career through experience, I earned my bachelor’s degree in business management in 2021.

  • 5.

    I eventually left HR to become a full-time business administration faculty member, which I’ve discovered is my dream job!

  • 6.

    Today, I’m teaching and mentoring community college students while pursuing my master’s degree, helping people see what they’re capable of and take the next step toward their goals.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I grew up facing housing and food insecurity, but teachers, coaches, and others believed in me and showed me how powerful it can be when someone helps you move forward.