Hi, I’m Yahaira Hernandez—founder of The People Studio.
I’m an HR strategist, operations nerd, proud Puerto Rican, and people-first leader with over 20 years of experience across higher ed, nonprofits, private industry, and the military. I’ve worked in systems big and small, and one thing has stayed true: when you invest in your people, everything else gets better.
I started The People Studio to help growing organizations build strong foundations, scale with clarity, and create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and set up for success.
My Story
I didn’t set out to work in HR—but I’ve always been drawn to systems, people, and solving problems that matter.
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My professional path started in higher education at Arizona State University, where I held progressive leadership roles and eventually oversaw HR and academic personnel for business school. From there, I moved into a senior HR role at Emory University, leading people strategy for a division of 900+ team members.
I’ve also led in the private sector, implementing high-impact people and culture initiatives, driving operational efficiencies, and building HR systems that actually work for the people using them.
But my story goes back further. Early in my career, I worked with Catholic Social Services in Atlanta, providing bilingual support for immigration legal services. That experience gave me a deep respect for the challenges immigrant families face—and shaped how I show up as a leader today: with empathy, purpose, and people always at the center.
I also served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, where I led a 40-soldier platoon, coordinated large-scale training exercises, and even served as Acting Commander. My military service taught me how to lead under pressure, communicate clearly, and build trust fast—all skills I still use every day.
Now, through The People Studio, I help founders, executives, and HR teams build intentional people operations that align with their mission and culture. Whether we’re designing a performance system, rolling out payroll, or navigating a reorg, I bring a steady hand, a strategic mindset, and a deep belief in people-first leadership.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom and active community volunteer. I love supporting the activities my kids are passionate about—whether that’s cheering at cross-country meets, helping out with FBLA, attending band performances, or staying involved with their school and arts programs. I’m also a big fan of baking, crafting, and diving into DIY projects whenever I get the chance. Creativity, care, and showing up for the people I love—that’s what matters most to me, on and off the clock.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.