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Laura Hernandez
Pittsfield, MA
Human Resources, Manager
(e-Business/Environmental Health & Safety)


The most amazing day Laura Hernandez ever had was her first Human Resources Leadership Program seminar. More than a hundred people attended, from all parts of the company, from all over the world. But it wasn't the classes that made it exciting.

"I learned a lot from the seminars," she says. "But I learned more from the people."

According to Laura, it's this mix of very different people, from very different backgrounds, that gives GE Plastics a very global mindset and makes it an interesting place to work. "I like that I work with very talented people. I like the challenges, the fast pace. There's always something new, even if you're doing something you did before."

The freshness has kept Laura with GEP for almost six years. Beginning as a Human Resources Specialist, she joined the Human Resources Leadership Program (HRLP) where she functioned as a HR Representative for two of the Commercial Regions working out of California. Then, after a stint with the High Performance Polymer (HPP) business in Indiana, she got the chance to do a cross-functional assignment working with Global Sourcing in Pittsfield, which led to her current role with e-Commerce.

Laura believes the control she's had in her career path is unique to GEP. "I knew what kind of work I wanted to do and that's what I'm doing now." But if she's sure about the road she traveled, she's not quite as sure about the road ahead. "I want to have the opportunity to work in different industries and in different locations," she says. "But that's the great thing about GE: if you are good at what you do you can accomplish all your career goals."

Part of the encouragement that she gets is from the Hispanic Forum, one of many employee-focused support and networking groups that bring people together throughout GEP. "As a Hispanic employee," says Laura, "it gives me opportunities for professional development and career growth. But it also brings awareness to the industry at large by engaging senior leadership."

Laura also credits the HF for introducing her to people that she wouldn't have otherwise met, like new mentors and other GE Leaders. Naturally, one of the goals for the HF is to encourage more Hispanics to take on leadership roles. Not just a benefit for the employee, it will help GEP maintain a diversity of ideas and stay successful in a global market.

But all the advice and support that Laura's received isn't being hoarded. "I'm mentoring a junior at Pittsfield High School. She is trying to decide what she wants to study, so we talk a lot about careers."

What could be more perfect for an HR Manager?

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