Open To Work
Ara Camara
Auburn
Work Preference
Summary
Senior Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience enhancing employee engagement and ensuring regulatory compliance. Developed strategic HR policies, managed performance evaluations, and administered benefit programs. Led initiatives promoting fair employment practices, improving employee relations and fostering a positive culture. Aligns HR strategies with business objectives to drive organizational success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
People Operations & Labor Relations Manager - Human Resources (HR)
Sound
10.2025 - 02.2026
- Assist in mediating and resolving disputes, and other conflicts. Represent the organization at unemployment hearings as needed.
- Manage and resolve complex represented and non-represented team member relations issues
- Act as subject matter expert on application, interpretation of intent, and terms of collective bargaining agreement provisions.
Assistant Human Resources Director
Dick’s drive-ins
05.2024 - 07.2025
- Designed and implemented full-cycle strategies for human resources policies, processes, systems, goals, and objectives.
- Proactively managed risk, ensured compliance with company guidelines and all relevant federal, state, and local laws regarding Human Resources and Employment/Labor; conducted thorough investigations.
- Led, mentored, and developed the Human Resources team.
- Identified leadership development risks with managers, enhancing communication, employee relations, and policy interpretation.
- Provided day-to-day performance management guidance for leadership within the restaurants and support teams.
- Designed and implemented employee engagement programs across all stages of employee life cycle, improving recruitment efforts and fostering community partnerships.
- Managed delivery of engagement surveys and crew reviews, recommending strategic actions based on timely and accurate reporting at store and company levels.
- Revised the Employee Handbook for field and support staff, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and company policies.
- Maintained compliance with governmental reporting and managed records and reports, including EEOC and OSHA documentation, ensuring availability of government notices.
Human Resources Manager
Charter Construction
10.2022 - 05.2024
- Worked effectively with third-party vendors, including health benefits, 401k providers, and background check services as needed.
- Created and extended offer letters, conducted background screenings, and coordinated new hire start dates while communicating with supervisors.
- Administered employee benefits, including new enrollments and terminations, addressing queries from employees and dependents, and managing open enrollment and FMLA processes; efficiently managed all Short-Term and Long-Term Disability claims.
- Streamlined HR processes by leveraging technical tools for optimal efficiency and accuracy.
Senior Human Resources Generalist
Bloodwork’s
11.2019 - 12.2023
- Collaborated closely with the Human Resources Business Partner to align with Bloodwork’s NW strategic goals.
- Participated in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures promoting fair employment practices and compliance with regulations.
- Ensured the accomplishment of Bloodwork’s goals and maintained regulatory compliance.
- Established robust professional relationships with managers, supervisors, and executives across all supported departments.
Administrator
YMCA Of Greater Seattle
10.2018 - 11.2019
- Administered and oversaw all administrative tasks related to branch operations. Controlled the hiring and screening processes for all branch positions efficiently.
- Spearheaded efforts for board development, recruitment, and retention, strengthening governance outcomes.
- Produced a streamlined process for screening and onboarding volunteers and new hires effectively. Organized and coordinated meetings, training sessions, and interviews for branch functions.
Fiscal Tech/Human Resources Consultant
Washington State Department of Transportation
01.2017 - 06.2018
- Payroll
- Compiled/distributed time sensitive documents to leadership
- Liaison between the union and the state
- Communicated with internal employees regarding claims investigations, public disclosure request and personal record request.
Program Human Resources Manager
RESCARE
07.2012 - 10.2017
- Collaborated with HR Managers on payroll administration, processing and reviewing timecards for over 3,000 employees to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Provided guidance and support to the HR team on employment, recruiting, staffing, compliance, and analytics concerns.
- Spearheaded HR team project management initiatives, enhancing team coordination and accountability.
- Implemented new system for recording employee data across five branches nationwide, streamlining data management and accessibility.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management
Ashford University
Clinton, MD Associate of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Seattle Vocational Institute
Seattle, WASkills
- Employee relations
- Dispute resolution
- Grievance handling
- Recruitment and selection
- Performance management
- Benefits administration
- Compliance management
- Policy development
- Performance strategies
- HR management
- Labor law compliance
- Ethics and compliance
- Diversity inclusion
- Succession planning
- Leadership development
- Coaching
- Employee engagement
- Data analysis
- Business acumen
- Effective communication
- Written communication
- Conflict management
- Negotiation techniques
- Goal setting
- Task prioritization
- Organizational skills
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Interpersonal skills
- Active listening
- Multitasking Abilities
- HR software proficiency
- Strategic strategy
- Collaboration
- Staff development
- Multitasking Abilities
Timeline
People Operations & Labor Relations Manager - Human Resources (HR)
Sound
10.2025 - 02.2026
Assistant Human Resources Director
Dick’s drive-ins
05.2024 - 07.2025
Human Resources Manager
Charter Construction
10.2022 - 05.2024
Senior Human Resources Generalist
Bloodwork’s
11.2019 - 12.2023
Administrator
YMCA Of Greater Seattle
10.2018 - 11.2019
Fiscal Tech/Human Resources Consultant
Washington State Department of Transportation
01.2017 - 06.2018
Program Human Resources Manager
RESCARE
07.2012 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management
Ashford University
Associate of Arts - Accounting And Finance
Seattle Vocational Institute