Miriam Aponte
Summary
Experienced Human Resources Professional with extensive expertise in employee engagement, policy development, HR operations, strategic partner, training & development, and benefits administration. Proven track record of improving efficiency, ensuring compliance through innovative strategies, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture. Recognized as a trusted advisor who combines technical expertise with critical thinking to elevate the employee's experience and support organizational success. Driven and decisive professional offering several years of experience managing human resources teams to deliver compliance, personnel communication and workforce programs. Flexible and focused with expertise in recruitment and retention, mediation, staff training and development and complex problem resolution. Develops and implements hr strategies and initiatives aligned with business strategy.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Human Resources Director
National Domestic Workers Alliance
09.2021 - 02.2025
- Led HR operations for a mid-sized social justice organization, managing remote workforce across 26 states, overseeing benefits, compensation, performance management, leave management, employee relations, and training.
- Successfully represented management during the union negotiations with Communications Workers of America (CWA) and implemented new labor practices, procedures, and supervisor training to support the agreements.
- Conducted first step investigations and maintained collaborative union relationships.
- Led organization-wide HR process improvements, optimizing HRIS functionality, compliance audits, and implemented new vendors for Workers' Compensation, COBRA, and for financial advisory services.
- Collaborated closely with department supervisors to provide coaching and guidance on employee relations, performance reviews, PIPs, and interview best practices, while consistently promoting equitable and inclusive approaches.
- Assisted employees with all inquiries pertaining to policies, leaves, and benefits.
- Managed comprehensive employee benefits programs for over 170 employees, which included medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, COBRA, life insurance, disability, Commuter, and ACA1095-C reporting.
- Managed annual open enrollment.
- Managed vendor relationships, ensured seamless benefits administration, and managed all unemployment matters.
- Partnered with finance and payroll departments to ensure accurate biweekly and semi-monthly payrolls coordination, including all employees' HRIS changes, JustWorks PEO transition for over 300 employees, collaborated with interdepartmental projects, and contributed to annual HR strategic planning and monitored quarterly goal achievements.
- Worked closely with the legal department to ensure accurate employment contracts, employment law, monitor compliance and risk, and employee relations matters.
- Designed and implemented effective standard operating procedures for onboarding/offboarding, New Hire Orientation, created/revised HR forms, updated 90-day introductory reviews, Annual Performance Reviews, streamlined Exit Interviews, compensation levels, and Leave of Absence processes.
- Led the transition project from a fully insured to a self-insured medical plan, provided employee training, and managed relationships with third-party administrators and benefit brokers.
- Managed the Annual Performance Review (APR) process for three consecutive years, partnered with senior leadership to revise core competencies, update organizational goals, streamline timelines, and facilitate training to enhance participation and clarity.
- Managed employee leave programs including FMLA, ADA, STD, WC, Paid Family Leave, and sabbatical programs.
- Coordinated return-to-work plans and advised supervisors on accommodation and compliance.
Sr. Human Resources Manager
Harris Hands Community Services
10.2019 - 02.2021
- Served as the HR leader for a small community-based organization, strengthening recruitment, performance management, and compliance efforts while spearheading virtual training initiatives.
- Enhanced HR operation procedures by improving employee communication, streamlined workflows, updated policies, HR forms, resulting in increased efficiency by 10%, and improved regulatory requirements.
- Managed comprehensive benefits administration, including LOAs, FFCRA, FMLA, PFL, STD, and wellness initiatives, ensured equitable support and timely processing for over 100 employees.
- Led Talent and Retention Management initiatives and increased non-exempt staffing by 20% in five months by leveraging social media recruitment, strengthening college partnerships, and refining screening tools.
- Implemented virtual hiring and onboarding during COVID-19, reducing costs and training time while maintaining content quality.
- Successfully led ADP Workforce Now HRIS conversion, integrated time and labor management, launched the self-service portal to improve accessibility, and improved the end-user experience.
- Delivered training to 85 employees via Webex, including sexual harassment, performance reviews, and complied with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
- Conducted biweekly New Hire Orientation.
- Managed and conducted employee investigations, performance improvement plans (PIPs), disciplinary actions, and coached supervisors.
Human Resources Total Reward Manager
Optanix
01.2016 - 09.2018
- Company Overview: A fast-paced, mid-sized technology company.
- Delivered comprehensive HR shared services across onsite and remote teams.
- Partnered closely with the VP of HR to align annual HR initiatives with business objectives, including performance management, compliance audits, and updated policies and procedures.
- Improved HRIS data to monitor retention trends and implement targeted solutions that improved employee engagement and manager effectiveness.
- Oversaw end-to-end benefits administration and coached managers on best practices to drive compliance, operational consistency, and team performance.
- Managed comprehensive benefits programs and budget for over 300 employees, including health, dental, vision, HRA, ACA reporting, COBRA, disability, life insurance, 401(k), annual wellness plans, FSAs, commuter accounts, and various leave programs (PFL, FMLA, STD, LTD, PFL).
- Led annual open enrollment and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed all claims for leaves, including WC.
- Led the successful conversion to ADP Workforce Now for over 350 employees, integrating time and labor management systems and launching a self-service portal that improved access and overall user experience.
- Executed ADP HRIS entries, updated system tables, optimized the self-service portal, and reviewed biweekly payroll transactions.
- Maintained organizational charts, dashboards, and ad hoc reports to support leadership decisions.
- Designed and managed Total Rewards programs, incorporated wellness initiatives, health and welfare plans, retirement benefits, base pay structures, incentives, and additional employee rewards to drive engagement and retention.
- Led both in-person and virtual onboarding sessions, conducted monthly new hire orientations for approximately 36-40 annual new hires, facilitated exit interviews, and streamlined offboarding processes.
- Supervised HR interns and temporary office staff, providing guidance and mentorship to support professional growth and operational efficiency.
- Partnered with department leaders to implement annual performance reviews, manage performance improvement plans (PIPs), and coach managers on effective feedback delivery and performance discussions.
- A fast-paced, mid-sized technology company.
Temporary Assistant Director of Human Resources
Acacia Network
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Company Overview: A large Latino community-based nonprofit.
- Provided temporary HR leadership for a large Latino community-based nonprofit, focused on maintaining HR operations, and supervised HR staff.
- Managed and completed Annual Open Benefits Enrollment for over 1200 employees.
- Assisted Sr. leaders with annual HR objectives to ensure organizational alignment.
- Participated in CBA contract renewals for both SEIU 1199 and SEIU 32BJ.
- A large Latino community-based nonprofit.
Director of Human Resources
Comprehensive Center Companies / MSO
03.2014 - 06.2015
- Oversaw all HR functions for a privately owned company, providing strategic support across multiple departments, including Pre-K education, rehabilitation clinics, and home services for children with special needs.
- Ensured HR operations alignment with the company's goals while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Supervised two HR staff and managed compliance at three sites, and managed the HR annual budget.
- Led Talent and Retention Management initiatives, oversaw the Annual Performance Reviews, 90-day evaluations, and exit interviews, and resolved employee relations matters.
- Managed benefit programs which included medical, dental, vision, EAP, Wellness, Retirement plan, and Commuter plan for 250 employees.
- Conducted monthly new hire orientation and employee surveys.
Director of Human Resources
HR Dynamics / Village Care
01.2012 - 06.2013
- Company Overview: A fast-paced nonprofit organization supporting seniors and individuals with chronic care needs.
- Led HR services for a fast-paced nonprofit organization supporting seniors and individuals with chronic care needs across twelve community programs and two nursing homes, ensuring strategic HR alignment with service delivery.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies that directly aligned with organizational goals, enhancing operational efficiency and improving service delivery outcomes across multiple departments for 800 employees.
- Supervised four HR staff, coached supervisors, managed compliance, conducted employee surveys, and shared critical outcomes with staff.
- Managed the HR annual budget.
- Effectively managed labor relations, including resolving grievances, and actively participated in monthly Labor Management Committee meetings.
- A fast-paced nonprofit organization supporting seniors and individuals with chronic care needs.
Education
GenAI in Impact and Possibilities -
University of South Florida
08.2025
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -
University of South Florida
01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts and Science
City College of New York
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Science
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Skills
- HRIS and Time & Attendance Systems
- ADP Workforce Now
- ADP Self-Service & ATS
- PeopleSoft
- ProLiant
- Kronos
- NovaTime
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Slack
- Zoom
- Jira
- Google Suite
- Webex
- Teams
- Traliant
- E-Verify
- Sterling Testing
- Data Analysis
- Communication
- Team player
- Benefits administration
- Employee relations
- Employee engagement
- Recruitment strategies
- Training programs
- Human resources administration
- HR policy development
- Regulatory compliance
- Employee training
- Organizational development
- Compliance management
- Performance evaluation
Affiliations
- The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM National Chapter)
- National Association of Professional Women
- HR Advisory Member
Languages
Bilingual Spanish
Skills And Technical Proficiencies
ADP Workforce Now, ADP Self-Service & ATS, PeopleSoft, ProLiant, Kronos, NovaTime, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, Slack, Zoom, Jira, Google Suite, Webex, Teams, Traliant (Learning Management System), E-Verify, Sterling Testing, Data Analysis, communication (written and verbal), Team player
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Deputy Human Resources Director
National Domestic Workers Alliance
09.2021 - 02.2025
Sr. Human Resources Manager
Harris Hands Community Services
10.2019 - 02.2021
Human Resources Total Reward Manager
Optanix
01.2016 - 09.2018
Temporary Assistant Director of Human Resources
Acacia Network
10.2015 - 12.2015
Director of Human Resources
Comprehensive Center Companies / MSO
03.2014 - 06.2015
Director of Human Resources
HR Dynamics / Village Care
01.2012 - 06.2013
GenAI in Impact and Possibilities -
University of South Florida
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts and Science
City College of New York
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Science
Borough of Manhattan Community College
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