Esmeralda “Yaya” Rendón, EdD, SPHR. earned her B.A. in English Literature and Chicano Studies from UC Santa Barbara before commissioning in the U.S. Army, where she served nine years as a human resources officer.
Upon leaving the service, she began her civilian career with the Department of Homeland Security. She earned her Master’s in Human Resources and Employment Relations from The Pennsylvania State University during that time. Yaya became H&B’s HR Manager in 2015 and was soon after certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.
In 2026, Yaya earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Her dissertation research examined the impact of emotional labor on HR professionals' wellness, work she views as both a professional and personal calling.
Outside of the workplace, Yaya enjoys being with her family and attending her daughters' activities.
