Mariah Miller has created the life she wants to live.
She left home at age 18 to attend college with about $50 in her bank account. To cover costs of tuition and housing, she worked part-time and full-time jobs while also taking classes.
"It wasn't an easy time, but the jobs helped jump-start my career and save some money. Eventually, I was able to buy and sell a couple of houses to finance my passion for travel. If you want something in life, you have to make it happen," said Miller, who graduated from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor's degree in human resources management.
Miller's first position in the industry was as an HR coordinator at a plastics manufacturing company: "I had an immediate connection to the fast-paced manufacturing environment and was instantly hooked on plastics."
She has more than 10 years of HR experience with a skill set in "developing business strategies and leadership development."
"I had the opportunity to partner with leaders to help them reach single-digit turnover percentages and develop and find talent in challenging labor markets conditions," she said.
As the regional human resources leader for Charter Next Generation's Wisconsin location, Miller partners with other HRBPs to "develop business strategies that boost productivity, growth, retention and engagement, and enhance the employee experience."
Miller said her greatest professional achievement has been "helping high-potential team members be promoted into positions of increasing responsibility and achieve new career milestones."
"It's what I love most about my job at CNG," she added.
One of the first managers Miller had after graduating from college was a "favorite" career mentor.
"She believed in my potential and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a career in HR. Since then, every leader I've reported to has contributed to my development in some way," she said.
"Always be curious" is the best advice Miller has received.
"Every person you meet has something to offer. The best leaders are able to identify an individual's strengths/best qualities and match them to the right role or set of responsibilities," she said. "Sometimes, this means thinking outside of the 'normal' career path."
Miller said her friends and family joke that she is a "passionate person who's not afraid to speak up."
"I want to channel that energy in my professional life to make a positive difference for CNG and its people," Miller added.