✓ Strategic HR Consulting
✓ Leadership Trainings
✓ Policy + Compliance Audits
✓ Employee Handbook Creation
✓ Culture Assessments
I'm the founder of The ElevateHR Project and the creator of the Strengths-Driven Engagement & Belonging (SDEB) Model.
I bring a fresh, human-first approach to HR by combining the science of positive psychology with real-world compliance strategy.
With over 18 years in HR, payroll, and compliance, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. My keynotes are packed with real stories, practical tools, and mindset shifts that help leaders move beyond “checkbox culture” to build workplaces rooted in empathy, trust, and alignment.
I speak from both experience and the heart. After being laid off without compassion, I made it my mission to help organizations lead differently—where policies support people, not just processes.
I’m a working mom, lead SHRM volunteer at both the national and regional levels, former PASCOHR board member, and currently finishing my Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
If you're ready to elevate how your team works and how your people feel, let's talk.
Download Mara’s Speaker Kit to explore how she helps organizations move from policies to people-first cultures
Are Leading with More Purpose and People-First Impact
“Working with Mara and The ElevateHR Project was a game changer for my business. As a small electrical contractor, I knew I needed to get serious about policies—but what I didn’t realize was how much culture mattered too. Mara didn’t just build us a compliant, California-specific employee handbook—she helped me define expectations, reinforce accountability, and set the tone for how we treat each other and our clients.
She made the process simple, but more importantly, meaningful. The result is a stronger, more united crew—and I finally feel confident knowing I’ve got the structure and support to lead my team the right way.”
“When I took over PARS, I inherited a legacy business with great products—but no real compliance structure in place. California’s employment laws can be overwhelming, and I quickly realized I needed help navigating it all the right way. Mara and The ElevateHR Project stepped in and helped me rebuild our entire HR foundation from the ground up.
She didn’t just focus on compliance—she helped me prepare for growth by putting the right hiring processes, employee policies, and culture-building strategies in place. With Mara’s guidance, I now feel equipped to lead a business that’s not only compliant, but ready to thrive. I trust her and The ElevateHR Project completely.”