Areli Medina
Cicero
Summary
Human resources professional with solid foundation in employee relations and talent management. Known for effective communication and problem-solving skills. Key contributor to team success and adaptable to changing business needs. Expertise in recruitment, performance management, and compliance.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Generalist
Enlace Chicago
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Managed end-to-end payroll processing for 230+ employees using Paycom/Paylocity to support accurate compensation by validating timekeeping data, deductions, and employee changes prior to payroll submission.
- Facilitated communication between employees and management by addressing concerns and questions, supporting open communication and maintaining trust.
- Facilitated criminal background check process for new hires.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and open-door policies.
- Coordinated company-wide events such as employee recognition activities, boosting employee morale and fostering a sense of community within the organization.
- Conducted confidential investigations of discrimination, harassment and workplace violence.
- Managed organization-wide performance evaluation processes and timelines
- Design and implement employee engagement programs that improve workplace culture and morale
- Ensured legal compliance by staying current with federal and state regulations, reducing potential risks to the company.
- Provided guidance on employee relations and conflict resolution, ensuring compliance with HR policies and fostering a positive work environment
- Administer benefits including FMLA and workers' compensation
- Support HR strategy, policy development, and organizational compliance initiatives
- Managed onboarding, benefits enrollment, and new hire paperwork for diverse employee populations.
- Coordinated recruitment support, interview scheduling, and applicant communications using clear, consistent follow-up.
- Maintained accurate employee records, personnel files, and HR documentation in compliance with internal policies.
- Advised staff on HR procedures, workplace policies, and basic employee relations concerns.
- Assisted with leave administration, including attendance tracking, accommodation requests, and documentation updates.
- Prepared HR reports, tracked compliance requirements, and supported audit-ready recordkeeping.
- Streamlined administrative workflows by improving forms, templates, and cross-functional coordination.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in the HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decision making.
Executive Assistant
Enlace Chicago
Chicago, IL
02.2023 - 09.2023
- Managed executive calendars, prioritized competing requests, and coordinated meetings across internal teams and community partners.
- Prepared correspondence, briefings, and presentation materials with accurate formatting and consistent attention to detail.
- Organized confidential files, agreements, and records to support smooth administrative operations and compliance.
- Scheduled board and leadership meetings, tracked agendas, and captured follow-up actions for timely completion.
- Coordinated travel arrangements, event logistics, and meeting preparation to support executive availability and productivity.
- Drafted professional communications and routed inquiries to appropriate staff, maintaining responsive office support.
- Supported cross-functional projects by collecting information, verifying documents, and maintaining organized workflow systems.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
Front Desk Student Aid
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Answered student inquiries, routed calls, and delivered accurate front desk support.
- Organized records, files, and confidential documents to maintain reliable office access.
- Entered data into campus systems with strong attention to detail and consistency.
- Scheduled appointments, coordinated calendars, and supported daily office operations.
- Prepared correspondence, reports, and materials using Microsoft Office applications.
- Assisted staff with routine administrative tasks and smooth workflow coverage.
- Maintained updated student information while resolving basic questions quickly and professionally.
- Supported event setup, materials distribution, and follow-up tasks for campus activities.
- Served as a positive role model for students through consistent demonstration of respect, kindness, and responsibility.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supported classroom management by maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment.
- Communicated regularly with teachers about individual student needs or concerns to ensure appropriate interventions were implemented promptly.
- Helped maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other relevant information for teacher reference.
- Organized materials for lessons and activities, enabling efficient transitions between topics within the classroom setting.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Enhanced student understanding by providing one-on-one tutoring sessions in various subjects.
- Collaborated with faculty to plan and execute special events, fostering a strong sense of community among students.
- Assisted teachers with grading assignments and exams, ensuring timely feedback for students.
Education
MBA - Human Resources
Loyola University
Chicago, IL12-2028
B.A. - Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL12-2022
A.A. - Arts
Morton College
Chicago06-2020
Skills
- HR policies implementation
- Employee onboarding
- Payroll processing
- HRIS systems
- Benefits administration
- FMLA management
- Compensation and benefits
- Performance management
- Employee relations
- Employee onboarding
- HR compliance knowledge
- Employee file management
- Background checks
- Staff development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Diversity and inclusion
Certification
- SHRM-CP Certification, SHRM
- 2025–2028, Nonprofit HR Manager Certificate, CareerLearning
- 2024–2026
Personal Information
Title: SHRM-CP
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Human Resources Generalist
Enlace Chicago
09.2023 - Current
Executive Assistant
Enlace Chicago
02.2023 - 09.2023
Front Desk Student Aid
University of Illinois at Chicago
01.2022 - 12.2022
A.A. - Arts
Morton College
MBA - Human Resources
Loyola University
B.A. - Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois At Chicago