In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, host Mark McNees sits down with Ivelices Thomas, and we dive into her journey as a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic. Growing up with a strong emphasis on education, she never envisioned becoming an entrepreneur. She pursued a career in law, focusing on labor and employment, but later transitioned into human resources. Her experiences working in large corporations and her passion for helping smaller organizations led to the creation of HR and Beyond, a consultancy that provides affordable HR support to small and medium-sized businesses. She shares her challenges, her educational endeavors, and her aspirations for the future, all while emphasizing the importance of balancing professional ambition with family life.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:23 Early Life and Education

03:48 Career Beginnings in Law

06:06 Transition to Human Resources

07:19 Founding HR and Beyond

15:03 Challenges and Growth

26:41 Future Goals and Aspirations

29:17 Personal Reflections and Advice