Staff Profile: Sophie Hernandez

Sophie Hernandez has worked at HMC for a year-and-a-half as an Office of Human Resources payroll administrator. Her responsibilities include processing payroll, supporting employees and student workers with time tracking, onboarding new employees and ensuring that payroll processes follow College policies and labor regulations. Read on to find out which HMC employee she’d like to swap jobs with for a day, what makes her feel connected to the HMC community and her idea for a campus addition to improve the HMC employee experience.

What is your favorite part about your job and why?

My favorite part of my job is working with the campus community. I enjoy helping employees and student workers navigate payroll and employment processes and making sure they feel supported. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that helps the College run smoothly and supports the people who make up the community.

What is something people don’t understand about your job that you wish they did?

Payroll sits at the intersection of finance, HR and compliance. When it works well, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, everyone does. The goal is simple: Run it so well that it goes unnoticed, while quietly building trust with employees and the campus community.

If you could swap jobs with any other HMC employee for a day, who would it be and why?

Chris Sundberg, the associate dean of students and director of campus life. His role is at the center of so many of the fun and memorable parts of campus life, from orientation to student events and working with student leaders. It would be exciting to experience the energy of those programs firsthand and see how all those activities help build community and create lasting memories for students outside the classroom.

If you could add anything to campus to improve the employee experience, what would it be?

I would love to bring a cookie happy hour to campus. It would be a designated time each day when fresh cookies and coffee are available for purchase at a happy hour price. It would give staff and students a chance to step away for a moment, connect and get to know each other.

What is your favorite food/dish in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Hall?

I have the biggest sweet tooth, so I’m always drawn to the dessert section. The bread pudding definitely gets a chef’s kiss from me, and I definitely make sure to grab a few vegan chocolate chip cookies before I leave.  

What HMC events have made you feel really connected to other HMC colleagues?

I’m a pretty competitive person, so I really enjoyed the step competition that takes place in November. It was a fun way to connect with colleagues across campus, and I especially liked having some of my HR team members on a different team. It definitely made things more interesting. A little friendly competition is a great way to bring people together, and it gives me a reason to try to win.

What is your favorite hobby, activity or creative outlet?

I have a 10-year-old daughter who considers herself a bit of a foodie, so one of the things we enjoy doing together is trying different restaurants and tasting new foods. It’s a fun way for us to spend time together and explore different flavors.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you, either in life or at work?

A piece of advice that has really stayed with me is to learn how to get stuff done and have the mindset that you can handle whatever comes your way. I try to apply that in both life and work by focusing on the next task in front of me. There’s something really satisfying about checking items off a to-do list—no matter how small—because those small wins build momentum. And sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader and remind yourself, “You’ve got this,” even when the problem feels tough.

What is your most effective strategy for dealing with stress?

One of the most effective ways I deal with stress is by stepping away from the problem and giving myself a little space and time. Going for a walk in the evening with my headphones on helps me clear my mind and reset. I try not to think about whatever was stressing me out, so I can come back to it with a fresh perspective. If I do not have time for a walk, a quick reset like grabbing a coffee or a snack helps me pause and regroup.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it at work?

The ability to teleport. It would make running between meetings, offices and campus buildings a lot easier and save time.

Are you studying or learning something new?

Lately, I’ve been learning more about how small daily habits can have a big impact on your mindset and overall wellbeing. It has reminded me that sometimes the simplest changes can make the biggest difference.

What book or podcast are you enjoying right now?

This might be a bit of a guilty pleasure that I’m slightly embarrassed to admit, but I’ve been enjoying the podcast The Burnouts with Phoebe & Sophia. They bring on guests who share really practical and thoughtful advice. I usually walk away from each episode feeling like I learned something new.

What is the last concert you attended?

The last concert I attended was Dua Lipa, and it honestly felt a little life changing. I had never really listened to her music before, but after seeing her perform live, I became a huge fan that night.