For over a decade, Hanna Giraldo has been quietly designing systems that make people successful. Forget buzzwords—Giraldo’s career is all about creating measurable growth through programs that are genuinely “people-first.”
Giraldo started her journey deep in the world of coaching, training, and instructional design because she was simply passionate about helping people grow. She spent almost six years at European Wax Center, where she ran corporate learning and development, focusing on empowering teams and boosting performance across the entire organization.
Then came a mission she couldn’t ignore: MedPro Healthcare Staffing. Giraldo was immediately captivated by the idea of connecting talented clinicians with communities facing shortages. She joined in 2020 as a Talent Development Manager, building crucial training programs not just for the internal team, but for the healthcare professionals placed across the country.
Full-Cycle Talent, Full-Time Impact
Giraldo’s role at MedPro has evolved fast. Today, she’s the Senior Director of Talent, overseeing the entire talent lifecycle—from finding and onboarding people to keeping them engaged and retained.
How did she manage that kind of growth? By staying laser-focused on one thing: designing systems that genuinely support people in doing their best work. For Giraldo, the magic happens when business goals and human support align. Knowing that her work improves the clinician experience—and ultimately, patient outcomes—is what makes it so incredibly meaningful.
Her Start: Finding the “Why”
Giraldo’s path into HR was fueled by a straightforward belief: she wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. That natural passion for development and growth is what first drew her into the world of learning and development.
Every role she’s taken, from leading corporate L&D at the European Wax Center to joining MedPro, has been a step toward a greater purpose. She started at MedPro by building the programs that support those on the front lines, and she continues that mission today as Senior Director, designing the talent strategy that keeps vital healthcare flowing. It’s all proof that when you stay true to the people-first mission, business, and careers, will follow.
In our latest Faces, meet Hanna Giraldo.
Who is/was your biggest influence in the industry?
My greatest influence in our industry comes from the remarkable women on our Executive Leadership Team. Out of 11 executives, six are women: Stacey Edwards, Liz Tonkin, Patty Jeffrey, Rosemarie Aznavorian, Meaghan Kirby, and Jessica Madgey, each of whom inspires me daily. They embody the strength, vision, and perseverance that define excellence in healthcare. Their unwavering commitment to empowering clinicians, their resilience in the face of challenges, and their ability to lead with both compassion and determination have shown me the profound and lasting impact women can have in shaping the future of our industry.
What’s your best mistake and what did you learn from it?
One of my most valuable mistakes was underestimating the importance of broad stakeholder alignment early in a project. Early in my career, I launched a new program with great momentum, confident in its value, but I had not invested enough time in engaging certain key leaders. While the program was sound, it struggled to gain traction initially because I hadn’t fully accounted for the influence and perspectives of those stakeholders. That experience taught me that even the best ideas need champions at every level, and that buy-in is not a single conversation; it’s a process built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.
Today, I approach every major initiative by mapping stakeholders early, actively listening to their priorities, and inviting them to shape the solution. As a result, my programs not only launch more smoothly but often exceed expectations because they’re backed by a network of committed advocates from the start.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry? What’s your least favorite part, and how would you change it?
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is knowing we play a behind-the-scenes role in helping clinicians succeed, especially in unfamiliar or high-stress environments. Whether they’re walking into a new hospital, a new city, or even a new country, they’re expected to deliver high-quality care immediately. That takes not only clinical skill, but courage. I take pride in working for an organization that makes those transitions feel less daunting and more empowering.
On the flip side, the demanding nature of the industry can contribute to burnout, which is something I’d love to see change. That’s why I’d love to see more robust resources like mental health support, flexible schedules, and professional development programs to help healthcare workers feel more balanced and resilient. By caring for them holistically, we enable them to provide exceptional care to others.
It sounds like through your experience, you really care about people, and you want to help them feel safe and comfortable, which is important in the industry. Please elaborate here.
For me, HR is about building a sense of safety, not just physically, but emotionally and professionally. Our clinicians often step into completely new environments, and they need to know that someone has their back.
From the moment they join MedPro, we work to ensure they feel equipped, welcomed, and valued. My team focuses on designing an experience where every interaction is rooted in empathy and intention.
When people feel supported and connected to their purpose, they show up differently for themselves, for their teams, and for their patients. That’s the power of thoughtful HR.
How can HR most effectively demonstrate its value to the leadership team?
The strongest way to show HR’s value is by clearly linking people strategies to business outcomes—and backing that up with measurable results. At MedPro, we track metrics like retention, time-to-fill for critical roles, and engagement survey results to illustrate our impact.
For example, our employee engagement initiatives have earned us recognition as a Top Workplace by The Sun Sentinel for eight consecutive years, a testament to the culture we’ve built together. This achievement reflects more than just an award, as it is the direct result of our unwavering commitment to truly listening to our employees, valuing their voices, and turning their feedback into meaningful action that drives lasting engagement.
At the same time, we complement the data with human stories. Numbers show scale, but stories show impact—and together, they help leadership see HR as a true strategic partner.
Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Or are you seeing any current trends?
We’re already seeing healthcare staffing shift toward more integrated, tech-driven solutions. AI-powered recruitment tools are helping match candidates more efficiently, while virtual training platforms are improving clinician readiness in ways that are scalable and flexible.
Another promising trend is the success of our customized exam prep programs, especially for internationally educated nurses. First-time pass rates on key licensure exams, such as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), are climbing, which signals that targeted, data-informed interventions are effective.
Looking ahead, I believe we’ll continue to see innovation play a bigger role in closing workforce gaps, enhancing equity, and improving patient outcomes.
What are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the clinician support program we’ve built. It reflects a deep commitment to helping make healthcare professionals feel confident, prepared, and genuinely supported, especially when they’re stepping into high-pressure environments. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of clinicians navigate new roles with greater ease, knowing they have a team behind them every step of the way. That kind of impact is what drives me every day.
Additionally, knowing that our work contributes to life-saving care across the country is both humbling and energizing. It’s proof that when HR leads with purpose, the ripple effects can be far-reaching.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Lean into empathy and stay curious. In healthcare HR, you’re dealing with real people facing real challenges, and the best solutions come from truly understanding their needs.
Take time to learn the business, pursue certifications like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the Association for Talent Development (ATD) to build your technical skills, and never underestimate the power of listening. I’d also recommend prioritizing ethical training, especially in healthcare, where HR decisions can have significant impacts on both staff well-being and patient safety.
The more you seek to understand, the more impactful your programs will be.
Anything else you’d like to add? We can talk about anything you’d like to discuss here.
One thing I always come back to is the impact HR can have when it’s done with heart. Behind every policy, process, and data point is a person, someone trying to do meaningful work and make a difference. Especially in healthcare staffing, where lives are quite literally on the line, that perspective matters.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a space where I get to blend strategy with compassion every day. It’s a privilege to support clinicians who are out there changing lives—and to build the kind of systems and culture that help them thrive.