Meet Kimberly Mangin Pelaez, a lifelong Biloxi resident and member of the Beau Rivage and MGM Resorts International organization for more than 25 years. In her current role, she oversees the human resources division at Beau Rivage.
Q: SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND:
What started as a college job evolved into a career that has spanned 15 different roles within this organization, ranging from hotel operations to human resources. In college, I was studying for a business degree in casino resort management when I took an introduction to human resources course that changed my career trajectory. My professor, who was a retired corporate HR executive, approached me and told me that I should consider HR as a career path. I took a few more courses and quickly found my passion for human resources.
In my current role, I oversee the human resources division at Beau Rivage, which encompasses more than 2,800 employees. I work alongside a talented team of professionals with a goal each day of looking for new and creative ways to enhance the employee experience. After 25 years, I still enjoy coming to work each day and getting to work alongside my Beau family.
I am proud to say I am from Biloxi and that my family has been here for generations. My great-grandfather was the electrical contractor who originally installed the first electric light in the Biloxi Lighthouse, and further back, my family were caretakers of the Ship Island Lighthouse. I am proud of my family’s heritage and try to continue their legacy in this community.
Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I have seen this community’s resilience and how we come together in the aftermath of natural disasters, in times of extreme hardship and in times of celebration. Being a part of this community and having my roots here always has been important to me, as well in the decision to raise my family here. I feel lucky to have found an organization early in my career that was based on the Coast and has allowed me to stay local for most of my career.
Q: WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY?
Professionally, I am passionate about creating an environment where employees can grow, develop and achieve their goals. I will always be thankful for mentors and leaders who gave constructive or tough feedback and provided support and encouragement.
My goal is to provide those same opportunities to others and help them reach their goals. I speak to each new-hire orientation class and tell them that this company and our leadership team will invest as much in them as they invest in themselves. Seeing people grow and achieve the success they desire is so fulfilling.
On a personal note, I married into another Biloxi family, and my husband, Jordy, and I have been married for almost 10 years. We have two children, Caroline and George IV, who are 8 and 6. Being a mom is the hardest and best job I will ever have. I love having them grow up surrounded by family and friends who love and support them as much as we do!
We get to sit in the stands and on the sidelines watching my son play ball with the children of the friends we grew up with. My daughter dances at Kelli’s Steps School of Dance, the same studio where I grew up dancing (with some of the same teachers), which is so special! My career always has been important to me and will continue to be, but this time in my life is truly the best! I know they grow up quickly, so just try to soak in every minute.
Q: WHAT SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OR AWARDS ARE YOU PROUD OF?
Achieving my SHRM HR professional certification was a proud moment for me. It took a few years of studying and a lot of courage and encouragement from my leaders and family, but it was something I will always take pride in.
Q: SHARE A QUOTE OR MANTRA THAT YOU LIVE BY
Servant leadership always has been a philosophy that resonated with me. As I started my career working in hospitality in a front-line position, I always try to keep those experiences as an employee, as a supervisor, etc. in my mind while making decisions that will impact our employees.