Milena Conejo
San José
Summary
Communications and Human Resources professional with extensive expertise in leading strategic initiatives that engage workforces of 1,000+ employees. Skilled in talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Highly adept at leading and delivering organizational and internal communication strategies, as well as managing multi-channel corporate communication initiatives. Experienced in partnering with senior leadership and HR teams to drive strategy implementation, strengthen organizational culture, and support key HR functions, including performance management, employee relations, and talent development. Proven track record in planning and executing large-scale corporate events with precision and excellence. Recognized for exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a detail-oriented approach to navigating dynamic environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Career-break for Health Reasons & Maternity Leave
Na
01.2024 - Current
Sr Manager, Communications
Western Union
06.2023 - 12.2023
- Reporting directly to the CDO, leading communications strategy and logistics for Data Governance Operations organization
- Responsible of fostering a culture of accountability and compliance in regards of DG policies and procedures as well as providing regular updates and feedback to address challenges in order to continuously improve DG practices among the different departments involved
- Responsible of managing prioritization of recruiting needs and hiring logistics
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff.
Manager, Communications & Site Governance
Western Union
01.2019 - 04.2023
- Reporting directly to Site Leader, continuity of all tasks as Office Services Manager by fostering and maintaining a harmonious workplace, driving successful employee relationships and collaboration aligned with corporate mission and values
- Also leading employee engagement and communications strategies management and execution throughout the entire organization as follows:
- Communications advising and strategic support for Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition and business functions
- Manages and sustain the appropriate connection between communication tactics and the organization strategies
- Ensure corporate strategies are communicated and well comprehended by diverse audiences throughout different existing and organically design channels
- Owned media and content strategy
- PR crisis management, action plans and decision-making across site
- Supervisor of the negotiation and execution partnership process with PR agency
- Ideation of Executive Leadership plans and strategies to support engagement initiatives
- Planning and direction of programs to maintain favorable employee and partner relationships in accordance with the organization’s agenda, action plan and accomplishments
- Hands-on experience in creating innovative campaigns to engage staff
- Partner with Global communication team
- Co-lead of the Governance Council at Western Union Costa Rica
- Budget management for employee engagement and organization needs at WU Costa Rica
- Coach and supervisor for employee engagement committees at WU Costa Rica
- Great Place to Work Certification Co-lead
- In charge of hosting Senior Leadership Team strategy session
- Site Leader communications advisor
- Develop materials to educate staff on any relevant topics
- Employee & Site events owner
- Special projects:
- - Creation and conceptualization of Know your employee Survey, to get to know and understand our local population on a deeper level in order to create an employee engagement and communications strategy based on its results
- - Creation of a space to find support, opportunities, and resources for mental health, as well as tools for personal development: Let’s feel WUnderful
- - Creation and conceptualization if a recognition program for all 1200+ WU Costa Rican (LAROC) employees: LAROCkstars
- - Co-lead Great Place to Work Certification
Manager Office Services
Western Union
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Leader of internal communications
- Responsible for ensuring execution and efficiency across the site, reporting directly to the Site Leader
- Granted with wide decision making and recommendation responsibilities related to the organization needs and opportunities on this matter
- Drive for relationship building across the organization in order to work cooperatively across corporate functions and help ensure alignment, vigorous communication and effective follow-through
- Works daily with Senior Leadership team to drive and execute special projects, support business decisions, administrative functions and ensuring corporate mission and values are effectively put into practice
- Additionally Human Resources tasks partner and strategies support
- Handles all assigned administrative functions for corporate executive visitors and business events, as well as site meetings
- (i.e., start to end governance over Western Union CEO visits)
- Oversees overall events planning for employee engagement and team building activities as well as site budget management
- (i.e
- Summit organization and hosting, Milestone events, Employee Recognitions, Staff trainings, Site Town Halls, Site Celebrations, among others)
- Partnership with facilities and office services teams to execute projects aligned with corporate policies and employee welfare alongside security department to support and follow-through on employee concerns and day-to-day actions
- Relationship management with corporate partners and strategic alliances with local businesses such as Terranova agency, American Chamber of Commerce, Hotels, etc
- Support on Business Continuity Plan
- Site events and activities calendar admin ownership
Senior Recruiter
Western Union
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Own and drive the end-to-end recruiting process for junior and senior roles through recruiting strategies and strategic partnerships, as well as communication strategies for hiring purposes and business needs
- Manage multiple recruiting administrative processes, documents and procedures as needed
- Strategic Talent Advisor for the business
- Build and implement massive recruiting processes
- Proficient in Taleo and Workday systems
- Support with recruiting activities such as job fairs and open houses
- Hiring special assignment in Denver, Colorado for one month
- Support Social Media efforts for recruiting purposes
- HR Business Partner Support
Spa Sales and Public Relations Manager
Hotel Real InterContinental
01.2011 - 01.2013
- In charge of the membership sales of the InterContinental Spa as well as providing exclusive attention to members and customers
- Strategic planning in order to increase sales and generate new market opportunities
- Actively participated in the Marketing and Sales Management of the SPA through periodically feedback sessions in order to accomplish continuous improvement for the InterContinental SPA
- Administered the hotel presence in social networks
- Organized promotional activities and event participation in order to achieve the SPA brand positioning
- Supported external communications and media placement for the SPA and Intercontinental Hotel products
- Active participant in Hotel Public Relations Activities: VIP (Celebrities), Social Network Administrator, Communication Skills Administrator
- Periodically Manager on Duty for the InterContinental Hotel
Executive of Corporate Banquets
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Planned and structured Social and Corporate events as well as coordinating the events in operative areas (food and beverages, set up, audiovisual equipment, decoration and others)
- Executed contracts and event payments
- In charge of coordinating the quoting team in the Social and Corporate quotation processes ensuring high quality standards
Education
Posgrado - Human Resources
ULACIT
01.2017
Bachelor's Degree - Public Relations
Universad Interamericana de Costa Rica
01.2012
Skills
- Ability to Multitask
- Detail Oriented
- Stakeholder Management
- Decision-Making
- Conflict Resolution
- Organizational Development
- Employee Experience
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Languages
Spanish
English
Timeline
Career-break for Health Reasons & Maternity Leave
Na
01.2024 - Current
Sr Manager, Communications
Western Union
06.2023 - 12.2023
Manager, Communications & Site Governance
Western Union
01.2019 - 04.2023
Manager Office Services
Western Union
01.2016 - 01.2019
Senior Recruiter
Western Union
01.2013 - 01.2016
Spa Sales and Public Relations Manager
Hotel Real InterContinental
01.2011 - 01.2013
Executive of Corporate Banquets
01.2010 - 01.2011
Bachelor's Degree - Public Relations
Universad Interamericana de Costa Rica
Posgrado - Human Resources
ULACIT
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