Karla Fernandez
In 2019, Karla moved from McAllen, TX to Austin after accepting a Human Resource Representative position with HRSS. Over the past two years, Karla has added tremendous value to the HRSS team through her extensive HR experience (seven years!), bilingual skillset, and infectiously positive energy. She was recently reclassified to a HR Team Lead and is now responsible for overseeing a team of three employees.
If you ask Karla about the most rewarding aspect of her job, she will tell you that delivering resources to all in a fair and equitable way is her top priority. She will also tell you that she is originally from Mexico, loves to cook, and can’t wait to return to the ocean (it’s her favorite place on earth!).
Jessica Smedlund
Jessica Smedlund is a SHRM-certified Human Resource professional with experience ranging from higher education, nonprofit, retail, and film. Prior to starting to work for UT in 2019, she spent five years working for Mary Lee Foundation, a nonprofit that provides diverse programs for adults with various types of disabilities and helped champion their mission to allow these individuals unlock the door to their full potential. Jessica also spent time in the Los Angeles working as a film/video production coordinator.
If you ask Jessica about herself, she will tell you that she is half South Asian (her mother is from Pakistan). In Jessica’s free time, she dabbles with jewelry-making and DIY crafts, and is a Board Member for the LGBTQ+ nonprofit, OUTsider.
Samantha Baird