Meet Kimberly Hernandez-Navarro
Senior Learning Specialist, Talent Management (Human Resources, Equity and Compliance Division)
“Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to conquer the world (or at least, their to-do list).”
Kimberly has been a highly valued member of USC’s Culture Network for several years, and volunteered as a trained facilitator this past fall semester. In that capacity, Kimberly shared Culture Survey results back to USC schools and business units, and facilitated discussions to collect additional qualitative data on our culture and values from staff, faculty, and students. Read this Q&A to learn more about why Kimberly got involved with USC’s Culture Journey, and some of the culture shifts she has seen so far and would like to see in the future.
Q: Tell us about your role at USC, and how do USC’s culture and values fit into your priorities?
A: I’m a Senior Learning Specialist, which basically means I’m a learning strategist. I partner with teams to develop and implement effective learning solutions, covering everything from learning needs assessments and training delivery to implementation and evaluation. USC’s values, especially integrity and excellence, are my North Star. I’m all about creating and delivering learning experiences that aren’t just impactful but meaningfully impactful – the kind that sticks with people and makes a real difference in our USC community.
Q: Give an example of an initiative you work on where USC’s Unifying Values play a significant role.
A: I’m proud to have been part of the team that developed and currently offers the Management Essentials 8-Week course. It’s designed to help managers not just manage, but lead within USC’s unique culture. We dive deep into our values, and one of my favorite exercises involves breakout rooms buzzing with ‘value boards’ and reflective questions. Think of it as a values-infused brainstorming session. For example, we might ask: ‘How can you prioritize and promote employee well-being within your team?’ (That’s Well-being in action.) Or, ‘How can you establish a culture of trust, transparency, and ethical behavior?’ (Integrity!) We cover all the values – from DEI and Open Communication to Accountability and Excellence – each with its own reflective question. Showcasing these values aren’t just decorative; they’re the bedrock of how we operate, make decisions, and build trust. We emphasize that for managers, living and breathing these values is crucial for building a positive team and contributing to USC’s overall success.
Q: What went into your decision to volunteer as a culture facilitator for our post-Culture Survey engagement sessions?
A: I’ve been part of the culture network since 2019, so volunteering as a facilitator felt like a natural next step. I’m passionate about making USC the best place it can be, and these engagement sessions are goldmines of insights. Just like my involvement with Staff Assembly, it’s all about making sure everyone feels seen and heard. We can’t just talk about culture; we have to live it. These sessions are where the rubber meets the road, where we turn good intentions into real action. Plus, I genuinely enjoy facilitating – it’s a chance to connect with new colleagues.
Q: What are some ways you wish to see USC’s culture continue to evolve going forward?
A: I’m dreaming of a USC culture that’s even more inclusive, innovative, and resilient. As a Culture Network member, I’m all in on promoting collaboration, continuous learning (because we never stop growing!), and that strong sense of community that makes USC special. I want to help create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their absolute best!
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
A: It’s amazing how far we’ve come on this Culture Journey. I remember when we were just getting started, hoping our values would one day have the same weight as our policies. And guess what? They do! More and more people are exposed to the values through new staff orientation, the Culture Journey Newsletter, our Integrity and Accountability Code, and countless other ways the values have been woven into USC’s policies, systems, and processes over the years. We hold ourselves and each other accountable to these values, and that’s something to be seriously proud of. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to conquer the world (or at least, their to-do list).