Celebrating Joy Corpora: A Visionary Leader in HR Innovation

Every great organization thrives because of the people at its heart, and for us, Joy Corpora has been that driving force. On March 13, we had the incredible honor of celebrating Joy’s nomination for NHRA | Orange County Affiliate’s HR Executive of the Year Award in the category of Innovative Transformation. The event, held at the elegant Hyatt Regency Irvine, was an inspiring evening that recognized trailblazing HR professionals making a tangible impact in their workplaces. 

Joy’s nomination wasn’t just about her impressive qualifications—her MPA, MAOL, SPHR, SHRM-SCP credentials—it was about the deep-rooted commitment she has to creating a work environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. 

Why Joy? A Commitment to People-First Leadership 

Joy has over 25 years of experience shaping People & Culture teams across diverse industries. What sets her apart is not just her expertise but her authentic, people-first approach to HR leadership. She believes that HR isn’t just about policies and compliance; it’s about fostering an environment where employees thrive. 

Beyond her professional excellence, Joy dedicates her time to philanthropic work, volunteering as a wish granter for Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire and serving as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC. Her passion for helping others extends beyond the workplace and into the community, a reflection of her core belief that people flourish when given the right support and opportunities. 

The Power of Innovation in HR 

In the fast-changing world of business, HR has evolved from being a behind-the-scenes function to a strategic powerhouse. Under Joy’s leadership, our People & Culture (P&C) team has transformed, implementing forward-thinking initiatives that directly enhance employee experience, organizational efficiency, and overall workplace satisfaction. 

Some of Joy’s most impactful contributions include: 

• Revolutionizing Recruitment: Transitioning from a manual, time-consuming hiring process to an HRIS-integrated system, making recruitment more efficient and accessible, especially during the pandemic. 
• Building a Culture of Continuous Learning: Implementing three years of external consultant-led training on psychological safety, unconscious bias, emotional intelligence, and feedback skills, fostering a more inclusive and self-aware team. 
• Enhancing the Employee Lifecycle Experience: Refining every stage of an employee’s journey, ensuring that new hires, long-term staff, and emerging leaders feel engaged and supported. 
• Ensuring Compliance & Best Practices: Strengthening HR compliance to exceed industry standards, keeping the organization aligned with evolving labor laws. 
• Championing Fair Pay & Benefits: Leading participation in the SoCal Non-Profit Compensation & Benefits Study, resulting in salary increases, additional company holidays, floating holidays, improved cell phone allowances, and work-from-home stipends. 
• Implementing Cutting-Edge Engagement Tools: Introducing Culture Amp to enhance employee engagement surveys, goal tracking, peer feedback, and performance evaluations, allowing for data-driven decisions that improve company culture. 
• Streamlining Operations with Technology: Moving to Paylocity, automating administrative tasks so HR can focus on strategy rather than paperwork. 
• Launching Employee Growth & Development Programs: Establishing a tuition reimbursement-style program, ensuring employees have ongoing opportunities for learning and advancement. 
• Prioritizing Mental Well-Being: Advocating for and implementing Headspace for all staff and their families, prioritizing employee wellness and mindfulness. 
• Developing Future Leaders: Co-creating and leading the Leadership Development Program, equipping managers with tools and strategies to succeed in their leadership roles. 

A Night of Recognition & Connection 

The NHRA HR Executives of the Year Gala wasn’t just about accolades—it was about celebrating a community of HR leaders who inspire and uplift others. Joy took to LinkedIn after the event, reflecting on her gratitude for the experience: 

“My favorite part of the selection process was meeting Meagan Cooper, Sandra Choi, and Jamey Booze and adding them to my tribe! I was already fortunate to have Emma King in my tribe and have learned so much from her over the years. It is critical that we surround ourselves with our peers and support each other as we support our organizations.” 

She also gave a well-earned congratulations to Jamey Booze, the category winner, humorously mentioning that she was excited to go boot shopping in celebration. 

Orangewood Foundation: A Perfect Fit for Joy’s Leadership 

Joy’s nomination wasn’t just about what she has done for HR—it’s about how her work aligns with the broader mission of Orangewood Foundation. As an organization dedicated to supporting foster youth and at-risk communities, Orangewood thrives on principles of empowerment, opportunity, and continuous growth. 

These values are embedded in Joy’s leadership. Her dedication to building an inclusive, development-driven workplace mirrors Orangewood’s commitment to helping young people overcome adversity and reach their full potential. By ensuring that our employees feel heard, respected, and equipped to grow, Joy is creating an internal culture that directly impacts the quality of care and support we provide to the youth we serve. 

Through her leadership, our foundation has: 

• Attracted and retained top-tier talent dedicated to making a difference. 
• Implemented policies that support employee well-being, fostering a work environment where staff can perform at their best. 
• Created leadership opportunities that ensure employees can grow within the organization. 

By investing in her team, Joy is investing in the future of Orangewood Foundation and the youth we serve. Her work ensures that our mission isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live every day. 

Join Us in Celebrating Joy! 

We invite you to celebrate Joy’s well-earned recognition and to continue supporting HR leaders who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Congratulations, Joy—we are so grateful for your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our team and mission!