Who We Are

Who We Are

Meet the Team

The team behind InovarHR all have first-hand knowledge of the HR strategies, technologies, and solutions that help businesses of all sizes elevate their people and culture.

Andrea Nelson, SPHR, SHRM-People Analytics

Founder, CEO, Mentor

As a seasoned Human Resources Executive with over twenty-four years of experience, I specialize in cultivating high-performing cultures within private and venture-backed companies. I am certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and hold a Credential in People Analytics from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

I currently teach Technology Enabled HR and HR Analytics at the University of California PaCE HR program. My leadership roles include serving on the board of the Santa Barbara HR Association (SBHRA) for over three years, including a term as President in 2019. Additionally, I was a founding member of the SBHRA Emerging Professionals and HR Department of One programs.

My passion lies in working with start-ups and innovative, technology-driven organizations. I excel in building infrastructure, designing efficient processes, and leveraging technology and automation to enhance HR operations. I am particularly adept at creating comprehensive onboarding frameworks that ensure an exceptional employee experience. As a relationship-driven and empathetic leader, I am dedicated to helping organizations embody their values, fostering an award-winning culture that encourages innovation and high performance. Mentoring the next generation of HR professionals is a significant part of my commitment to the field, and I currently mentor several emerging HR leaders.

I reside in Santa Barbara with my husband, Mark, and our three dogs. We enjoy taking dog-friendly road trips and dream of retiring to Kauai, Hawaii.

Priscilla Figueroa-Smith, SHRM-CP

Co-Founder, Human Resources Business Partner

I’m a Human Resources Business Partner for InovarHR LLC, living in Carpinteria, California. I studied Biopsychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where I was the President of the UCSB chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). 

My passion lies in connecting human behavior to business. As a result, I enjoy a fulfilling career in human resources and people management. In 2018, I earned my Certified Professional certificate from the Society for Human Resources Management.

I focus on the experience of every corporate event or HR program. I aim for impact and use data and design-thinking strategies to solve engagement and performance problems. I move quickly, show up as a leader, use data to drive decision-making, and take a human-centric approach to designing people systems. I’m passionate about empowering women and minorities in careers in STEM.

I find great fulfillment in volunteering for organizations that give back to young professionals. I co-founded the Emerging Professional of the Santa Barbara HR Association (SBHRA) and currently hold a board position in the Junior League of the Central Coast. 

I enjoy off-roading in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties’ countryside, home renovation projects, yoga, wine tasting, running, and traveling.

Sandra Daniele

Strategic HR Business Partner and Executive Leadership Coach

I am a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set and a wealth of experience in the realms of business, finance, and human resources. Armed with an MBA from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in finance, I possess a solid academic foundation that underpins success in the corporate world.

With over two decades of dedicated service in the field of HR, I have honed my expertise as a strategic business partner. My astute understanding of organizational dynamics and ability to navigate complex corporate environments make me an invaluable asset to any team or executive suite. Beyond my academic and professional credentials, I am also recognized as a Certified Professional Coach. This designation speaks to my commitment to personal and professional development, as well as my innate ability to inspire and motivate others towards achieving their goals.

What truly sets me apart is my unique blend of analytical acumen and emotional intelligence. I possess a keen eye for identifying opportunities for business efficiency and optimization, while also demonstrating a deep understanding of the human element within organizations. My capacity to empathize and connect with high-level executives enables me to provide guidance and support that transcends traditional HR functions, fostering a culture of collaboration and success.

I am a dynamic professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every endeavor I undertake. My strategic mindset, coupled with my empathetic approach, makes me a trusted advisor and leader in the ever-evolving landsca

Meet Our Partners

Sonja Smith

Strategic Human Resources Business Partner

With 25+ years in People & Culture, I’ve scaled HR functions for global startups and diverse industries. After earning my HR degree in the UK, I moved to California in 2013 and later served on the Santa Barbara HR Association Board. I specialize in talent, compensation, and performance, partnering with leaders to drive growth. I live in Goleta with my husband and dog, and enjoy writing and tending succulents.

Mary Knezevic

Strategic Human Resources Business Partner

I am an experienced Global Human Resources leader with a strong record of driving organizational success through strategic, people-focused initiatives. Skilled in talent acquisition, engagement, retention, compensation, and professional development, I specialize in building high-performing, collaborative cultures. Having lived and worked internationally, I bring a global perspective to HR.

Kim Andrade, MS, SPHR

Spotlight Business Partners

I am a strategic HR leader with 20 years of global experience in culture, talent, and organizational design. I am recognized for aligning HR strategy with business goals while fostering values-driven cultures. Passionate about developing talent at all levels, I also influence cultural alignment through leadership and behavior, and as a coach and facilitator, drive lasting learning and growth.

Mariaelena Welch, MCC, MA, EQMC

Vita Leadership

I am the founder of VITA Leadership, with 25+ years of experience as an executive in engineering, sales, consulting, product development, and operations. I help leaders use emotions as strategic resources for better decisions and change. I am a Six Seconds certified coach, and I teach leadership at UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College.

Eric Zackrison, Ph.D.

IDI.US Inc.

After 30 years in management and hospitality, I earned my MA, MBA, and PhD in Organizational Communication. My research focuses on team dynamics, leadership, and workplace relationships, and since 2017 I’ve taught in UCSB’s Technology Management Program. As CEO of IDI.US Inc. and a consultant, I help leaders and teams grow, guided by the belief that strong relationships drive organizational success.

Carolina Salazar

TALNTD

I founded TALNTD to create a human-centered connection to a global network. Originally from Chile, I spent nearly a decade in The Netherlands before moving to Barcelona. With 10+ years as an international headhunter, I believe instinct, personal touch, and real-life networks matter most in search and recruitment—especially for top talent—so I built TALNTD to bring those values to life.

Corporate Gratitude

Shannon Jayne Photography Logo

We would like to thank The Waterman Hotel and Shannon Jayne Photography in Santa Barbara, for their generosity. Pictures were taken by Shannon Jayne Photography at The Waterman Hotel in Santa Barbara.