35 under 35
Ali Wichmanowski Lawrence Pi Xi - University of Central Florida
Staff People Operations Analyst, Procore Technologies
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
My career in HR has been a dynamic journey, from my early roles leading recruitment and onboarding efforts to now driving impactful people technology initiatives. I’ve developed a deep appreciation for how technology and strategy intersect to enhance the employee experience. Whether I’m leading large scale change initiatives, implementing new technology, or driving engagement efforts, my focus has always remained on creating an environment where employees feel supported, heard and empowered to do their best work.
The Team Player award I received in 2023 is particularly meaningful to me because it demonstrates that I’m creating a good employee experience not only for our general employee population, but also for those who I work with directly.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
I have been lucky enough to have many mentors throughout my professional career, many of whom I don’t think realize how much they’ve impacted me! Jessenia Ayon was my first manager at Procore, and she is the hardest working person I know, yet she always makes time to empower those around her. My growth at Procore is a direct testament to her mentorship, guidance and support. Nick Karoutsos and Maeve Kim have been incredible guides on my people technology journey, generously sharing their deep knowledge of HR technology while also mentoring me on how to navigate cross-functional collaboration and empowering me to grow in my career. Their guidance has been invaluable.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
My passion for this field has evolved over time. Coming out of school, I didn’t necessarily know that this field was an option for me. I’ve always loved people, and now combining that with my love of problem solving and interest in technology has been extremely rewarding.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I look forward to paying it forward by mentoring others in the future, just as my mentors have guided, supported and empowered me along my journey!
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I’m lucky enough to have so many wonderful colleagues that I can also call friends. A few are Audrey Deering, Jeff Pugh, Melissa McLamb and Jen Haughn. They have always been so supportive of me, great allies at work and people I genuinely look up to.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
To me, empowerment means creating a space where people feel supported and have the resources to take ownership of whatever they want to accomplish. Empowerment is providing the right tools while fostering a culture of encouragement. I was lucky to serve at the College Chapter Director at the University of Central Florida for the past two years and I hope I left the women there feeling empowered to lead and take on their careers after graduation.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
To me, creating an environment of belonging means giving everyone a voice and then making sure those voices are heard and acted upon. I carry this with me daily in my professional life — always striving to listen to employees and create a great workplace experience through my work.