Member Spotlight: Octiavia Ortiz
Meet Octiavia Ortiz, Vice President of Human Resources at Sisley Cosmetics USA Inc. and a newer CEW member based in New York City. A strategic HR leader, Octiavia brings extensive experience across talent management, compensation, technology, and operations, with a focus on initiatives that improve employee experience while supporting business performance. She is passionate about creating people-centered workplaces where employees feel valued and supported, and where leaders can balance empathy, accountability, and the needs of the business.
Career Milestone: One of the most defining moments in Octiavia’s career came during one of the most difficult periods of her personal life. In October 2024, her mother was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and Octiavia and her family were immediately faced with the emotional and practical challenges of securing the right insurance coverage so her mother could begin treatment. At the same time, Octiavia was leading her team through one of the busiest periods of the year.
She continued overseeing open enrollment, presenting HR strategies and 2025 goals to company leadership, and preparing the organization for the year ahead. The experience gave her a deeper understanding of what adaptability truly means in leadership. Rather than trying to separate her personal life from her professional responsibilities, she focused on continuing to show up for her team with consistency and care. The experience also strengthened her belief that many professionals may suddenly find themselves balancing caregiving responsibilities with demanding careers, making compassion and flexibility increasingly important qualities in the workplace.
Key Advice: The best career advice Octiavia has received is simple: work hard, become invaluable at what you do, and surround yourself with strong companies and strong people. Throughout her career, she has learned that technical expertise is only one part of professional success. Consistency, adaptability, relationships, and the way you treat people can have just as much impact. She also recognizes that timing and luck can play a role in opening doors, but preparation is what allows you to take advantage of those opportunities when they come. For Octiavia, building a strong reputation over time creates a foundation for long-term career growth.
Mentors: Octiavia credits her aunt as the person who first encouraged her to consider a career in Human Resources. Her aunt helped her understand that HR could have a meaningful impact not only on employees but also on the direction and success of a business. Later in her career, Octiavia worked closely with a CEO for seven years who challenged her to look beyond the traditional HR function and consider decisions from the perspective of the entire organization. These experiences helped shape the way she leads today, combining a people-first mindset with strategic thinking and accountability. Her mentors also reinforced the importance of understanding the business while never losing sight of the people behind it.
Five-Year Career Goal: Over the next five years, Octiavia hopes to continue growing as a people-centered HR executive while helping organizations create healthier, more supportive workplaces. She wants to champion environments where employees feel heard and valued, leaders are encouraged to develop strong emotional intelligence, and people can bring their full selves to work. At the same time, she believes employee well-being and business success should work together rather than compete with one another. Her goal is to help organizations achieve sustainable growth while maintaining a strong sense of humanity and connection.
Best Networking Convo Starter: “What’s been giving you energy lately, and what’s been draining you?” This question creates an opportunity to move beyond the typical career-focused conversation and learn what is really motivating someone.
