From her first week on the job, Anna Avalos demonstrated the confidence and intuition that would define her career—speaking up even when it meant challenging well-intentioned advice. Now, as Chief People Officer at SoFi, she leads with that same conviction. Under her leadership, SoFi has strengthened its reputation as a progressive employer, offering programs like "SoFridays" for early Friday closures and comprehensive mental health support through Modern Health. These initiatives ensure that employees feel genuinely cared for, resulting in greater engagement and productivity. Avalos's approach has helped SoFi enhance not just its internal culture but its position in the competitive digital finance industry, showing that investing in people is just as critical as investing in technology.
After earning her bachelor's degree in communications and MBA from the University of Arizona, she began her career at Stryker, advancing through roles in operations and business planning before pivoting into HR. Her experience there, ranging from talent acquisition to international HR leadership, laid the foundation for her people-first management style. A pivotal moment came during her time at Tesla, where Avalos led HR operations across the EMEA region, learning to balance rapid organizational growth with employee-centric practices. Each career move, often lateral rather than purely upward, built her holistic view of business needs and employee advocacy.
Avalos was once told to keep a professional distance—but she chose connection and transparency instead. She believes that mental well-being is foundational to both personal and professional success, a principle now deeply embedded at SoFi. Her emphasis on open conversations, especially about mental health, is shaping a new standard in corporate culture. As she looks ahead, Avalos is focused on building a workplace that prioritizes the total well-being of its people, proving that sustainable success is achieved not by adhering to old rules but by boldly forging a new path.