Pillar of the Month: Sara Quezada – The Power of Anticipation

At Hire Up, we believe in celebrating the traits that make our team members truly exceptional. This month, we’re spotlighting Sara Quezada as our Anticipator; a standout example of what it means to think ahead, act with intention, and lead with foresight.

What It Means to Be an Anticipator

In Be the Unicorn, William Vanderbloemen describes the Anticipator as someone who doesn’t just react. They prepare, predict, and prevent. These individuals are always a few steps ahead, spotting patterns, asking the right questions, and solving problems before they even arise.

Sara embodies this mindset with grace and determination.

“Becoming an Anticipator is my current focus. I’ve realized how often I react instead of prepare. This chapter challenged me to think ahead—spot patterns, ask smarter questions, and prevent problems before they happen.”
— Sara Quezada

From Reactive to Proactive

Sara’s reflection is a powerful reminder that anticipation isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things smarter. It’s about shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, and that shift doesn’t happen overnight. It takes intentionality, awareness, and a willingness to grow.

“It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing things smarter. I’m working on shifting from reactive to proactive—one intentional step at a time.”

We’re proud to have team members like Sara who are not only committed to their own growth but also inspire others to elevate their thinking and lead with purpose.

Congratulations, Sara!

Your journey toward becoming an Anticipator is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to celebrate your progress. Keep leading the way one intentional step at a time.

A New Chapter Begins: Monica Prudhume Promoted to Branch Manager of the Fresno Office

We’re excited to share some fantastic news—Monica Prudhume has been promoted to Branch Manager of our Fresno office!

Monica joined Hire Up Staffing as an Account Manager on our Central California team, bringing with her over 16 years of experience in the dental field. Her transition into recruitment just two years ago was seamless, thanks to her deep understanding of people’s needs and her unwavering passion for helping others succeed.

Since joining our team, Monica has consistently demonstrated exceptional customer service, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on both job seekers and employers. Her ability to connect with clients and candidates alike has made her a standout team member and a trusted partner in the staffing process.

In her new role as Branch Manager, Monica will lead the Fresno office with the same dedication and enthusiasm that have defined her career. She’s eager to continue growing professionally, expanding her knowledge, and supporting her team in a collaborative and empowering environment.

We’re incredibly proud of Monica and can’t wait to see all the great things she’ll accomplish in this new role. Please join us in congratulating her on this exciting promotion!

Celebrating Growth: Kali Hanson Promoted to Account Manager

We’re thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of Kali Hanson to Account Manager, overseeing our Sales Operations for the Austin, Texas and Mississippi area!

Kali has been an integral part of our team, most recently serving as our Recruiting Assistant. Her journey has been marked by a deep passion for connecting top-tier talent with the right opportunities. With a keen understanding of both client needs and candidate potential, Kali has consistently delivered exceptional results, building lasting relationships and making impactful placements.

In her new role, Kali will bring her recruiting expertise, strategic mindset, and personal touch to a broader scope; ensuring our clients in Austin and Mississippi continue to receive the outstanding service and support they’ve come to expect.

Kali’s promotion is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and the vibrant energy she brings to everything she does. We’re excited to see her thrive in this new chapter and continue making a difference for our clients and candidates alike.

Please join us in congratulating Kali on this exciting next step in her career!

Hire Up Staffing’s Health & Wellness Day: A Celebration of Team Spirit and Self-Care

On Friday, May 30th, our California and Texas offices came together for a day that was all about balance—boosting productivity while prioritizing wellness. And let’s just say, we had a blast doing it!

From the moment the day kicked off, the energy was contagious. Team members showed up in their best workout gear, ready to stretch, move, and take on the day with a healthy mindset. Whether it was a solo yoga session, a group stretch break, or a quick walk around the block, everyone found their own way to get moving.

We saw colorful, nutritious lunches shared in our group chat—everything from vibrant salads to protein-packed snacks. It was inspiring to see how creative (and delicious!) healthy eating can be when we put a little thought into it.

Midday brought a moment of calm with guided meditations. Some of us took a few quiet minutes alone, while others gathered in small groups to breathe, reset, and refocus. It was a powerful reminder of how just a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference in our day.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hire Up event without a little friendly competition! Throughout the day, we tracked our activities and workplace wins, earning points for everything from interviews and placements to hydration and hitting KPIs. The highlight? Our Health & Wellness-themed trivia game—a fast-paced, laugh-filled showdown that tested our knowledge and brought out our competitive sides.

At the end of the day, one lucky winner walked away with a Wellness Gift Basket, but honestly, we all gained something valuable: a renewed sense of connection, motivation, and well-being.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

Health & Wellness Day reminded us that taking care of ourselves doesn’t have to be complicated. Small actions—like drinking more water, taking a stretch break, or sharing a healthy meal—can have a big impact. Let’s keep these habits going and continue to support each other in creating a workplace where wellness and success go hand in hand.

Meet Keishaye Woods – Recruiting Assistant at Hire Up Staffing Corporate!

We’re excited to introduce Keishaye Woods, our newest Recruiting Assistant based out of the Corporate office at Hire Up Staffing!

Keishaye brings a background rich in customer service, data management, and CRM systems, and she’s now stepping into the fast-paced world of staffing with a passion for people and a love for organized systems. With her detail-oriented nature and natural problem-solving skills, she’s already making an impact by helping streamline hiring efforts across multiple industries.

What makes her role extra special? Keishaye is the human behind all of our web applicant interactions—a task that many staffing companies outsource overseas. At Hire Up, we believe in keeping every touchpoint personal, and Keishaye embodies that value with every interaction. She supports our high-performing recruiters and account managers by helping ensure each candidate and client experience is smooth, responsive, and full of heart.

Originally from Modesto and a graduate of Modesto Junior College, Keishaye is driven to grow within Hire Up and hopes to one day travel to our locations nationwide. Her favorite quote, from her father, is:

“Constantly apply yourself. Nobody is responsible for you but you—so make smart decisions and be wise about every one you make.”

Outside of work, Keishaye lives life vibrantly. She loves cooking, makeup, road trips, dancing, and all things pink. Her go-to treat? Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory, a caramel frappe, or a glass of dessert wine to wind down after a long week. And if there’s a country playlist or horror movie on, you can bet she’s happy!

Fun fact: She’s also a serious collector of purses, heels, and sunglasses—with a collection valued at over $3,000!

Keishaye says that working at Hire Up has truly changed her life, and we’re so proud to have her on board. Her smile is infectious, and her commitment to helping others succeed makes her a rising star in our organization.

Welcome to the team, Keishaye!

Pillar of the Month: Rebecca – The Agile Leader

At Hire Up Staffing, we continue to spotlight team members who exemplify the values that drive our success. This month, we’re proud to recognize Rebecca as our Pillar of the Month for living out the spirit of “The Agile”—a key chapter in our Be The Unicorn journey.

What It Means to Be Agile

Agility isn’t just about moving quickly—it’s about moving intelligently, adaptively, and with purpose. In today’s fast-paced world of staffing and leadership, being agile means staying flexible, embracing change, and navigating uncertainty with confidence.

Rebecca has shown time and again that she doesn’t just keep up—she leads the way.

Rebecca’s Agile Mindset in Action

Whether she’s responding to shifting client needs, adapting to new technologies, or guiding her team through unexpected challenges, Rebecca approaches every situation with a calm, solutions-focused mindset. She’s not afraid to pivot, rethink, or reimagine the path forward.

Her agility shows up in how she:

Embraces change as an opportunity, not a setback.
Stays curious and open to new ideas.
Responds quickly without sacrificing quality.
Supports her team through transitions with empathy and clarity.
Learns continuously, always looking for ways to improve.

How You Can Be More Agile

Rebecca’s example reminds us that agility is a skill we can all develop. Here are a few ways to strengthen your own agile mindset:

Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to try new approaches and consider different perspectives.
Be Comfortable with Uncertainty: Focus on what you can control and adapt as needed.
Act Quickly, Learn Fast: Don’t wait for perfect—take action, learn, and adjust.
Encourage Flexibility in Others: Support your team in navigating change with confidence.
Reflect and Refine: Regularly assess what’s working and what needs to evolve.

Final Thoughts

Rebecca’s ability to lead with agility is a powerful asset to our team. Her flexibility, resilience, and forward-thinking approach help us stay ahead in a constantly evolving industry. She reminds us that being agile isn’t just about reacting—it’s about thriving in change.

Congratulations, Rebecca, on being our March Pillar of the Month!

Pillar of the Month: Carrie – The Power of Authenticity

At Hire Up Staffing, we celebrate individuals who lead with heart, purpose, and integrity. This month, we’re proud to recognize Carrie as our Pillar of the Month for truly embodying “The Authentic”, a core chapter in our Be The Unicorn journey.

What Makes Carrie “The Authentic”?

Chapter 2 of Be The Unicorn explores the importance of authenticity in leadership—being true to yourself, your values, and your voice. For Carrie, this chapter struck a deep chord.

“Chapter 2, The Authentic, in Be The Unicorn has really resonated with me. It underscores the vital importance of authenticity in leadership—being true to yourself.”

Carrie lives this every day by:

Letting her genuine personality shine through.
Expressing herself openly and honestly.
Making decisions that reflect her true desires, not external expectations.
Setting healthy boundaries and saying “no” when something doesn’t align with her values.
Acting with integrity, even when no one is watching.

A Quote That Guides Her

Carrie keeps a powerful quote from Joan Jett on her vision board:

“Just be yourself and everything will fall in line, the way it’s supposed to be. If you’re yourself, that’s the best thing you can do, because you can never go ‘damn if I’d only been myself.’”

This quote captures the essence of how Carrie leads—with courage, clarity, and a commitment to living without regrets.

How You Can Be More Like Carrie

Carrie’s authenticity is a reminder that leadership starts with self-awareness and self-respect. Here are a few ways to embrace authenticity in your own journey:

Know Your Core Values: Let them guide your decisions.
Speak Your Truth: Be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy.
Live with Integrity: Do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
Let Go of the Mask: You don’t need to be perfect—just real.

Final Thoughts

Carrie’s leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her authenticity inspires trust, fosters connection, and sets a powerful example for us all. She reminds us that being yourself isn’t just enough—it’s everything.

Congratulations, Carrie, on being our February Pillar of the Month!