It is our Mission is to empower businesses by strengthening employer-employee relationships through a robust HR infrastructure. We achieve this by reviewing and enhancing HR practices, implementing equitable talent management programs, and helping to attract and retain top talent—all while mitigating risk to ensure a harmonious and resilient workplace.
Our Vision is to be recognized as an effective, impactful, and trust-worthy HR partner, by both employers and employees. We want to put an end to the stigma that HR is to be avoided or that their sole purpose is to protect the employer. Real HR Hero works for the employee and the employer!
Our purpose is to provide real-life, practical HR support to small and mid-sized businesses with customized HR support services that are both accessible and impactful, allowing them to bring the employer and employee together towards a common goal – success!
Ask us about them!
1. Unconventional Lifelong Learner
2. Compassionate
3. Committed
4. Innovative
5. Fun

Real HR Hero founder and HR Consultant Tonyel Thompson has over 15 years of progressive HR experience, including serving as the Director of Human Resources for a global technology company.
She started her human resources career in payroll, but quickly realized that human resources was much more than transactional, but instead strategic. She believes that employees are a company’s number one asset! The president of a former employer often stated, which she wholeheartedly agrees – ‘if you treat your employees well, they will instinctively treat your customers well.’
Real HR Hero is Tonyel’s dream job because she has the opportunity to help various businesses create and maintain cohesive and people oriented talent management programs - working with business leaders who envision being an employer of choice.
Tonyel grew up in the Twin Cities (St. Paul/Minneapolis) with nine siblings. As the middle child, she was pulled in so many directions – negotiator, leader, and servant (😊), which is probably why it was easy for her to fall into human resources. Growing up, her parents did not doubt that she would be an attorney, fighting for people’s rights. But she believes Human Resources is much more fun – she gets to be proactive rather than reactive! She prefers to live in the grey but understands when things are just black and white.
Tonyel has two children and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. She loves music, hiking (when it’s not too hot), and making creative plant-based meals with her family.

Molly has over a decade of Human Resources experience that started in hospitality, moved into technical staffing surrounding the aerospace industry, and landed in non-profit healthcare before she accepted the HR Advisor position at Real HR Hero. Before Molly entered a world of employee engagement, she worked in the event planning industry
Molly has over a decade of Human Resources experience that started in hospitality, moved into technical staffing surrounding the aerospace industry, and landed in non-profit healthcare before she accepted the HR Advisor position at Real HR Hero. Before Molly entered a world of employee engagement, she worked in the event planning industry where she developed a passion for design and coordination.
Molly and her husband have two young children, both born during the global pandemic. When Molly isn’t dreaming of a nap, she is enjoying time with her family & friends, good music, her Peloton bike, a juicy podcast, great new restaurants, and of course wine and design 😊.

Adrienne Egleston is a seasoned professional in the field of Human Resources, bringing 15 years of diverse experience to the table. Her career initially kicked off in the realms of accounting and finance after completing her undergraduate degree in business. However, it didn't take long for her to recognize that her true calling lay in a
Adrienne Egleston is a seasoned professional in the field of Human Resources, bringing 15 years of diverse experience to the table. Her career initially kicked off in the realms of accounting and finance after completing her undergraduate degree in business. However, it didn't take long for her to recognize that her true calling lay in a different direction – Human Resources. Her transition into the field of HR was seamless, with Adrienne demonstrating a natural affinity for the intricacies of human resource management. Known for her quick grasp of HR concepts and a genuine love for continuous learning, Adrienne has established herself as a valuable asset in the organizations she has served.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, her personal life is similarly fulfilling; Adrienne is a proud sister to a family of four strong, independent women. Among four siblings, each is unique in their own way. She is married and mother to five children, which made for a lively and close-knit household.

Cynthia has 19 years of Human Resources experience that started in the studio entertainment industry, transitioned into hospitality, and subsequently moved into HR consulting before she accepted the HR Advisor position at Real HR Hero.

With 18 years in Human Resources, Kacey brings extensive experience across industries like hospitality, production, luxury automotive and consulting environments. Raised in Napa, she’s cultivated a strong appreciation for community, teamwork and growth, values she carries into every HR partnership. Her deep expertise spans employee relati
With 18 years in Human Resources, Kacey brings extensive experience across industries like hospitality, production, luxury automotive and consulting environments. Raised in Napa, she’s cultivated a strong appreciation for community, teamwork and growth, values she carries into every HR partnership. Her deep expertise spans employee relations, culture development, strategic HR planning and business-aligned talent solutions. Outside of work, Kacey enjoys spending time with her family and three teenagers.
Kacey thrives on game nights, hosting friends and family, golfing and watching a good scary movie. By combining a people-first mindset with business acumen, she helps organizations create engaged, inclusive workforces while staying aligned with their goals.

Lena was a stay-at-home mom for many years raising her four children with her husband while she worked part-time jobs and went to school. She graduated from California State University at San Marcos with a degree in liberal studies and Spanish and a few years later, earned a master’s degree in executive leadership from the University of S
Lena was a stay-at-home mom for many years raising her four children with her husband while she worked part-time jobs and went to school. She graduated from California State University at San Marcos with a degree in liberal studies and Spanish and a few years later, earned a master’s degree in executive leadership from the University of San Diego.
She started her professional career in education working as a teacher and in leadership. Supporting and leading others laid the foundation for a natural transition into the field of Human Resources where she now has over ten years of progressive experience. She began her HR career working for a non-profit hospice and also worked in the manufacturing industry before starting her role as an HR Advisor for Real HR Hero.
Lena values time spent with family and friends and lives her life “one day at a time” with a focus on learning something new every day. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Nikki brings over a decade of experience across hospitality, property management, startups, nonprofits, and consulting. She thrives on untangling complex HR challenges, digging deep to uncover root causes and craft strategic, long-term solutions. For her, the most rewarding part of HR is navigating the gray areas—where answers aren’t alwa
Nikki brings over a decade of experience across hospitality, property management, startups, nonprofits, and consulting. She thrives on untangling complex HR challenges, digging deep to uncover root causes and craft strategic, long-term solutions. For her, the most rewarding part of HR is navigating the gray areas—where answers aren’t always clear at first, but with the right perspective and patience, everything falls into place.
Her passion lies in Learning & Development and HR technology, leveraging modern tools to make HR more efficient, automated, and people focused. Whether it’s building training programs or refining processes, she’s always looking for ways to help teams work smarter, not harder.
Outside of HR, Nikki enjoys yoga, hiking, and getting lost in a good book. She loves adventure—scuba diving, skydiving, paddleboarding—and believes that great energy and the right mindset can turn any challenge into an opportunity.

Alli has several years of experience working with online businesses doing everything from personal assistance to business optimization to podcasting. She graduated from the University of Iowa with an English degree and has pursued a career in Online Business Support ever since. She loves working with small businesses to help ensure their
Alli has several years of experience working with online businesses doing everything from personal assistance to business optimization to podcasting. She graduated from the University of Iowa with an English degree and has pursued a career in Online Business Support ever since. She loves working with small businesses to help ensure their success and growth and believes that there is no stopping a team of talented, highly motivated individuals pursuing their passions.
She grew up in Iowa which sparked her interest in traveling, exploring new places, meeting people, and in her free time, she loves backpacking, scuba diving, and eating as much plant-based food as she can track down!

Eryn works at the intersection of sales, marketing, and operations, helping strengthen client relationships and support business growth. Drawing on her background in talent marketing and HR, she brings strong organizational skills and attention to detail to everything she does. Her work spans client communication, internal operations, and
Eryn works at the intersection of sales, marketing, and operations, helping strengthen client relationships and support business growth. Drawing on her background in talent marketing and HR, she brings strong organizational skills and attention to detail to everything she does. Her work spans client communication, internal operations, and cross-team collaboration - making sure the right people are connected and projects move forward seamlessly. A polyglot who loves learning languages, Eryn is drawn to the nuances of communication in all forms.
Based in Chicago, she spends her free time exploring waterfall trails, practicing archery, and capturing the world through her film camera.
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