SANFORD - Giselle Delgado, Human Resource Management student at Central Carolina Community College, is the first recipient of the Rising Star Award presented by the N.C. Society for Human Resource Management (NCSHRM). This award recognizes an emerging professional in the career field of Human Resources.

The Rising Star Award is sponsored by Paula Harvey, a past president of NCSHRM. The award, which includes a trophy and monetary gift, was presented during the NCSHRM State Conference held Oct. 12-14 in Winston-Salem.

NCSHRM's mission is to "enrich and inspire the HR profession and stakeholders by providing leadership, connections, development, advocacy and resources." Delgado will serve on the 2023 NCSHRM State Council as a member of the emerging professional committee.

Delgado was nominated by Shirley Rijkse, CCCC Lead Instructor of HR/Business and HR Club Advisor. "Giselle is a true example of hard work and perseverance while on her journey here at CCCC. Her story is a special one," said Rijkse.

"I am truly honored to be the first recipient of the Rising Star Award," said Delgado, noting that she would have never guessed she would receive such a prestigious honor. "This award further cements my belief that I chose the right career path."

Delgado started out in entry level manufacturing and in retail.

Delgado chose CCCC to pursue her education. "I chose CCCC because it is a reputable school and close to home. It is also affordable enough for me to explore different courses and decide what I wanted to pursue," she said, adding that attending a community college was always a part of her plan.

While pursuing her degree at CCCC, she became the first Human Resources Apprentice and worked at Moen in its HR Department. During her apprenticeship, Delgado worked on wellness programs and employee engagement strategies.

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn a highly-skilled trade. North Carolina's Apprenticeship program is now managed by the North Carolina Community College System.

Delgado says she is beyond appreciative of the staff at CCCC. "Everyone is willing to help students achieve success and they truly want what's best for their students," she said, giving special tribute to Shirley Rijkse and her advisor Daniel Berndt.

"We are proud of Giselle for her accomplishments. The Business Technologies Department is committed to connecting students and community to facilitate student success stories," said Dr. Maryann Aucompaugh, CCCC Business Department Chair.

Delgado recently started a job as HR Technician for the City of Apex. Her new co-workers attended the conference.

Delgado is completing her education at CCCC with plans to transfer and obtain her bachelor's degree.

"I plan on continuing to learn and grow within the HR community," said Delgado. "I have met numerous talented HR professionals and I hope to gain as much knowledge as I can from them."

She is very complimentary of the CCCC Human Resources Management program. "The CCCC Human Resources Management Program means so much to me because it has truly changed my life. Going from a high school graduate that had no idea what she wanted to do with her life to earning an HR apprenticeship and receiving an HR award is mind boggling to me," she said. "There is so much opportunity for students in this program and I hope to spread the word about it to other students in the future."

Learn more about the CCCC Human Resources Management program at www.cccc.edu/curriculum/program-info-sheets/CCCC-Program-Info-Business_Administration_Human_Resources_Management.pdf

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.