Renee M. Stewart, is the assistant vice president of human resources at Yang Ming America Corporation, based in Houston, Texas. With a strong foundation in human resources and a deep commitment to fostering positive work environments, Ms. Stewart has built a distinguished human resources management career spanning over two decades. She is pivotal in driving the strategic direction of the company’s human resources initiatives, ensuring compliance with policies, enhancing employee morale, and cultivating an ethical and inclusive workplace culture.
Ms. Stewart earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business management, specializing in human resources, from the University of Phoenix in 2007. Over the years, she has accumulated numerous certifications showcasing her expertise and professional growth dedication. These include her certification as a professional in human resources from the HR Certification Institute in 2008 and her designation as a SHRM certified professional from the Society for Human Resource Management in 2009. As a certified executive coach and Core Energy Coaching, COR.E, leadership dynamics specialist through iPEC Coaching in 2024, she continues expanding her leadership development and coaching skill set.
Ms. Stewart began working as a regional human resources manager at Yang Ming America Corporation in 2009. She oversaw HR operations across multiple regions, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth. After nearly a decade in this position, she was promoted to senior human resources manager in 2017 before becoming assistant vice president in 2020. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Stewart has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to improving workplace dynamics and advocating for the employees she represents. When she first joined the organization, the Houston office had a predominantly Taiwanese workforce with minimal representation from other ethnic groups. As the only African American employee in the office, Ms. Stewart recognized the need for greater diversity and inclusivity. Over time, through her efforts, the office’s demographics shifted significantly, with the percentage of Taiwanese employees reducing from 90% to 45%, while the representation of African American, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups increased substantially. This change has fostered a more inclusive and dynamic environment, reflecting the diverse communities the company serves.
Ms. Stewart is also passionate about coaching and mentoring. Her natural inclination toward helping others led her to establish a coaching business, which she plans to transition into full-time over the next three to five years. She is in the process of training her successor at Yang Ming so that she can focus more on executive leadership coaching, especially in areas like sales training and talent development. In addition to her work at Yang Ming America, Ms. Stewart serves as president of Renewed Home Solutions LLC, a role she has held since 2012. She also launched a podcast called True Talk Cafe in 2021, discussing topics relevant to professionals and entrepreneurs, such as personal branding, mental health, talent acquisition, and financial management. Through the podcast, she provides listeners with valuable insights and practical advice, drawing from her extensive experience in leadership and human resources.
Ms. Stewart’s involvement extends beyond her professional commitments. She is actively engaged in civic and charitable efforts, serving on the executive board of Archway Academy, a Houston-based recovery high school, and as vice president of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Texas Diversity Council. Additionally, she is a regional advisory board member of NPower, a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans and young adults from underserved communities through technology skills training and job opportunities. Her dedication to leadership and diversity was recognized in 2021 when she received the prestigious “Women Who Mean Business” award from the Houston Business Journal. This accolade highlights Ms. Stewart’s impact on the business community and her role in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ms. Stewart prioritizes the importance of creating a work environment in which employees feel valued and supported. She is known for her ability to listen attentively to employees’ concerns and needs, working to bridge gaps and ensure that they can bring their whole selves to work. Ms. Stewart is particularly proud of this holistic approach to employee management, as it aligns with her philosophy of extending grace and understanding to help individuals succeed.
One of Ms. Stewart’s proudest achievements at Yang Ming America was creating the company’s Leadership Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to foster leadership skills and development within the organization, the academy currently has two cohorts of participants. Ms. Stewart oversees the program’s administrative aspects, with four facilitators assisting in delivering the curriculum. The Leadership Academy reflects her commitment to empowering employees to grow into leadership roles and her belief in investing in people as a key to organizational success.
Ms. Stewart intends to continue her work in coaching and leadership development. In the short term, she is focusing on transitioning into executive leadership coaching within Yang Ming America, allowing her to step back from day-to-day HR operations and concentrate on creating training programs that enhance employee engagement and performance. Long term, she envisions building her coaching business, which she sees as an opportunity to help more individuals reach their professional potential. She believes that her purpose is to help people advance in their careers or discover new directions. Her strength in conflict management and willingness to address uncomfortable situations head-on have earned her a reputation as a skilled mediator and problem solver.
Outside of work, Ms. Stewart enjoys salsa and tap dancing, hobbies that allow her to stay active and express her creativity. These activities reflect her lively and fun-loving personality, which she brings into the workplace to foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for her colleagues. She is also known for organizing team-building activities, such as the office’s version of the Olympics, which helps boost morale and camaraderie among staff.
Ms. Stewart attributes much of her success to the strong work ethic instilled in her by her parents and her faith in God. She views her work as a calling, and she approaches each day with a sense of purpose and determination. Her belief in the power of faith and hard work has guided her through her challenges and continues to drive her toward new accomplishments. Her commitment to fostering inclusive, ethical, and empowering workplaces has set a standard for others to follow, and her work in human resources continues to shape the industry’s future.