Elisa Misenas-Fidaleo: When a Career Transition Becomes a True Passion

Elisa Misenas-Fidaleo found her way to the HR function via the finance department.

The current manager of human resources with West Basin Municipal Water District (WBMWD) in Carson, Calif., Misenas-Fidaleo started out as an accountant.

She worked in accounting with Monogram Sanitation in Carson for six years, from September 1995 to September 2001, when she left to take an accounting role with WBMWD.

While working at West Basin Municipal Water District, Misenas-Fidaleo was given the opportunity to pursue her bachelor’s degree through the District’s educational assistance program.

As she worked toward her degree in business administration and operations management from Washington State University, several of her courses introduced her to the field of human resources.

“Those courses really opened my eyes to HR,” she says. “The more I learned about the field, the more I found myself gravitating toward the subject matter. I began to realize that HR was much more aligned with my personality, my interests and the way I naturally connected with people. It gave me a completely different perspective on where my career could go.”

When an opportunity eventually became available to transition from finance into a position as a human resources analyst in the District’s HR department, Misenas-Fidaleo decided to take a chance. She started in that role in November 2011.

Her responsibilities grew over the years, along with her knowledge of the District’s HR programs. When the manager of human resources position became available, Misenas-Fidaleo was given the opportunity to lead the department, and she was promoted to the role in March 2023.

Misenas-Fidaleo discovered early on in her HR career “how much I genuinely enjoyed working with employees and being part of creating a workplace where people feel valued, included and supported.

“I found a real sense of purpose in helping foster an environment where employees not only want to come to work, but where they also feel they belong and have the opportunity to grow and succeed,” she continues. “Over time, what started as a career transition became a true passion for me.”

That passion helped lead Misenas-Fidaleo to PSHRA, which she joined in August 2025.

Her first thought upon becoming a member was, “finally, an HR association specifically for the public sector!”

“There are different regulations, processes and workplace issues that are specific to public sector HR. Finding PSHRA has truly been a blessing,” she says.

“I especially appreciate having access to a community and forum where I can ask questions, share experiences and learn from other HR professionals who understand the complexities of working in the public sector. Sometimes, only another public sector HR professional truly understands the challenges we face.”

With plans to retire in the near future, Misenas-Fidaleo looks forward to mentoring and preparing her staff to carry the work they’ve done forward.

“I want to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career while also encouraging them to find their own path, develop their own strengths and grow within the HR profession and the water industry,” she says.

“For me, leaving a positive legacy means knowing that I helped others succeed and gave them the foundation and confidence to continue growing long after I retire.”