I’m Elga Lejarza, a dedicated HR professional with 30 years of experience and the proud founder and CEO of HRTrainingClasses.com and HRDevelop.com. My journey began in Nicaragua, where I was born and raised, and in 1980, I moved to the United States, eventually finding my home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, alongside my supportive family. My passion for HR started early on, driven by a deep interest in employment law and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Over the years, I held roles as an HR Manager, HR Generalist, and Regional HR Manager, which gave me invaluable experience and the motivation to start my own business. With hard work, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, I launched HRTrainingClasses.com and HRDevelop.com to provide comprehensive HR certification programs and training. I’m grateful to have helped thousands of HR professionals achieve their certification and thrive in their careers, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to the growth and confidence of so many individuals in our field. I live with my two sons, my biological son, Henry, and my adoptive son, Zach, along with my furry baby, Meeka—a sweet and super active Siberian Husky who keeps us all on our toes!
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I was born in Nicaragua, a country I’m incredibly proud to call part of my heritage. In 1980, my family and I moved to Miami, which I’ve always considered my hometown in the U.S., where I grew up surrounded by its vibrant energy and warmth. My journey then took me to Southern California, where I lived for three years, and afterward, to South Carolina, where I spent 14 wonderful years. But my adventure didn’t end there—I made my way to Missouri for a four-year stint before finally returning to South Carolina, my “second home.” I absolutely love it here; the people are friendly, the southern culture is warm and inviting, and there’s a sense of community that just can’t be beat. After all this moving around, I’ve decided I’m officially done with packing boxes—I’m a tree now! My roots are firmly planted in South Carolina, and this is where I belong.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I’ve had the pleasure of living and working in The Golden Strip for a total of 16 amazing years! Initially, I spent 14 years here, and after returning two years ago, it’s been even more rewarding to be back. Simpsonville, SC, is a beautiful place with an incredible community, and I couldn’t be prouder to call it home!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Something that might surprise even my closest friends and family is that when I first started in HR, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer! Almost 30 years ago, I set a goal to become incredibly knowledgeable in employment laws, and while I didn’t pursue a law degree, that passion for understanding and navigating legal intricacies has been a driving force in my HR career. It’s helped me become the effective and dedicated HR professional I am today—always advocating, guiding, and protecting.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
The most interesting person I’ve met here in The Golden Strip is undoubtedly my marketing specialist, Stephanie. She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table, constantly coming up with new ideas to boost my sales and make my business thrive. I feel so fortunate not only to have her professional expertise backing me but also to have her as a friend. Stephanie shows genuine care and compassion, always there to lift my spirits when I’m feeling down or facing obstacles. Her encouragement and positivity give me the boost I need, and I truly couldn’t ask for a better partner on this journey.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The local business that makes me most nostalgic about The Golden Strip is the Walgreens Distribution Center. In 2006, Walgreens relocated me from Southern California to South Carolina to help open the Anderson Distribution Center, a move that introduced me to this wonderful community. It’s been eight years since I cut the corporate umbilical cord and left Walgreens to pursue my dream in entrepreneurship, but I still miss my Walgreens coworkers and, most of all, the incredible experience of working with close to 400 individuals with physical and mental disabilities. That opportunity taught me so much about the value of inclusivity and deeply shaped my passion for the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act, ADAAA, of 2009. It’s an experience I hold close to my heart.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
One of my favorite things about The Golden Strip is the warmth and friendliness of the community. There’s something truly special about the way people here support one another and treat everyone like family. The Southern hospitality and sense of connection in Simpsonville and the surrounding areas create an atmosphere that’s welcoming and genuinely uplifting. It’s a unique place where you can always find a friendly face, and I’m grateful to call it home.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
A “new to me” place I recently tried is Cedar Lake Animal Hospital, which isn’t new to the area but is conveniently located right next door to my new office. My husky, Meeka, had been struggling with constant itching and pulling her hair for two years, and despite treatments from another vet, we saw no progress. I decided to give Cedar Lake a try, and after just one visit, they diagnosed my poor fur baby with anxiety. Within a week, I noticed a remarkable improvement, and it’s amazing to see Meeka doing so well! I’m incredibly grateful to have such a caring and effective vet just a few steps away.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
When I think of the word home or neighbor, three phrases come to mind: warmth, support, and community connection.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
If I had friends or family visiting from out of town, I’d definitely take them to the warm and cozy downtown Simpsonville to experience its charm and friendly atmosphere. And, of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to downtown Greenville for a walk by the breathtaking Falls Park on the Reedy River. It’s such a beautiful spot, and the views are truly incredible—a perfect way to showcase the natural beauty and vibrant community of our area!
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
If I had a free day with no plans, well, you’d still probably find me working! I’m a bit of a workaholic, and honestly, designing and developing new training programs is my therapy—it genuinely relaxes me. Lately, I’ve also started a Sunday tradition of cooking a fresh soup with meat and vegetables that my two sons are absolutely addicted to. So, if I’m not at my desk, you’ll likely find me in the kitchen, stirring up that soup and making everyone happy!
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Sorry, handsome movie stars, but I’d have to pass! My choice for a co-star would only be one of my sons, my father, or one of my brothers—no Hollywood heartthrob could compete with that family dynamic. They’d keep me laughing, and we’d probably have way more fun and bloopers than any blockbuster could handle.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
There are so many things still on my bucket list! Professionally, I’m driven to keep expanding HRTrainingClasses.com and reach new milestones that I’ve set for myself. On the personal side, a dream trip to Italy with my family is definitely high on the list. Between building the business and planning that Italian adventure, I’ve got plenty to keep me inspired and excited!
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
My advice to a crowd of people would be to always approach life with kindness, resilience, and an open heart. Remember that every person you meet is fighting their own battles, so extend grace and compassion whenever you can. And never stop learning—growth keeps us connected, humble, and ready for new opportunities. Embrace each challenge as a chance to become stronger, and remember, kindness will always leave a lasting impact.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
I’d love to see my marketing specialist, Stephanie Acker, nominated for The Faces of The Golden Strip! Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to everything she does, always coming up with innovative ways to help my business thrive. Beyond her professional expertise, she’s an incredible friend who supports me in both my work and personal journey, lifting my spirits when I need it most. She truly embodies the spirit of The Golden Strip with her kindness, dedication, and positive energy.
