Danielle Marie Siwek is a strategic human resources leader known for her steady advancement in complex, fast-paced organizations.
Based in Mound, Minnesota, she has built a career characterized by adaptability, people-oriented leadership and a clear understanding of how companies grow.
She began her career at Village Automotive Group, where she quickly progressed from an HR intern to a generalist. She gained practical experience supporting employees and management teams at multiple locations early on. This foundation shaped her practical approach to HR and business operations.
In 2019, Danielle moved to Open Systems International (OSI) where her career took off. After OSI was acquired by Emerson, she took on increasing responsibility and progressed from HR generalist to supervisor and later manager. During this time, she worked on organizational change, helping teams manage integration and transform business structures.
Her role evolved again when she took on the position of Human Resources Business Partner at AspenTech. There she focused on aligning HR strategy with business goals. When the company was reacquired by Emerson in 2025, she was promoted to Principal HRBP.
In 2026, Danielle assumed her current role as strategic planner within Emerson’s Measurement Solutions group. In this position, she operates at a higher level and assists with workforce planning and long-term organizational strategy.
In addition to her career, Danielle remains committed to community partnerships and personal development. Her work with organizations such as the Red Cross and Soles 4 Souls reflects her focus on impact beyond the workplace. She also completes a 300-hour yoga teacher training, strengthening her interest in balance and long-term well-being.
Interview: Danielle Marie Siwek on building a career in modern HR
Danielle Marie Siwek: From HR basics to strategic leadership
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you to a career in human resources?
I didn’t start with a solid plan at first. In college, I studied business administration with a concentration in HR, but what really shaped my direction was the practical experience. During my senior year, I completed an internship at Village Automotive Group. There I saw the impact HR has on people every day. It’s not just politics. It’s about problem solving, communication and helping teams work better together.
Q: You stayed with Village Automotive Group after your internship. What did you learn in those early roles?
Lots of practical skills. I started as an intern and moved into a generalist role pretty quickly. I worked at different locations in Wayzata and Maplewood, so I was exposed to different teams and challenges. This taught me how to be flexible while supporting employees and managers.
Q: In 2019 you moved to Open Systems International. What was the trigger for this transition?
I was ready for a new environment and more complexity. OSI was in a growth phase and that meant more opportunities to take on responsibility. Not long after I joined, Emerson took over the company. That changed everything.
Q: How has this acquisition shaped your career?
It sped it up. During this time I developed from a generalist to a supervisor and then to a manager. We looked at integration, new systems and evolving structures. It forced me to think beyond day-to-day HR and focus on how decisions impact the entire organization.
Q: You later took on the role of Human Resources Business Partner at AspenTech. How was that different?
It was more strategic. As an HRBP, you don’t just react to problems. They work with leadership to plan ahead. They look at staffing needs, team structure and long-term goals. It’s about the alignment between people and business strategy.
Q: Then another move back to Emerson occurred in 2025. What has changed at this point?
When Emerson recaptured the company, I took a senior HRBP role. That meant more personal responsibility and greater scope for action. I worked closely with senior leaders and helped make decisions that affected entire business areas.
Q: You are now a strategic planner in Emerson’s Measurement Solutions group. What does this role entail?
It is a step further towards strategy. My focus is on human resources planning and organizational design. Instead of reacting to changes, I help with planning. It’s about ensuring the company has the right people in the right roles at the right time.
Q: Looking back, how did your early experiences prepare you for this level of responsibility?
Moving into a hands-on role made a huge difference. I understand the daily challenges employees face. This perspective will stay with you as you take on more strategic positions. It ensures that your decisions remain grounded.
Q: Outside of your work, you continue to be involved in community partnerships. Why is this important to you?
It keeps things balanced. I have worked with organizations such as the Red Cross, Soles 4 Souls and Bridging. These experiences remind you that impact goes beyond business results. It’s about making a meaningful contribution.
Q: You also complete a 300-hour yoga teacher training. How does this fit into your career?
It helps with concentration and resilience. HR can be demanding, especially in times of change. Yoga taught me how to deal with stress and stay present. This carries over into the way I lead and make decisions.
Q: Finally, what has been the biggest lesson from your career so far?
Stay adaptable. Every big step in my career came from being open to change. Whether it was an acquisition or a new role, growth came from embracing uncertainty, not avoiding it.
