If you are ready to take the next step in advancing your HR career, join us as we prepare to take the PHR/SPHR exam.  

To assist you in your preparation NHRA St. Louis offers a complimentary benefit for our members, the NHRA PHR/SPHR Study Group. Non-NHRA members may join for a fee. 

This is a structured support system and educational setting for those members who are interested in pursuing PHR and SPHR certification. Exams can be taken any date of the year.

This group will meet once a week on Thursday evenings starting September 4, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm CST. 

This is an excellent forum for HR certification exam prep support, learning and motivation - all facilitated by seasoned HR professionals. 

Register below to join us! 

Are you ready to take your HR career to the Next Level? 

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Mentoring Program, designed to empower HR professionals through invaluable connections and insights. 

Whether you're an experienced mentor or a driven mentee, this program offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed together. 

Who is eligible?

All active NHRA members are eligible to participate as a mentor or mentee. 

Program Kick-off in October: 

• Meet your Match and other members 
• Monthly Engagement Activities
• Commit 4 - 6 hours per month over the 6-month program (this includes monthly activities, but actual time commitment may vary by the mentor/mentee match)

Monthly meetings in The Bracket Room at the Holiday Inn, dinner included. 

Register now to become a mentor or mentee! 

Once we receive your registration, we will send a quick survey to ensure that we match you with the perfect mentor. 

Coffee Circles: Solo HR Doesn’t Mean Lonely HR

HR can be one of the most rewarding, and isolating, roles in an organization. Many HR professionals carry the full weight of people, culture, and compliance without the peer support they need to recharge, reflect, or feel understood.

That’s why NHRA and In The Worx are partnering to introduce the NHRA Coffee Circles: a bold, new way to connect members wherever they are.

Each Coffee Circle is a virtual, small-group conversation designed to spark connection, clarity, and community. Facilitated by Elina Kokorotsis, these 60-minute sessions create a safe, supportive space where members can share real challenges, gain fresh perspectives, and walk away with one actionable “shift” they can apply immediately. Despite the name, coffee circles don’t have to take place over coffee. The idea is a casual conversation - much like one you might have over a cup of coffee. While an agenda can help provide some structure to the conversation, the primary goal is to create social connections amongst HR colleagues.

As humans, we’re social creatures.  We need to be in order to survive and thrive. In an age where we’re more digitally connected than ever, it can be harder to cultivate true, meaningful connections.  This session, “Solo HR Doesn’t Mean Lonely HR” launches the first phase of the NHRA x In The Worx collaboration, where together, we’re reimagining what it means to connect, learn, and grow: not just a network, but a community - one conversation (and one coffee or tea) at a time.

Limited Space Available - Sign Up Today! 

Elina Kokorotsis, Founder, In The Worx 

Elina Kokorotsis is an HR4HR coach, educator, and culture builder with over 18 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change with clarity, focus, and heart.

As the Founder of In The Worx, Elina helps HR professionals build the skills of the future. Her work blends strategy with practicality and empathy through initiatives like the the HR4HR transition framework, the Shi[f]t Happens Community, and the Big A$$ Calendar planning tools, all designed to help HR professionals reclaim time, strengthen culture, and lead with intention.

Elina is currently the license holder for DisruptHR ROC and serves as Director of Culture & Development at Acentra Health, where she leads the L&D and employee engagement functions.  Whether she’s facilitating strategy sessions, building communities, or coaching leaders through transitions, Elina’s mission remains the same: to help people and organizations move forward, while their life is #intheworx

Join us for our Fall Legal Update presented by the WNY National Human Resource Association in collaboration with Daniel P. Forsyth, labor and employment lawyer with Bond, Schoeneck & King. 

This is Daniel’s 9^th legal update for the WNY – National Human Resources Association. He has been the exclusive speaker for legal issues since 2015.  We are delighted to have him return to share updates regarding:

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Employment Law Update 2026: What California Employers Need to Know

DATE CHANGE!!  Hope to see you Wednesday, November 5!

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

As 2026 begins, new employment laws and regulations are set to take effect that will significantly impact the workplace. Business owners and human resources professionals must stay ahead of these changes to ensure compliance, reduce risk, and foster positive employee relations.

 

This program will provide a practical overview of the most important legal updates for 2026, including wage and hour developments, workplace safety requirements, employee leave laws, and emerging trends in workplace policies. Attendees will learn how these changes affect their organizations and what proactive steps they can take to adapt their policies, procedures, and practices.

 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and understand the key federal and state employment law changes taking effect in 2026 that impact workplace policies and practices.
2. Assess compliance risks related to wage and hour laws, employee leave, workplace safety, and emerging employment trends.
3. Develop and update HR policies and employee handbooks to align with the new legal requirements.
4. Implement practical compliance strategies to reduce exposure to employment-related claims and litigation.
5. Effectively communicate legal updates to management and employees to ensure organizational-wide understanding and compliance.
6. Apply proactive HR practices to foster a fair, legally compliant, and positive workplace culture in light of 2026 changes.

Ryan Haws EmployLaw Group LLP	Laura Withrow Withrow Employment Law, P.C.

Ryan - Ryan has helped California businesses confidently navigate workplace compliance and employee issues for over fifteen years, first as a litigator, now as a trusted advisor. After years in the litigation trenches, he shifted his focus to preventing legal disputes before they escalate. Throughout his career, he's partnered with hundreds of organizations from startups to established enterprises, crafting clear policies, minimizing risk, and resolving complex employment issues efficiently.

As a consultant first and former litigator second, Ryan approaches client relationships with strategy and a clear understanding of the legal landscape. He stays current on local ordinances, California and federal law, and pending bills, so he can offer proactive, forward-looking advice. Ryan takes the time to understand your business culture and operations, ensuring his recommendations also align with your business goals. Clients always know where things stand and what’s coming next. Ryan keeps the law clear, the communication honest, and the focus on actional next steps.

Laura - Laura has been one of the top-rated employment law attorneys in California for the past several years and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for the past eight years. Her practice encompasses all aspects of employment law, including litigation defense, representation of employers in hearings before administrative agencies, management training, and counseling employers on compliance issues relating to employment agreements, commission plans, hiring, firings and other personnel matters.

Laura has 28 years of litigation experience and provides her clients with the peace of mind to know that their employment law issues will be resolved in a cost-effective and expedient manner.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 - 11:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 3.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

              

JOIN US IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY!

MIND THE GAP: WHEN VALUES AND BEHAVIORS DON'T MATCH

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Human Resource Management Certificate Program

Join our mailing list to stay informed about National Human Resources Association events and programs.

In today’s fast-paced environment, many HR professionals find themselves juggling endless tasks with limited time and energy. This interactive session explores practical tools and strategies drawn from Getting Things Done, the Eisenhower Matrix, and other proven methods to boost focus, prioritize effectively, and manage time with intention. We’ll also unpack a smart, situational approach to delegation—helping you determine what to delegate, to whom, and how. You’ll leave feeling energized and equipped with actionable tools to reclaim your time and lead more effectively.

Key Takeaways:
• Identify high and low energy work and learn how they can balance that work.
• Describe core principles of productivity tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and Pomodoro Technique.
• Recognize how to match delegation level to task complexity, individual readiness, and your own confidence.

Ali Carson, MBA, ACC, is a two-time #1 international best-selling author, experienced coach, and dynamic facilitator with two decades of experience in human resources, leadership development, and team effectiveness.  

As the Founder and CEO of Movere Coaching, LLC, Ali helps high-achieving professionals and organizations unlock their strengths, lead with authenticity, and create thriving workplaces. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, a Results-Certified Brain-Based Coach, and holds the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the ICF.  She brings tools founded in neuroscience to her strengths-based approach to create impactful coaching and learning experiences for her clients.  Before launching Movere Coaching, she held senior talent development roles in both the healthcare and legal industries.  

Outside of work, Ali is a wife, mother to two teenagers, and sister. She enjoys exploring nature through camping trips in the family RV, filled with hiking, paddleboarding, and discovering great local restaurants.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Join us for our 28th Annual Benefit Auction!

Thursday, November 13th, 2025, 6:00PM at Midvale Country Club

The National Human Resources Association has focused on the development of human resources management professionals for more than 70 years. Our local Rochester Affiliate is dedicated to giving back to our community by supporting local nonprofits that work to advance employment opportunities in the Rochester region.

We are pleased to be working with Taproot Collective to support their Youth Employment Program.

What does Taproot do?: Taproot's mission is to support community gardens through programs, materials, and policy, and to use urban agriculture as the setting for high quality youth workforce development. They use a youth-led model to offer summer and school-year employment to low-income Monroe County youth ages 14+. Taproot builds long-term relationships with their youth and helps them develop skills in leadership, communication, food systems, landscaping, and carpentry that will prepare them for careers and education in a variety of fields.

Are you interested in Sponsoring this fantastic event?

Garden Sponsor $2,500

• Exclusive opportunity to speak at the event – limited to one/industry
• Dedicated social media post
• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• Option to donate company swag for gift bags
• 8 tickets to the auction

Harvest Sponsor $1,250

• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• Option to donate company swag for gift bags
• 4 tickets to the auction

Cultivator Sponsor $500

• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• 2 tickets to the auction

Seedling Sponsor $350

• Company name and logo on signage at the auction and social media blasts

Don’t forget about Tax Deductions! (check with your accounting professional)

To learn more or secure your sponsorship, contact Janine Corea (corea@hrworks-inc.com) or Jamie Frank (frank@hrworks-inc.com).

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Garden Level:

Harvest Level:

Cultivator Level:

Seedling Level:

 

Presented by Best Buddies, i4cp, and NHRA
Join us on Thursday, November 13th for an evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration at the Partners in Purpose Summit. This special event will feature a fireside-style panel discussion, “Partners in Purpose,” where leaders from Best Buddies, i4cp, and NHRA will share how their organizations have partnered to drive meaningful impact, highlighting the incredible work accomplished together.
We are thrilled to announce that Nancy O’Dell has been tapped to moderate the discussion, bringing her signature insight and energy to the conversation.
Event Schedule:
• Registration & Welcome Reception | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
• Fireside Panel: “Partners in Purpose” | 7:00 – 8:15 PM
• Networking & Connections | 8:15 – 9:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain new perspectives, hear inspiring stories, and expand your network with like-minded professionals committed to purpose-driven work.
Register Here

Discover How To Turn Employee 
Passion into Community Change

Join us for NHRA-OC’s Fall Social Connections on November 18! This dynamic session will feature Kim Jones, VP of HR at Toshiba America Business Solutions, Sam Bobila, Chief Development Officer at Orangewood Foundation, and Maegan Lujan, Director of Solutions Marketing and Chair of Orangewood’s Business Advisory Council. Together, they’ll share how Toshiba’s corporate social responsibility journey evolved from grassroots employee engagement to a powerful, structured partnership with Orangewood Foundation that is creating lasting community impact. Attendees will learn how to turn purpose into action. Our speakers will break down how Toshiba built a culture where employee values meet community needs, and how HR leaders can transform informal volunteer efforts into meaningful, scalable programs. People walk away with practical tips for partnering with nonprofits, boosting engagement, and even a CSR playbook that shows exactly how they made it happen.

AGENDA

Tickets No Charge Member HR Practitioners $40 Non-Member HR Practitioners $100 Member Service Providers $300 Non-Member Service Providers

EVENT Sponsors Annual Sponsors

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Join us on November 20th from 4:00 - 6:00PM for our Book Club!

All participants will be mailed a FREE copy of the selected book upon registration. We will meet in-person to discuss our thoughts on the book on November 20th at Rising Storm Brewing at the Mill, from 4:00 - 6:00PM. The first drink is on us! Additional food and beverages will be available to purchase.

Our book selection for this session is The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. This event is reserved for NHRA members only, and we ask that you provide your address at registration so that we can send you a copy of the book we'll be discussing. 

Book Synopsis:

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

What makes a meeting meaningful? How do we move beyond “checking the box” to create gatherings that spark connection, clarity, and purpose?

In The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, Priya Parker challenges us to rethink the way we convene—whether it’s a team offsite, onboarding session, leadership retreat, or everyday meeting. Drawing from her work as a strategic facilitator for organizations like the World Economic Forum and MoMA, Parker offers a fresh, practical framework for designing gatherings that are intentional, inclusive, and transformative.

This book is especially relevant for HR professionals, people leaders, and anyone shaping workplace culture. It explores:

·  How to define a bold purpose for every gathering

·  Why thoughtful exclusion can lead to deeper inclusion

·  The role of active hosting in shaping group dynamics

·   How to open and close meetings with intention and impact

Join us as we unpack Parker’s insights and explore how to apply them to our own work—whether we’re building trust across teams, facilitating strategic alignment, or simply trying to make meetings matter more. We are excited to meet in-person! Discussion prompts will be sent 1 week prior to the event.

Pro-ROC & RochesterWorks Launch the 2025 Annual Job Fair

Rochester, NY – The Professional Recruiters of Rochester (Pro-ROC), in partnership with RochesterWorks and the Rochester chapter of the National Human Resources Association (NHRA), is excited to host the Annual Job Fair on Thursday, December 4^th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607).

In 2024, this event welcomed over 300 job seekers across a wide variety of industries; from production, customer support, and patient care to engineering, administration, nursing, and management. The 2025 fair will build on that success, offering even more ways for employers and job seekers to connect.

Why Employers Should Participate

• High Visibility: Limited tables are available, secure yours now to highlight your brand and showcase your career opportunities.
• Diverse Candidate Pool: Meet job seekers with skills and backgrounds across industries and levels.

On-Site Extras (Free for All Attendees!)

• Professional Headshots: Complimentary headshots for both job seekers and employer representatives.
• Freecycle Boutique: Advancing sustainable fashion through professional attire, $1,000+ in boutique workwear available for job seekers and vendors to free-shop during the event!
• Career Coaching Corner: Personalized resume reviews, interview practice, and career guidance with experienced talent acquisition professionals.
• Free admission to the Art Gallery: Free entry after 11:00 AM on 12/4!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship includes brand exposure across multiple channels; event materials, email blasts, the NHRA website, and Pro-ROC & NHRA social media.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Matt Blakeslee (matt.blakeslee@aleragroup.com) or Miranda Leo (miranda.leo@inserotalent.com).

Event Questions? Reach out to prorocnhra@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Stay Ahead of Employment Law Changes: Join Our 2026 Legal Update

California has long been, and remains, one of the most challenging states in the country for employers. With a myriad of new laws and case developments, 2025 promises to continue California’s reputation as a complicated labyrinth for employment law compliance.

Join NHRA Orange County and featured speakers Maria Stearns and Brandon Sylvia from Rutan & Tucker, LLP for the 2026 Legal Update to hear about important employment law changes. They will summarize new employment laws for 2025, discuss significant cases from 2025 and their anticipated impact on employers.

Attendees will learn about the new and evolving laws and regulations governing workplaces and compliant practices, and gain insight into identifying potential problem areas for further analysis and risk mitigation.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Event Sponsor Annual Sponsors

WINTER HOLIDAY PARTY

JOIN US IN-PERSON!

 details COMING SOON!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Human Resource Management Certificate Program

Join our mailing list to stay informed about National Human Resources Association events and programs.

 

Register in advance to secure your spot where Dr. Alex Cobb will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Corporate Sponsors

                       

         

 

Register  in advance to secure your spot where Laura Scheidhauer will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Register in advance to secure your spot where attorneys from McMahon Berger will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Major Sponsor:

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Register in advance to secure your spot where Jeff Koziatek will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Jeff Koziatek worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years where he produced award winning films, managed national touring shows, owned a complete event management company, acted in film and television, and delivered more than 5000 presentations across the country. His clients were diverse, ranging from corporations, sports entities, healthcare, financial professionals, youth, and associations.

Today, organizations work with Jeff to strengthen their ability to overcome adversity and build Champion Culture. They leverage his business background and coaching ability to improve communication, collaboration, follow through, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Jeff’s clients do more of what they want, less of what they don’t, and love their results. His services include executive coaching, inspirational keynotes, and engaging workshops. He is a certified coach with both The Values Conversation and the John Maxwell TEAM, a professional member of the National Speakers Association, and has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Positive Intelligence.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Register in advance to secure your spot where John Miller will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

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