National Human Resources Association upcoming events

St. Louis - 2026/2027 Mentoring Program (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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 at no additional cost.

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.

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.

The HR AI Bootcamp™: From AI Curious to AI Confident (5 Jul 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The HR AI Bootcamp is a practical 4-week virtual program designed for HR professionals, people leaders, and small to medium teams who are ready to confidently bring AI into their work. Over four weeks, participants move from understanding AI concepts to applying AI strategically across HR operations, communication, decision-making, and workforce planning.

This program was built for HR professionals who are balancing all things HR — from recruiting, employee relations, compliance, culture, leadership support, and operational demands — all at the same time. This is not a technical program for engineers or data scientists; it was intentionally built to grow your confidence in using AI tools so you can improve the processes you support. The cohort is intentionally small, capped at 20 participants, to keep the experience focused, interactive, and high-quality.

By the end of the cohort, you will know how to think strategically about AI, evaluate risks and ethics in an HR context, and communicate AI adoption to your leadership team and employees.

Over four weeks, you will move through a structured journey:

Week 1 — June 15th

Discover: Understanding AI in HR

Build a clear, foundational understanding of AI and where it fits in your HR work.

Week 2 — June 22nd

Explore: Learning to Use AI with Confidence

Get hands-on with real tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot using actual HR scenarios.

Off Week

Happy 4th of July!

No formal classes from June 29 – July 5. Catch up and recharge!

Week 3 — July 6th

Integrate: Applying AI to Real HR Work

Start bringing AI into your day-to-day operations and leadership practices.

Week 4 — July 13th

Execute: Creating Sustainable AI Adoption

Develop your 90-day AI adoption roadmap and learn how to measure and communicate your impact.

Your Enrollment Also Includes:

4 live workshops with tool demos (6-7 pm EST on 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16)
3+ hours of async learning each week
2 guest expert strategy sessions
Access to a live online community
HRCI eligible certification (pending approval)
Direct access to the program creator
13+ templates including an AI Glossary, Prompting Starter Pack, AI Lean Canvas, Org AI Readiness Snapshot, AI Governance Starter Framework, and more
Free access to Readiness Assessments and Job Redesign Tools
A welcome gift — The HR Black Box — for every participant

Meet Your Facilitator

This program is facilitated by Elina Kokorotsis is an HR Tech and People Operations leader, and the founder of In The Worx. With nearly two decades of experience in HR technology, people operations, learning and development, and organizational strategy, she helps HR professionals and organizations turn complexity into clear, practical action. Her work focuses on connecting people, systems, and processes to strengthen employee experience, improve operations, and prepare organizations for the future of work.

How To Register

NHRA members register at the exclusive rate of $997 (Standard pricing $1,450).

If you are an existing NHRA member, you will receive your special code through email in the next few days.

Not an NHRA member yet?

Join NHRA & Unlock Savings

The HR AI Bootcamp™ is presented in partnership with NHRA and In The Worx. Enrollment is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

*This program has been approved for 16 HR (General) recertification credit hour toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™ recertification through the HR Certification Institute.

Additionally, this program has been pre-approved for 16.0 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) by the Society of Human Resource Management.

The HR AI Bootcamp™: From AI Curious to AI Confident (12 Jul 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By the end of the cohort, you will know how to think strategically about AI, evaluate risks and ethics in an HR context, and communicate AI adoption to your leadership team and employees.

Over four weeks, you will move through a structured journey:

Week 1 — June 15th

Discover: Understanding AI in HR

Build a clear, foundational understanding of AI and where it fits in your HR work.

Week 2 — June 22nd

Explore: Learning to Use AI with Confidence

Get hands-on with real tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot using actual HR scenarios.

Off Week

Happy 4th of July!

No formal classes from June 29 – July 5. Catch up and recharge!

Week 3 — July 6th

Integrate: Applying AI to Real HR Work

Start bringing AI into your day-to-day operations and leadership practices.

Week 4 — July 13th

Execute: Creating Sustainable AI Adoption

Develop your 90-day AI adoption roadmap and learn how to measure and communicate your impact.

Your Enrollment Also Includes:

4 live workshops with tool demos (6-7 pm EST on 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16)
3+ hours of async learning each week
2 guest expert strategy sessions
Access to a live online community
HRCI eligible certification (pending approval)
Direct access to the program creator
13+ templates including an AI Glossary, Prompting Starter Pack, AI Lean Canvas, Org AI Readiness Snapshot, AI Governance Starter Framework, and more
Free access to Readiness Assessments and Job Redesign Tools
A welcome gift — The HR Black Box — for every participant

Meet Your Facilitator

How To Register

NHRA members register at the exclusive rate of $997 (Standard pricing $1,450).

If you are an existing NHRA member, you will receive your special code through email in the next few days.

Not an NHRA member yet?

Join NHRA & Unlock Savings

The HR AI Bootcamp™ is presented in partnership with NHRA and In The Worx. Enrollment is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, this program has been pre-approved for 16.0 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) by the Society of Human Resource Management.

Silicon Valley Summer Social 2026 (14 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Annual Summer Social!

Where HR connects beyond the workplace!

Join us for a relaxed evening bringing our HR community together. Unwind, exchange ideas, and strengthen your professional connections in a welcoming setting.

Whether you're new to the area or already well-connected, this is your place to meet and mingle!

Come for the conversations—stay for the community!

Register by June 30th for Early Bird Pricing:

Members | $15

Non-Members | $35*

Price increase on July 1st:

Members | $30

Non-Members | $50*

Registration includes:

- Dinner

- Beer/Wine

- Raffle entry for a chance to win great prizes

(including free membership)

*Join NHRA Silicon Valley by July 21, 2026 and

$35 will be applied toward your annual membership!

Become a Sponsor!

contact:

sudhir@prorgs.com

St. Louis - Annual Summer Connection Event (15 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

2026 Annual Summer Connection Event

It's that time of year again, come out to Schlafly Tap Room and enjoy food, drinks and fun with other HR professionals.

This is a free event, bring a guest and get an attendance gift and enter to win some great door prizes!

Where: The Club Room

When: Wednesday, July 15th

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

We hope to see you there!

Orange County - Summer Social Connections - Partners in Purpose (16 Jul 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What If One Conversation Could Help Shape The

Future Of A Young Professional's Career?

Join us on July 16 for our Summer Social Connections event, Partners in Purpose: Project Youth OC Empowering Local Youth Through HR Leadership. This energizing evening brings together HR leaders, professionals, and teams from across our community to connect, collaborate, and support the next generation of talent. We'll shine a spotlight on our community partner, Project Youth OC, and explore how HR professionals can use their knowledge, experience, and leadership to inspire and guide local interns as they begin their career journeys.

Come build new relationships, strengthen our HR community, and help create opportunities for tomorrow's workforce while enjoying a fun summer evening with colleagues and friends.

5:00 pm

Registration, Relationship-Building, & Office Tours

6:00 pm

Welcome & Announcements

6:15 pm

Project Youth OC Presentation

6:30 pm

Career Advice & Workplace Insights

for Project SELF Internship Program

EVENT SPONSORS

Annual Sponsors

National - Clarity in Chaos: How the Strategic HR Partner Leads What AI Cannot (21 Jul 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Clarity in Chaos: How the Strategic HR Partner Leads What AI Cannot

Join the National HR Association 45-minute working session for Strategic HR Leaders on the HRBP role, where it changed, but it is critical to bring it back to show leaders how to lead enablement instead of inheriting it.

Your organization has already decided to use AI. What has not been decided is who governs how it touches your people. This session identifies the imperative need for Strategic HR Leaders to LEAD the governance, the enablement, and the talent development of that seat before it is assigned to someone else.

Key Takeaways & Learning Objectives

Explain the strategic role of HR Business Partners in leading AI transformation.
Identify the competencies and capabilities required for future-ready HRBPs.
Describe the evolving HRBP archetypes and their application within organizations.
Apply governance and change management principles to support responsible AI adoption.
Create practical next steps for positioning HR as a strategic leader in AI-enabled organizations.

Featured Speakers

Tina Ullmann, SPHR

Founder and CEO of Vireo HR Advisory & Coaching

Known for her practical, engaging approach, Tina combines strategic HR expertise with an operational mindset to help leaders move beyond compliance and create resilient, high-performing organizations. Her work is increasingly focused on regenerative leadership, helping organizations build healthy systems that foster innovation, sustainable growth, and lasting community impact.

A passionate mentor, Tina, is also launching the HR Business Partner Cohort in 2027 to develop the next generation of strategic HR leaders. Audiences leave her sessions inspired, challenged, and equipped with practical strategies they can implement immediately. Her mission is simple: to cultivate organizations where people flourish, leaders thrive, and businesses create lasting value for their communities and the world around them.

Brannon Skillern

Founder & CEO of Carnelian Collective

Brannon is a seasoned Chief People Officer with a career built inside venture-backed startups and scale-ups. She helps organizations use AI as a practical force multiplier through hands-on workshops, custom tooling, and workflow automation that fits how teams actually work, with a particular focus on the people doing the make-sure-nothing-falls-through-the-cracks work behind the scenes, who deserve tools that finally match the complexity of what they carry every day.

Carnelian Collective also supports organizations as a fractional HR advisor, helping them build the people infrastructure and AI strategies that let them scale with intention.

This program has been approved for 1 HR (General) recertification credit hour toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™ recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
Additionally, this program has been pre-approved for 1.0 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) by the Society of Human Resource Management.

Thank You to Our Valued Sponsor

Los Angeles - ABC Collective - Get your Shift Together (28 Jul 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The strategies that shaped workplace culture in 2020 were born from urgency. But urgency without evolution becomes inertia — and in 2026, many organizations are still running the same playbook while wondering why nothing has changed.

This candid panel brings together voices across difference — a DEI practitioner who has stepped away from the field, a workforce strategist offering a white male perspective, and a People Operations leader representing AAPI voices — to ask the questions most organizations are still afraid to ask out loud. This isn't about tearing down the work. It's about telling the truth about what we need to unlearn before we can move forward. You'll leave with a personal Start | Stop | Do More Of | Do Less Of framework and a 30-Day Action Plan built around one commitment you can begin practicing immediately.

Before you register, sit with this question: If the programs your organization put in place five years ago disappeared tomorrow — would anyone notice a difference in how people actually experience belonging at work? If that question makes you pause, this conversation is for you.

Part 1 of a 2-part series | Hosted by the Los Angeles NHRA ABC Collective

ROC - HR Exec Sponsorship Opportunities (5 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In preparation for the 2026 HR Executive and Rising Star Luncheon, we have opened sponsorship opportunities! Please read the descriptions below on the different sponsorship opportunities that we offer. This year’s luncheon will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Monroe Golf Club.

Questions on sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Gina Sullivan (Gsullivan@mindex.com), Michele Ebenhoch (Mebenhoch@hotmail.com), or Tony Palmeri (Apalmeri@aerotek.com).

~~Presenting - $4,500 (1) - Sold Out~~

~~Reserved seating in prime location at event (2 tables of 8).~~
~~Pre Packaged Sponsorship Kit (4 LinkedIn Images, Web Copy, Social Media Copy & Email Header).~~
~~Event program recognition, strategic placement of full-page color ad in program booklet (inside cover or back page).~~
~~Your organization’s signage at the event.~~
~~A few moments to speak during the event.~~
~~Your logo and the NHRA logo will appear on table signs.~~
~~Recognition of your sponsorship in event presentation and on NHRA’s website.~~
~~Inclusion in pre-event and post event publicity.~~

~~Giveaway - $4,000 - Sold Out~~

~~Reserved seating in prime location at event (1 table of 8).~~
~~Pre Packaged Sponsorship Kit (Web Copy, Social Media Copy).~~
~~Event program recognition, full-page color ad in program booklet (other than inside cover or back page).~~
~~Your logo and sponsorship call out on NHRA’s social media and on event table signs.~~
~~Recognition of your sponsorship in event presentation.~~
~~Co-branded event giveaway item with your logo and NHRA’s logo.~~
~~Inclusion in pre-event and post event publicity.~~

Platinum - $2,500

Reserved seating in prime location at event (1 table of 8).
Pre Packaged Sponsorship Kit (Web Copy, Social Media Copy).
Event program recognition, full-page color ad in program booklet (other than inside cover or back page).
Your logo and sponsorship call out on NHRA’s social media and on event table signs.
Recognition of your sponsorship in event presentation.
Inclusion in pre-event and post event publicity

Gold - $2,000

Reserved seating (4 tickets to event).
Inclusion in pre-event and post event publicity
Recognition in event program with a 1/2 page color ad.
Recognition of your sponsorship in event presentation.

Video - $1,750 (1)

Open seating (2 tickets to event).
Logo featured prominently in promotional video featuring HR Executive of the Year & Rising Star honorees.
Recognition in event program with your logo.

~~Dessert - $1,250 (1) - Sold Out~~

~~Open seating (2 tickets to event).~~
~~Your logo printed on sugar cookies at each table.~~

~~Photography - $1,000 (1)~~

~~Open seating (2 tickets to event).~~
~~Recognition of your sponsorship in event presentation.~~
~~Recognition in event program with your logo.~~

~~Meet & Greet-Dinner - $1,000 (1) - Sold Out~~

~~Taking place on June 9, 2026 at the Monroe's.~~
~~2 tickets to Meet & Greet.~~
~~A few moments to speak during opening remarks.~~
~~Display table at the event.~~

~~Meet & Greet-Network - $800 (1) - Sold Out~~

~~Taking place on June 9, 2026 at the Monroe's.~~
~~2 tickets to Meet & Greet.~~
~~A few moments to speak during opening remarks.~~
~~Display table at the event.~~

Flowers - $800 (1)

Open seating (2 tickets to event).
Logo displayed with floral arrangements.

Program - $800

Open seating (2 tickets to event).
Recognition in event program with your logo and a 1/2 page color ad.

Supporter - $350

Open seating (1 ticket to event).
Recognition in event program with your logo.

Rochester - HR Executive of the Year & Rising Star Awards Luncheon (6 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The NHRA Rochester Affiliate is proud to present our annual HR Executive of the Year Awards. This signature event hosted by the National Human Resources Association (NHRA) - Rochester Affiliate has recognized some of the best and brightest in the field of HR in our local community.

This prestigious award will distinguish and honor HR professionals who:

Are innovative and consistently prepare their organizations for the future.
Make significant contributions and impact their organizations and the HR community.
Demonstrate leadership and operational excellence.
Inspire others to excel.

This year’s HR Executive of the Year Honorees Include:

Jennifer DeVault, Vice President of Associate Services and Wellness – UR Medicine Thompson Health
Michaele-Lynne (ML) Krenzer, Director of Human Resources – Progressive Machine & Design
Donna Mostiller, Sr. VP of People & Culture – Heritage Christian Services
Micheala Perrotto, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Labor Relations – Gates Chili Central School District

We are also excited to announce honorees for our annual Rising Star Awards. Designed to recognize the contributions of emerging leaders in the field of HR.

This year's Rising Star Honorees Include:

Suzanne Bureau, Associate Director, Employee Benefits - Monroe Community College
Sarah LoPresti, HR Generalist - SWBR
Delaney Roach, HR Manager - Brite

We hope that you are able to join us as we honor the best our community has to offer in the field of HR.

Ticket Prices:

$95 for Individual Tickets
$685 for Table Reservation (8 Tickets Total, please list all attendees at time of purchase)
Ticket sales are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Ticket sales close on July 24th!

Are you interested in Sponsorship opportunities for this event? Please consider reviewing our Sponsorship Page for available packages.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Presenting: Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Giveaway: USI Insurance Services

Platinum: Brown & Brown, HR Works

Gold: Starbridge

Ventura County: Beyond Words: The Hidden Dynamics Shaping Every HR Conversation (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:20:00 GMT

Beyond Words: The Hidden Dynamics Shaping Every HR Conversation

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

Every difficult HR conversation has two versions: the one you prepared for, and the one that actually happened. The gap isn't a communication problem — it's a visibility problem. Transactional Intelligence™ (TQ) is a structured methodology for navigating the hidden layer beneath every conversation — the human exchanges that produce every outcome. In this session, you won't receive a framework. You'll practice inside live exchanges and discover exactly where your blind spots live.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Distinguish the two layers of every exchange — the visible content and the invisible current moving beneath it — and articulate why the gap between them drives most HR breakdowns.
Apply the foundational TQ skill in real time — identifying what is actually moving in a live exchange, separate from what is being said.
Recognize Low TQ patterns in their own transactions — including the tendency to soften, avoid, or misread the exchange — and name what a High TQ response requires instead.
Practice under pressure with a real partner — experiencing firsthand how stakes, time limits, and partner rotation reveal transactional blind spots that reflection alone cannot surface.

John Patterson

CEO & Co-Founder

Influential U

John Patterson is Co-Founder and CEO of Influential U® and co-author of Transactional Intelligence™: Why It Matters More Than Expertise, available August 4, 2026. His career has been defined by a single preoccupation: what conditions produce high performance — and how do you build them deliberately. Before co-founding Influential U, he designed curriculum for a $5B enterprise of 40,000 people, then spent more than two decades as a master trainer and regional director at a global personal development organization — running a train-the-trainer program for sixteen years and leading programs in leadership, communication, and performance for tens of thousands of people across multiple countries. Since 2009, he has built the full delivery infrastructure of Influential U and taken the work to corporate stages and executive boardrooms across more than twenty countries, working privately with the executives and teams who want to go deeper.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 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 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

National - From Headcount to Capability: Reimagining Strategic Workforce Planning for a Volatile Future (25 Aug 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

From Headcount to Capability: Reimagining Strategic Workforce Planning for a Volatile Future

Strategic workforce planning is undergoing a fundamental shift, from static headcount forecasting to dynamic capability building. In today’s environment of rapid technological change, evolving employee expectations, and persistent talent shortages, HR must rethink how they align workforce strategies with business priorities.

This session will explore how leading organizations are moving beyond traditional planning cycles to adopt agile, skills-based approaches that anticipate disruption and enable faster, more informed decision-making. Drawing on real-world examples and practical frameworks, this presentation will outline how to integrate data, scenario planning, and cross-functional collaboration into a modern workforce strategy. Attendees will gain insight into how to identify critical capabilities, close skills gaps, and build a resilient workforce that can adapt to uncertainty while maintaining a strong employee value proposition and driving long-term business performance.

Key Takeaways & Learning Objectives

Shift from Headcount to Skills-Based Planning: Understand how to move beyond role-based models and build a workforce strategy centered on critical capabilities and skills.
Leverage Data for Strategic Decision-Making: Learn how to use workforce analytics, external labor market data, and predictive insights to inform planning and reduce risk.
Embed Agility into Workforce Planning Processes: Discover approaches to make workforce planning more iterative and responsive to changing business conditions.
Align Workforce Strategy with Business Transformation: Explore how to ensure workforce planning is tightly connected to enterprise strategy, digital transformation, and growth priorities.
Drive Cross-Functional Ownership and Accountability: Gain strategies to engage business leaders, finance, and HR partners in a shared approach to workforce planning execution.

Featured Speakers

Lisseth Zouhbi

Chief Human Resources Officer at Child Care Resource Center

She is a Chief Human Resources Officer, Board Member, Author, and Speaker dedicated to advancing people strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation.

As Chief Human Resources Officer at Child Care Resource Center, Lisseth brings 25 years of leadership and expertise to the HR field. With a career rooted in luxury hospitality — an environment where culture, service excellence, and people are paramount — she has built a proven track record in aligning HR strategies with business objectives while cultivating high-performing, thriving workplace cultures. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of HR functions, including talent acquisition, total rewards, employee relations, organizational and talent development, performance management, and compliance. Known for navigating complex challenges with a people-first mindset, Lisseth consistently bridges the gap between strategic vision and meaningful, measurable results.

Lisseth holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business Management from California State University, Fullerton, and is a graduate of the prestigious Chief Human Resources Officer Program at Wharton Executive Education. She also serves as a Board Member for Girls on the Run – Los Angeles, where she is committed to empowering the next generation of confident, purpose-driven young women.

Thank You to Our Valued Sponsor

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (3 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

Ventura County: Money & Mission: A case study on how HR partnered with Finance to Drive Business Acumen (9 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:20:00 GMT

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

Think business acumen is only for corporate HR? Think again. Join a Chief People Officer and Chief Financial Officer for a fast-paced, interactive session.

Using a real-world case study, they will answer 9 practical questions on how HR can speak the language of finance, confidently influence decisions, and build strategic cross-functional partnerships.

Whether in a for-profit or non-profit, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to optimize your role as a true HR business partner.

Learning Objectives (3-4 bullet points):

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

· Speak the language of finance

· Influence business decisions with confidence

· Build stronger, more strategic partnerships across functions

Paul Butler

Newleaf Training Development

Through Newleaf Training and Development, Paul has partnered with 332 HR teams across nine countries and 31 states to deliver staff training and leadership development solutions that foster sustainable organizational benefits.

Prior to launching Newleaf in 2006, Paul served as a Regional Finance Director for Marriott International and Hilton International, where he collaborated with excellent HR business partners. He first came to the U.S. as Director of Financial Services for Hilton Honors and is a member of CIMA and a CGMA.

An engaging and humorous speaker, Paul is committed to inspiring people with practical principles for professional and personal life. Originally from England, he became a U.S. citizen in 2024 alongside his wife, and they have two adult children.

Paul recently wrote his first book, Business Financial Intelligence—A Mindset and Skillset Few People Have and All Organizations Need, published by Scholars Gate.

Michuan Fleming

Chief People Officer, AbilityFirst

Michuan Fleming is a Chief Executive leader with more than 17 years of experience driving organizational excellence across nonprofit, corporate, manufacturing, and service sectors. As Chief People Officer at AbilityFirst, she leads strategic initiatives focused on people, risk management, safety, and organizational transformation.

Throughout her career, Michuan has partnered with executive teams and boards to align workforce strategy, operational performance, and mission-driven outcomes. Her expertise spans human resources, organizational development, compliance, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development. She holds SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and PHR certifications and is currently completing her MBA at the University of Arizona.

A wife and proud mother of four, Michuan is passionate about leadership both at work and at home. When she's not advancing organizational impact, she enjoys cheering on track and field and basketball athletes and is always eager to learn something new.

Carl Gayden

Chief Financial Officer, AbilityFirst

Carl D. Gayden is a financial executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, private, higher education, and philanthropic sectors.

He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of AbilityFirst, where he leads financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term sustainability initiatives that advance the organization’s mission.

Previously, Carl served as Interim CFO of Beyond Impact (formerly Tides Advocacy), CFO of LA Family Housing, and Head of Finance and Operations at Snap Foundation. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at First 5 LA, the San Francisco Housing Authority, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis.

Known for building high-performing finance organizations, Carl combines analytical rigor with strong interpersonal leadership to drive sustainable results and strengthen accountability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He is married and has one son.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (1 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

Rochester - Benefit Auction (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join us for our 29th Annual Benefit Auction!

Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:00PM at Midvale Country Club

The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) has been developing HR professionals for over 70 years. Our Rochester Affiliate supports local charities to improve employment opportunities in the region. Thanks to generous business leaders, we have raised thousands of dollars for these causes.

For the 29th Annual Benefit Auction, we are pleased to be partnering with RochesterWorks to support their employment and training services provided to area job seekers and businesses through their three local career centers and one specialized youth employment center.

RochesterWorks is dedicated to strengthening the Greater Rochester community by connecting people to opportunity and businesses to talent. Through free employment, career development, and training services, RochesterWorks supports every job seeker—the parent, caregiver, student, veteran, entrepreneur, career changer, and emerging professional. RochesterWorks also provides workforce development, employee retention, and talent recruitment solutions to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and family-owned companies to nonprofits and major employers. By connecting qualified workers with employers and expanding access to career opportunities, RochesterWorks plays a vital role in reducing unemployment, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening the Greater Rochester economy.

Are you interested in Sponsoring this fantastic event?

Career Champion 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
6 tickets to the auction

Pathway Sponsor $1,250

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

Connection Sponsor $550

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

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 (jfrank@hrworks-inc.com).

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (5 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (12 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.

St. Louis - NHRA PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Study Group 2026 (3 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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 3, 2026 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.