CRHRA Newsletter - January 2024 Print

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CRHRA Newsletter - January 2023 

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, we are delighted to present the latest insights and updates on all things CRHRA-related. Whether you're a longstanding member of our community or a newcomer, we are thrilled to have you on board. Stay tuned as we unveil exciting new programs. Thank you for being part of our community!

In this edition you'll find:

FIRST, AN UPDATE ON OUR 2023 

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP CERTIFICATION STUDY GROUP-

We are THRILLED to be announcing that more members of the Study Group have passed their exams! Some of the members who recently passed  and obtained their SHRM-CP are:

Jenn Skellie, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist at Green Mountain Electric Supply

Sarah Thompson, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager at Centrotherm

Molly Yezzi, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist at NY CREATES

 Melissa Shea -CPP, SHRM-CP, HR Director at Albany Housing Authority

 Join us in congratulating them and all of the other study group members who have passed their exams!!



Upcoming CRHRA Events:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH 8-9:30AM AT MVP HEALTHCARE IN SCHENECTADY, NY

PART 2 OF THE DIVERSITY PROGRAM SERIES:

BEYOND THE BINARY LENS: EMPOWERING GENDER IDENTITIES AND SUPPORTING TRANSITIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Featuring a presentation by: Sam Wise, SHRM-CP (they/he), HR Project Leader

This training aims to educate HR professionals on terminology related to gender identities, provide best practices for creating inclusive workspaces for all gender identities, including those who are transgender or identify outside of the gender binary, and address questions related to supporting transitioning employees.

A big thank you to our sponsors, MVP Health Care!

Get your tickets today! Visit: https://crhra.org 

SAVE THE DATES:

PART 3 OF THE DIVERSITY PROGRAM SERIES: 

MARCH 13TH: UNTAPPED TALENT FOR THE WORKPLACE TODAY, LOCATION TBD

MAY 14TH FROM 8:30AM-4PM AT RIVER'S CASINO & RESORT IN SCHENECTADY:

2024 CRHRA & CRATD ANNUAL CONFERENCE & MARKETPLACE- HIGH ROLLERS OF HR & LD: MASTERING THE GAME OF TALENT MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Scroll to the end of this newsletter to learn more about the conference! And visit: https://crhra.org 


 

[Dani Brown, MBA, SPHR]Dani Brown, MBA, SPHR

A person wearing glasses, a white collared shirt and a black jacket

Dani is a dynamic HR professional with over 22 years of experience, specializing in collaborating with small to mid-sized businesses during their inception and expansion phases. With expertise in operations, strategic planning, human resources, diversity and inclusion, training, and consulting, Dani is dedicated to transforming organizational culture and enhancing overall performance. Throughout her career, she has held leadership and training positions, spending 13 years in executive roles. As a Strategic Business Partner and Executive Coach, Dani has made impactful contributions across diverse sectors, from startups to medical practices and law firms.

Transitioning from the for-profit education sector, Dani has applied her expertise in change management and operational guidance to empower small businesses along the East Coast. She has played a pivotal role in launching six startups and orchestrating the successful turnaround of five businesses, facilitating their growth and providing essential insights for establishing a strong presence within their communities.

Currently, Dani serves as the Managing Director of Talent and Organizational Culture for the KIPP Capital Region Public Schools. In addition, she serves as a Board member of the CRHRA and chairs the DEI Committee, showcasing her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

Dani spoke at our DEI 101 event this month and delivered a comprehensive training that covered the basics of DEI, key components of an effective strategic plan, methods to assess organizational needs, and practical strategies for preparing, navigating, and fostering inclusion.


From: John M. Bagyi, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCPAileen Flach, PHR, SCHRM-SCP, and Katherine Vogel:

This month we also held the graduation ceremony for the leadership class. Congratulations to the CRHRA HR Leadership Class of 2023!

Shelby A. Benson, Plug Power; Megan A. Clough, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC); Ryan K. Devery, PHR, Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP); Kara C. Gilles, PHR, SHRM-CP, Construction Administration Network, LLC.; Colleen McCarty, SHRM-CP, Albany ENT & Allergy Services; Monica Melendez, SHRM-CP, Plug Power; Erin K. Mohler, PHR, SHRM-CP, ADUSA Distribution; Brenda A. Morin, SHRM-SCP, PepsiCo; Matthew E. Redden, Atlas Copco Comptec LLC; Stacey A. Ross, PHR, Tokyo Electron; Mary Faith Sinnot, SHRM-SCP, Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service; Myra M. Thorne, PHR, SHRM-CP, MMB+CO; Jennifer M. Walkley, Watervliet Arsenal; and Elizabeth G. Wichrowski, CHA Consulting, Inc.


Question: Do you have some suggestions as to how to mitigate bias in my organization's decision making?

Answer: Some suggestions would be to provide data to your managers so they can understand the cumulative effect of their decisions. Another might be to help employees take charge of their careers by providing them with guidance as to what they need to accomplish in five or ten years depending on their career objectives within the organization.  You can even identify hidden decision makers by ensuring those individuals receive some specific management training.  Also assess if employees have equal access to the most important skills, knowledge and experiences to be eligible to achieve pay raises, promotions and/or exceed performance criteria. Don't forget, employees themselves offer useful information so you might want to consider even developing some focus groups. Let's not forget too that sometimes HR needs to offer training and development to all employees instead of just relying on managers to offer it informally.   Addressing bias in the workplace is like addressing any other business challenge. It needs good accurate data, engagement at the ground level and creative problem solving. In the long run, by identifying vulnerable decision points in your HR and management processes you can assist all employees to achieve their full potential.   

 Have an HR Question? Send it to us to have it answered by an HR expert here in our newsletter! Submit your question here: https://crhra.org/Ask_An_Advisor

CRHRA's HR Advisory Group, comprised of seasoned Human Resources professionals with over 20 years of experience in various industries, is dedicated to offering advice, guidance, and mentorship, addressing practical workplace issues and personal career development concerns, and providing valuable insights and support to help members establish and achieve their professional goals.


ANNOUNCING A NEW PROGRAM: 

#Leadwell: CRHRA

People Leadership Training Program

A partnership of CRHRA & Bishop House Consulting

CRHRA is partnering with Bishop House Consulting to bring the firm's highly regarded people leadership training program to our members who are HR managers.  The program - #Leadwell - Building Leaders for Tomorrow - is grounded in the conviction that effective and impactful people leaders require insight into their personal leadership style.  Development of that style – in addition to learning and adapting key leadership and management behaviors – ensures that leaders are leading well today and into the future.

The training program content covers the foundations of people leadership with participants learning how to:

  • Clarify the role they play as manager and leader
  • Improve management communications
  • Build mature relationships with employees and peers
  • Practice coaching skills for improving performance
  • Lead and motivate their team in today’s hybrid work environments

Format of Program: There are 8 virtual modules in the #Leadwell program and 5 individual coaching sessions

Timeline/dates: the 8 class sessions run from September – November

Visit https://www.bishophouse.com/leadwell-crhra/ for a detailed course outline and more info!


In person meetings seem to be back in full swing. This is both for our sponsors AND members: Our average attendance for the last three meetings has been almost 80 HR Professionals. Our CRHRA events are meant to bring you great knowledge, but also great networking. Especially for those in a department of one, it's so helpful to have an #HRCommunity to learn from, discuss challenges with, and make new lifelong friendships. Come join us at our next live event. See what you're missing out on! 

Tom Schin currently serves as President of CRHRA and has been on the board since 2020. You’ll often find him presenting or helping organizations with recruiting and culture needs throughout the region.


CRHRA, in conjunction with Capital Region Association for Talent Development (CRATD), are pleased to announce the 2nd annual joint Talent Development Conference!

The conference will be packed with interesting sessions for human resources and talent development professionals on topics such as leadership, professional development, human resources, talent development, networking, wellness, and more! CRHRA and CRATD are non-profit professional organizations comprised of human resource and training and development professionals employed in both the public and private sectors. 

Interested in Sponsoring?
Visit: Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in Speaking?
Submit a Speaker Proposal: https://forms.gle/EtF6SQayrZ4RPcKJ7

https://crhra.org/


Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest news and events! 

LinkedIn: Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA): Overview | LinkedIn

Facebook: Capital Region Human Resource Association | Albany NY | Facebook

Strategic Sponsorship provided

 

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