A President's Year of Reflection

This year as 69th President of the Austin Human Resource Management Association has been everything that I wanted, worked for and more. I am the luckiest person in the world to have had my preparation meet opportunity. All of the days were not easy because they came with challenges, lessons in patience, and such personal growth for me. However, I will now forever be a part of the history that is AHRMA and I cannot tell you how proud that makes me. In addition to being able to say that I was President, I can also say that I left this chapter in an elevated state. It was already in a great place but I was able to maintain and take our chapter to higher levels. I came in with 3 main goals this year. I want to take a little time to reflect on how we did. My goals were:

1.      Sold Out and Successful Annual Conference.

It most certainly was. We sold out sponsors, vendor spots and increased our attendance over last year. In addition to that our theme of Broaden your HRizons was colorful, inclusive and fun. We had two inclusion keynotes that were timely and on point with their messages. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed our conference so I know we did something good.

2.      Increase SHRM Foundation Giving

There is nothing wrong with a little competition so my hope is to get a spot on the SHRM Top Ten Fundraising Chapters list. In 2018 we were #3 on the list. I am proud to say that in 2019 we have increased our giving by over 15% and will surely make the list again. The SHRM Foundation's purpose is the elevate and empower HR as a social force. They do this through initiatives like Veterans at Work, Scholarships for certifications, and grants for HR research just to name a few things. Our increase in giving will hopefully not only come with accolades but show that we have giving hearts here in Austin Texas and care about the future of work.

3.      Super Mega Chapter Status

As a local affiliate of SHRM this means your chapter has 1000 plus members and I am grateful to say we are almost there and are the 3rd largest chapter in Texas. As of the writing of this article we currently sit at 943 members. We have been knocking on the door the last several years and  I am certain we will get there in 2020.

4. Bonus Goal

In addition to these three goals as a bonus during this year of my Presidency, AHRMA was also chosen as 1 of only 24 chapter and state councils across the nation of which there are more than 600 to participate in a special inaugural relationship with SHRM as a part of the Membership Activation Plan. The purpose of being a MAP chapter is to explore how local affiliates and SHRM can partner to increase dual membership and the level of engagement for members. One of the results of this relationship will be AHRMA's ability to offer specialty credentials as a facilitator. Our first one will be the HR Department of One which is scheduled for March 27, 2020.

As a leader I have always tried to empower and uplift others. The platform as President of the Austin Human Resources Management Association has given the me the stage to do just that. I have had so much success this year in reaching my personal goals of finding community, building my network, leading by example, helping others, refining my message and using my voice to speak up for issues that affect me like diversity, equity and inclusion. These are all huge take-away results for me this year as President.

But you are nothing without your support. I want to take a moment and thank everyone who was a part of supporting me this year. The past presidents who set the stage for me. I have the pleasure of knowing many of you and appreciate that you came before me. Specifically, thank you so much to the 2019 Past President, Arlaine Decrevel who was my rock this year. To Lisa Blanton, 2019 President Elect and the Board, I thank you for your support of me and my platform this year to push for progress as AHRMA set the tone for inclusive behavior in our organization to take back to our workplaces and community at large. Our membership and behavior has evolved because of you. To all of the members, vendors, committee chairs, volunteers, speakers, program facilitators, and sponsors that made each event we had this year special. We would not be the chapter that we are without you so from the bottom of my heart I thank you.

This thing that we call life is so precious and fleeting. I said I would make every day of my Presidency count and I did that. I think our success shows that we made the progress I was seeking. If you are wondering what I will do next….While I still have the power to empower, embrace, change, push and love … I always will. It will always be with the same quiet determination, power and passion that you have consistently witnessed in me. I am going to continue to build a life that leaves good in this world.

We lost a legend this year in Diahann Carroll, an African American actress who experienced challenges in her career and when she passed I took the time to read up on her in hopes I would learn something helpful as I continue to navigate my own career. I most certainly did, there was quote she gave about herself that I read and loved. If I were to pick the words for my grave stone, it would be these, “She came and with the gifts and surprises she was given she did the best that she could.” My belief is stronger than any doubt and I would say my best has been pretty darn good for AHRMA.