District 10 Spotlight

By Jonathan Ross, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, District Director

District 10 is comprised of HRA of Broward County, Greater Miami SHRM, and Florida Keys SHRM. These chapters achieved so much in 2023 while also elevating the HR profession not only for their members but also for their communities. Take a look at what District 10 achieved in 2023, and what they have planned for 2024!

HRA of Broward County Chapter

HR Association of Broward County (HRABC) is thrilled to kick off the year with a strategic planning session, setting the stage for an exceptional 2024 centered around our valued members. In 2023, HRABC witnessed remarkable growth—20% increase in membership, a whopping 80% increase in event attendance, and heightened community engagements—thanks to the dedication of our esteemed Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers.

Entering 2024, Dr. Priscilla Torres, now in her second year as Board President, is all set for an exhilarating journey. Her focus will be on further building relationships with community partners, securing top-notch speakers for crucial development topics, fostering a culture of learning and growth, and empowering members to participate in a collaborative forum with access to valuable resources. Anticipate thrilling events in the upcoming quarter.

January 23rd: Board Induction Ceremony & Dinner Event: Board induction ceremony, followed by a dinner event featuring Sara Mueller, a Harvard-trained emotional intelligence expert. Explore “High Impact Leadership: Increasing Engagement and Retention with Emotional Intelligence.”
February 15: We Love HR – Member Appreciation Event: In February, we’ll celebrate our HR Professional Members with the “We Love HR – Member Appreciation Event.” Immerse yourself in a day of mindfulness practices and pampering.
March 7: Collaboration with Every Mothers Advocate: HRABC is partnering with Every Mothers Advocate, a nonprofit aiding mothers in crisis. Join us in empowering these mothers through job search assistance, resume support, interview preparation, and a donation drive for work clothing and materials.
March 25: Dinner Continuing Education Event Round off the month with a dinner continuing education event, delving into valuable insights for HR professionals.

Stay connected for more details on LinkedIn and Facebook as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Greater Miami SHRM Chapter

The HR Miami chapter recently concluded a successful year with a grand holiday party that not only celebrated its 70^th anniversary but also marked the presentation of the first annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Excellence award.

The 70^th Anniversary celebration party, a highlight of the chapter’s calendar, was a festive and joyous occasion that brought together HR professionals from across the Miami area. Attendees, including previous chapter presidents, reveled in the festivities and had the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year. The event was not only a chance to unwind and celebrate but also a platform to recognize the dedication and hard work of HR professionals who contribute significantly to the success of their organizations.

A notable moment during the holiday party was the presentation of the first annual DEI award to Fortinet. The award underscores the HR Miami chapter’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Fortinet was acknowledged for its outstanding efforts in fostering an inclusive environment and embracing diversity within its organization.

Looking ahead to the new year, HR Miami has an exciting lineup of events to help HR professionals reset and get motivated for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. One of the highlights is an upcoming presentation by Kelly Merbler of “Coffee with Kelly.” Kelly Merbler is a renowned expert in HR and is set to deliver an insightful presentation that promises to inspire and provide valuable insights for HR professionals.

In addition to the presentation by Kelly Merbler, HR Miami is thrilled to announce its first networking event of the year scheduled for February. This event provides members with a unique opportunity to meet and connect with fellow HR professionals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the chapter.

As HR Miami continues to evolve and grow, these events play a crucial role in not only providing valuable learning experiences but also in building a strong network of professionals who can support and learn from each other. The chapter remains committed to promoting excellence in HR practices and contributing to the success of its members and the organizations they represent.

Florida Keys SHRM Chapter

We said THANKS to Teresa La Macchia the 2022 / 2023 Chapter President. Teresa was instrumental in the success of our Chapter over the past two years. Kristie Hernandez is looking forward to starting her new role as Chapter President for 2024 / 2025.

President Kristie Hernandez, Board members, and Chairpersons are looking forward to a productive and educational 2024. This year’s programs list includes dynamic speakers and topics all HR Professionals can relate to.

Our first meeting of the year is scheduled for Jan 17^th, with speaker David Corey – Creating Workplace Culture of Safety and Belonging.
Feb 14^th, Ben Appel – Employee Financial Wellness.
March 13^th, Kim LaMontagne – Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Second quarter programs will include everyone’s favorite speaker Chad Sorenson telling us about “Ethics in HR”.
Other month’s programs include “Discipline Done Right” and “Take the Fear out of Team Building”.
More details to come for the third and fourth quarter programs in 2024

In 2024, the Fla. Keys SHRM will strive to meet all of our initiatives to promote and support our community and our HR Professionals. Check out our upcoming events: https://flkeysshrm.shrm.org/events

Jonathan Ross, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR is the founder and Managing Director of HRH Search, with over two decades of experience and a dedication to relationship recruiting in addition to his previous work experience in sales and marketing. He prides himself on creating the right connections and matching not just what looks good on paper. His clients have ranged in size from Fortune 50 companies to privately-owned organizations. He and his team work positions in Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Supply Chain/Operations, Administrative, and Legal.

Jonathan is committed to bringing the latest industry knowledge and content to his clients through his continuous thirst for knowledge of the HR industry and its related areas. He holds both HR Certifications of SHRM-SCP and SPHR. In addition to his work as a Business consultant and Recruiter, he is heavily involved in local and professional service organizations in the local community. He is involved and serves on various community boards and has taught community classes on personal budgeting.

Jonathan has served on the Board of HR Miami SHRM (formerly Greater Miami Society of Human Resources Managers) for 12+ years where he served in many areas including two years as President. In addition, he has been the Committee Chair for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce HR/Professional Development 2021-2022, and an at large chair for 2022-2024. Currently he is HR Florida SHRM State Council as District Director 2021-present (District 10 -Broward, Miami-Dade, and Key West), where he serves as advisor and liaison to local SHRM Chapters. Jonathan has also been actively involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Leadership Miami program for over a decade. The program has shaped the lives of new and JR members of Miami-Dade’s community and continues to do so. Jonathan holds degrees in Business, Psychology, and Accounting, and various state-level certifications. He obtained his MBA degree from Florida International University, where he has served as a volunteer and supporter for many years.