March 2023

It’s hard to believe it’s already March! 2023 is flying by, and I don’t know about you but it seems there is never enough time in the day. Though things have been a bit quiet on our end externally, internally Kansas SHRM has been diligently working on multiple fronts to support the HR professional and advance the profession as a whole. For instance, did you know Kansas SHRM was a SHRM Pinnacle Award Winner in 2022 for our efforts to improve the UI system? Because of this we’ve had the opportunity to showcase all the work done, predominantly led by one of our great volunteer leaders – Phil Hayes. Phil recently shared how we did this on a global SHRM webcast. We’ll be posting the link to our website as soon as it’s available. And our annual Employment Law & Employee Benefits Conference last month was a great hit! The week prior Director-Elect Stacey Moeder, District Director Mark Taylor, and I attended SHRM’s regional council business meeting in Boston. I could go on about each of these but today I want to highlight the first of its kind—HR Registered Apprenticeship program.

As we shared at the state conference last September we’ve been working on a formalized HR Registered Apprenticeship program in Kansas, and we’re proud to announce we’re making strides! Apprenticeships aren’t new, but apprenticeships in HR are. Thanks to the SHRM Foundation’s work at the federal level and generous support from people like you (side note: Kansas SHRM was in the top 10 for largest donations to the SHRM Foundation in 2022 thanks primarily to Pam Pierce’s phenomenal basket raffle fundraiser and all who donated), working HR professionals new and experienced can participate in a FREE apprenticeship program to grow their knowledge and gain hands-on experience. This program is based on curriculum driven by university-level learning, so not only do participants get to learn and grow during their apprenticeship, they should be ready to take the SHRM certification exam at the end! 

College education is a key driver for many, but it’s not always an option. For some, the degree pursued in college may not align with the work they are doing today. That’s where alternate credentials like apprenticeships come into play. We at Kansas SHRM are proud to partner with the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeships (shout out to Shonda Atwater!) and multiple local chapters to offer resources to employers and individuals to support this pathway. 

To do this important work, Kansas SHRM has hired Cassie Gilmore as the Kansas SHRM HR RAP Navigator to serve as the primary contact and connector for employers. David Love, Kansas SHRM’s Immediate Past Director, is the EC contact for this program. I also want to take advantage of this opportunity to give a huge shout of appreciation to Doris Queen, HR Manager at WSU Tech and Wichita SHRM chapter member, for spearheading the hiring process for the navigator role. I also want to recognize Natalie Bright, our fearless state council management support professional, for helping Kansas SHRM secure the relationship with the State. Ya’ll know Natalie and Marlee Carpenter are also Kansas SHRM’s lobbyists right? In the next newsletter we’ll highlight work done at the legislative level.

Before I sign off, I want to take a moment to encourage you to reach out to your Chapter volunteer leaders to learn more about what’s going on at the chapter level as well and how it can benefit you in your career. And you are always welcome to check-in with the state council.

Yours in service (we’re volunteers!!),

Makala Navarro, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPM

Kansas SHRM State Council Director 

Spotlight: Cassie Gilmore, KS SHRM HR RAP Navigator

We would like to introduce KS SHRM’s Apprenticeship Navigator, Cassie Gilmore. Cassie’s role is to promote KS SHRM’s Human Resources Registered Apprenticeship Program (“HR RAP”) offered through the SHRM Foundation to help emerging HR professionals. While apprenticeship is a centuries old, tried-and-true way to learn a trade, it’s a relatively new way for business and management professionals to earn the credentials they need to launch their career...and that is where Cassie comes in!

Cassie is a seasoned HR professional with nearly 20 years experience. Cassie is known for her innovative thinking, her empathetic style, and her ability to build relationships. Over the course of Cassie’s career, she has worked in multiple industries including retail grocery, higher education, corporate wellness, manufacturing and logistics. Cassie recently completed her term as President of Jayhawk SHRM—where she was the first consecutive two-term president. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Kansas SHRM Conference Speaker Committee.  

Cassie holds an MLA from Baker University, specializing in Conflict Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Kansas. Cassie is a Certified Executive Level SHRM Professional and has earned the SHRM-SCP designation.

If you are an employer or an organization who would like more information about KS SHRM’s HR RAP program or would like to begin the registration process, please connect with Cassie via email apprenticeship@ksshrm.com to discuss how to get started.

Challenge the Map: Give Your Input!

Give input to challenge the new Federal Communications Commission broadband service location and availability maps. It's not too late to do so! Click here to learn more.

The FCC recently published new broadband maps to help determine how much federal funding states will receive to shore up gaps in internet service. As part of the process, states, residents, cities, counties, businesses, etc. have the ability to challenge the accuracy of these maps.

The map shares where internet coverage areas exist, the technology internet is delivered with (fiber/wireless/satellite/etc.) and where service gaps are perceived. However, metrics used are showing areas covered that might not be. 

IMPORTANT! This map from the FCC will determine how much funding Kansas receives. Currently the FCC shows KS at ~5% unserved. We are more likely closer to 15% unserved, and that difference will have a direct negative impact on the dollars we receive … potentially 100’s of millions of dollars! We can challenge/change this map, but it will take a strategic concerted effort across the state and through our networks. 

Share this information with your coworkers, neighbors, and friends and encourage them to go to the website to check to see what buildings are shown as covered. Encourage them to share their stories, challenge areas “served” that are not, and make sure their voices are heard.

Thank you for joining us at the 2023 KS SHRM Employment Law & Benefits Conference in Topeka last month. We enjoyed a wonderful turnout and great presenters. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Registration Opening Soon!

KS SHRM HR Career Center

Sponsored by The Arnold Group

Are you an employer searching for HR professionals to add to your team?

Are you in HR and looking for a new job opportunity?

Need advice on advancing your career?

Kansas SHRM has you covered! Job Postings are now live on the KS SHRM website! Check them out here!

Certification Update

Mona Martin, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Certification Director

SHRM’s certification goal for 2023 is to achieve a 3% increase over the 2022 year end numbers. I am confident that Kansas will be a leader!

Things you might consider to help encourage your local HR professionals to consider certification:

• Hosting a certification information session for active and prospective members
• Add a panel discussion to your next meeting and ask people to share test-taking best practices or exam tips
• Create a Did You Know with information to help your certified members learn more about the ways they can gain credit toward recertification
• Create a study group

BONUS! Your Chapter can get a discount on prep materials when you purchase an instructor kit ($595) and at least 5 participant kits ($575 each).

REMINDER! It’s not too late to sign up for the spring exam! 

Applications for the May 1 – July 15, 2023 exam window will be accepted through April 8. Apply by March 18 and take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

Kansas Micro-Internships

More than 1,000 Kansas college students are ready to provide you with on-demand project help in addition to increasing your talent pipeline. Kansas Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments in business, communications, education, finance, human resources, information technology, marketing, research, social media and many other areas.

These work projects can be completed remotely year-round and typically range from 10 to 40 hours of work. Kansas businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs can hire their first two micro-interns for free without any paperwork! 

Visit www.kansasmicrointerns.com for more information.

SHRM Topeka

Mark your calendar for these exciting events.

Save the Date for the SHRM Topeka Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

SHRMinar on May 18, 2023.

We're inviting community members, business leaders, HR professionals

and students to participate in a full day of training and meaningful discussion

with community leaders and DEI practitioners.

All are invited to come join the conversation!

DisruptHR is returning to Topeka.

Mark your calendar for the evening of October 19th, 2023 for an event that is designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field.

Follow updates and learn about Disrupt at https://disrupthr.co/city/topeka/ 

SHRM Topeka is celebrating our 40 year anniversary.

Save the Date for our Member Appreciation Event on the evening of Thursday, November 9th, 2023.

Our Kansas Chapters are hosting incredible events all across the state! Many are happening virtually with the COVID challenges we are facing. You can click here or on the Affiliate Chapters tab to find any one of our chapters to be directed to their website to find upcoming events.