Have you ever sat down and asked yourself why did you join SHRM? Was it originally because you wanted to grow as an HR pro or was it because you were looking for that next great opportunity?
Yesterday at the SHRM Foundation’s luncheon, I had the chance to meet this year’s conference scholarship winners. This was their first time attending this mega conference and I could see their excitement and gratitude on their face. Brandi Levanel, a scholarship winner, mentioned how she volunteers to be able to give back to the community. This opportunity to help her is the reason that many of us give to the foundation. In a way, through our contributions to HR pros like Brandi we are making an impact at communities across our nation. 
Another big reason that I am a SHRM member is because I understand that not only does SHRM help us grow and innovate, but they also help shape the HR professionals of tomorrow. Along with being a SHRM member, I believe that we are also great givers. This is how the Foundation is able to support our future leaders in our profession.
According to Johnny C Taylor, the President and CEO of SHRM, it is the foundation’s role to shape the future of HR professionals.
At the end of the day, we all know that it is the people that are the key to competitive advantage. If we ever want to become a profession where CEO’s and COO’s are grown, we need to invest in our own. We need to give to push our profession to new heights. We cannot accomplish this alone. We can only accomplish this by uniting and supporting each other. We must stand behind a great cause. What better cause then the SHRM Foundation? 
It is a sad thing that while many companies invest in students who are pursuing math, finance, and engineering no one is investing in the people, the HR professionals, who are responsible for breaking these barriers.
What is this all about?
It is about moving forward together as an organization that helps nourish those who have the potential of picking up the torch for today’s great leaders like Steve Pemberton.
To me Steve is a great role model because it was through adversity that he succeeded, but what truly made me respect him more was that he didn’t take the full credit for his success. He acknowledged that it was the support of others that led him to where he is today.
I can attest to the truth of what he talked about yesterday. We need great givers to be beacons of lights to those of us who need the help to reach new heights.
I cannot emphasize this enough: Alone we cannot accomplish anything. We must move forward together as one HR voice that is SHRM. It is amazing what this organization has accomplished.
If you doubt it, just get off your phone, stop and look around.
If you do nothing today, take the time and go to the SHRM Foundation’s booth and give a little of yourself today. You will be glad you did.
Originally posted on HR2Serve blog.
Cecilia A. Clark (Cici) is a business-oriented talent management leader with almost a decade of experience in human resources management, with experience in talent acquisition, retention, workforce performance, employee relations, and employee engagement.
To Cecilia, every employee has the potential to overcome challenges and become an ideal employee, and she is driven to create strategic solutions to help current and potential employees thrive while meeting corporate goals. Cecilia thrives by developing key relationships with senior leaders to provide innovative HR solutions including coaching and mentoring programs, affinity groups, apprenticeship programs and ATS implementation to drive talent acquisition, employee engagement, retention, employee relations and leadership training. She is also known by employees at her plant as a very passionate lady who drives everyone towards achieving Schwan’s desired state. She has led many New Employee Onboarding classes and has taught over 150 new employees what it means to be an impactful and productive employee.
Currently, Cecilia is a Sr. HR Generalist for Schwan’s. She is working at one of their food manufacturing companies supporting two plants in Houston, TX. In addition, Cecilia has held several HR positions including Talent Acquisition Manager with NextOp, Inc., Talent Acquisition Consultant with Voyig, LCC and Human Resources Manager with the US Army.
Cecilia is a native Galvestonian and proud Texan with a strong military background. She enlisted in the United States Army in April 2005 and served multiple enlistments with both active and reserve components, including a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her time in the service, Cecilia worked as a Bell 407 helicopter mechanic before transitioning to a role in human resources. After serving more than 10 years and earning the rank of Staff Sergeant, Cecilia left active-duty in 2015.
As an enthusiastic member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Cecilia volunteers her time with her local HR Houston chapter where she currently serves as a member of the Conference Symposium Committee and the Veteran HR Affinity group. Recently, Cecilia was a guest panelist for Source Houston, a local conference focusing on the best sourcing techniques and made guest appearances at HR focused podcasts like CAVNESSHR. In addition, Cecilia was a 2017 SHRM Foundation scholarship winner to attend SHRM’s Annual Conference & Exposition in June 2017, where she spoke during the Foundation’s luncheon about her service and passion for veteran hiring. She was also chosen to join the SHRM blogger team for the SHRM18 conference. Her latest speaking engagement was during a veteran program hosted by the Louisville SHRM chapter.
Cecilia is a strong advocate, mentor, and supporter of transitioning service members and veterans. She has mentored more than 340 veterans to help each find their passion and pursue the right careers based on their military and civilian background. As a volunteer, Cecilia has served on many committees and groups focused on veteran hiring and empowerment, including: the Women Veterans Empowerment Expo, U.S. Congressman Brian Babin’s Advisory Council, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Lone Star Veterans Association, Greater Houston Partnership Upskill Houston, and Hiring Red, White, and You.
Cecilia has a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and Business Development from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, from the University of Phoenix.
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