Hello GMA SHRM Members,

As we move into the second quarter of the year, we have a lot of great things happening across GMA SHRM. It’s an exciting time for our chapter with several upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and get involved.

April is National Volunteer Month, which makes it a great time to recognize and thank the many volunteers who help make GMA SHRM what it is. From our committees and Board of Directors to our involvement with WI SHRM and the state conference, our volunteers play a huge role in bringing programs and opportunities to our members. Your time, energy, and ideas truly make a difference – so thank you!

If you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved, we have a great opportunity coming up:

April 22 – GMA SHRM 101 | 4–6 PM
Join us at The Breakwater in Monona to learn more about our programs and how getting involved with GMA SHRM can support your professional growth and career success. It’s also a great chance to connect with fellow members and volunteers.

Register for the event today!

For those planning to pursue SHRM certification this year, we’re also excited to offer our Spring/Summer 2026 SHRM Certification Prep Sessions. These sessions are virtual, completely free, and open to anyone preparing to take the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam during the May 1 – July 15 testing window. It’s a great resource if you’re getting ready for the test.

Register today!

And of course, one of our biggest events of the year is right around the corner:

May 19 – Human Capital Conference | Alliant Energy Center
We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Paul J. Long, a leadership and culture expert known for his dynamic and engaging presentations. His keynotes, Culture By Design and The Unforgettable Leader, focus on helping leaders reduce overwhelm, energize their teams, and build cultures where people thrive. The day will also feature a strong lineup of breakout sessions and speakers.

Register today – this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Thank you for being part of the GMA SHRM community. I hope to see many of you at one of our upcoming events.

Warm Regards,

Ashley Kowalchuk, SHRM-SCP, PHR
President, GMA SHRM
ashley.kowalchuk@iconicacreates.com

Legal Update: Legal Update: Harper v. Sirius XM and Algorithmic Hiring Discrimination

Submitted by Submitted by Emmerson Mirus, Brian P. Goodman, and Storm Larson, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partner

Emmerson Mirus

Brian Goodman

Storm Larson

HR professionals are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline recruitment and hiring processes. For example, many industries post job openings on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or ZipRecruiter, all of which tend to rely on AI to review, rank, and/or match candidates to job descriptions. Other companies may use internally-developed or licensed AI tools to process applications.

Employers should be mindful that as AI use in staffing grows, so too does legal risk. One recent case, Harper v. Sirius XM, highlights these emerging risks. In this case, Arshon Harper claims that Sirius XM’s use of AI disproportionately rejected him and other Black job applicants in violation of Title VII. Specifically, Harper argues that Sirius XM’s workplace AI tool was improperly trained to prioritize applications mentioning certain educational institutions, employment history, and zip codes, and these algorithmic priorities were unrelated to the job qualifications or Sirius’s business needs.

Compensation and Benefits

 

Board Spotlight: Human Capital Conference

The Biggest Greater Madison HR Event of the Year is Almost Here!
Submitted by Nancy Andrews, Human Capital Conference Director
 

Register today for the 2026 Human Capital Conference (HCC)! GMA SHRM's 20th Annual HCC takes place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Trust us — you do NOT want to miss this one.

Get Ready to Be Inspired
This year's featured keynote presenter is the powerhouse Paul J. Long — leadership guru and culture architect behind Fundamism, a framework for building workplaces so strong they're practically unbeatable.

You'll hear from him twice:

•  "Culture by Design" — Stop letting culture happen to your organization and start building it on purpose.
•  "The Unforgettable Leader" — Walk away knowing exactly what it takes to lead in a way people never forget.

Packed Sessions. Serious Value.
HCC is loaded with breakout sessions on the topics HR pros care about most — Mental Health, AI in HR, Benefits, Compensation, Recruitment, HR Legal updates, and more.

Plus, the conference is approved for 6 SHRM and HRCI certification credit hours. Six credits. One incredible day.

Oh, and did we mention? A hot buffet lunch is included — with gluten-free and vegetarian options, because we've got everyone covered.

Cap off the day at the Networking Reception, where you'll connect with fellow HR pros and maybe even walk away with a prize!

Early Bird Pricing Ends May 8! GMA SHRM members register for just $149 before the deadline.

Register now at gmashrm.org!

As we start our planning for 2027 HCC, we are always looking to add to our group of talented and amazing volunteers! If you’d like to learn more about this fun and engaging committee and how you might benefit from volunteering for the GMA SHRM Human Capital Conference, please feel free to email me at nancy.andrews@wisc.edu with any questions.

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The 2026 GMA SHRM Human Capital Conference

Registation is open!

 

GMA SHRM is excited to bring leadership and culture expert Paul Long to the 2026 Human Capital Conference! 

Paul is a highly sought after national speaker and it's impossible to capture his energy in words. 

For a sample of Paul's energy and message, click the image to the right for an invitation from Paul!

Paul will deliver two great keynotes:

• Culture by Design
• The Unforgettable Leader

In addition to great keynotes, check out our breakout sessions from industry experts!

Session 1:

• From Courtroom to Conference Room: Thinking Like Counsel, Acting Like HR, Leading with Integrity 
      Hope Broadus, JD, UW School of Medicine and Public Health
• The 4 C’s: A Transformative Framework for Benefits Success
      Laura Bermudo & Charlie Parker, Hausmann Group 
• Black Mirror: The Ethics of AI in HR
      Dr. Shari Simpson, Paylocity

Session 2:

• Is Resilience Enough? When Trauma Shows Up to Work, 
      April Scott, University Wisconsin Madison
• From Search to Success: Elevating Talent Discovery at Your Organization
      Sarah Marshall & Rebecca Swanson, humanworks8
• Employment Law Update,
      Brian Goodman and Storm Larson, Boardman Clark

Session 3:

• Why Conflict Conversations Matter More Than We Think
      Jen Emmons, Jen Emmons Consulting
• AI and Automation Impact on Total Rewards
      Summer Rector, HCSC
• Employment Law Update,
      Brian Goodman and Storm Larson, Boardman Clark

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2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!

Join us for these virtual discussions facilitated by members!

During Roundtables, members discuss their emerging HR challenges and when possible, others offer possible solutions, support, and resources. Come with those questions top of mind for your organization, offer your own experience and best practices, or simply join to network with others by using the registration links below.

Roundtables are designed for human resource professionals who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences in a confidential environment. It is expected that what members share in these roundtables will stay within the roundtable. We encourage members to exchange contact information and reach out to each other outside of these meetings to expand on the discussions.

Roundtables are held 3 times per month!

• First Thursday
• Second Tuesday
• Last Wednesday

Roundtables are a member only benefit so if you're not a member, join us or reach out to learn more!

More Information and Registration

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SHRM Certification Prep Sessions - Spring Summer
 

GMA SHRM is excited to announce our Spring/Summer 2026 SHRM Certification Prep Sessions designed to support those preparing for the upcoming SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam during the May 1, 2026 – July 15, 2026 test window

These virtual prep sessions are free and open to all exam candidates—whether you are a GMA SHRM member or not.

Who should attend?

• Individuals actively preparing for their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam
• Those enrolled in the UW Small Business Development Center’s study class
• Self-studiers using the SHRM Learning System or other exam prep tools

What to expect:

• All sessions are held on Zoom
• Connection with peers who are also preparing for the exam
• Opportunities to share knowledge, study strategies, and lessons learned

• Tips, tricks, and practice questions covering both multiple-choice and situational judgment questions

More Information and Registration

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Volunteer Opportunity: Spring Affirming Career Event – April 24, 2026

This spring, the DEI Committee and Workforce Development Committee are partnering with the Open Foundation to support their Spring Affirming Career Event, “Ready, Set, Glow!”— and we’re looking for volunteers!
This important event is designed to support LGBTQIA2S+ students by providing:

• Workforce readiness experience they need
• Support in landing the careers they deserve
• Opportunities to connect with safe, affirming employers

Date April 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: To be released to volunteers and attendees 48 hours prior to the event
How You Can Help
We are seeking a few volunteers to assist students with:

• Career search guidance
• Interview preparation and mock interviews
• Resume review and feedback

Volunteers are welcome to participate for the full event or for a portion of the time.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact:

• Lana Martin
  Director, DEI Committee
  deicommittee.gma@gmail.com
• Ambar Sanchez
  Director, Workforce Readiness Committee
  asanchez@veridianhomes.com

Your support can make a meaningful impact in helping students feel confident, prepared, and empowered as they enter the workforce.

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Want to Learn More About the OPEN Foundation?

The OPEN Foundation is dedicated to connecting LGBTQIA2S+ and marginalized talent with affirming employers through programs designed to support career growth, confidence, and community.
OPEN Collective
We connect queer, trans, neuro-spicy, and marginalized talent with affirming employers — helping individuals move from isolated to employed as their authentic selves.
OPEN Experience
Our Spring Career Fair and Fall Summit bring diverse talent together with vetted, affirming employers in spaces where being queer or trans is the norm — not the exception.
OPEN Transformation

• Our TRANSFORM program supports trans femme talent ages 18–25 through mentorship, career coaching, and skill-building workshops — empowering participants to launch meaningful careers with affirming employers.

 

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Workforce Readiness in Action: Supporting Job Seekers at the South Central Wisconsin Job Fair

Submitted by Ambar Aguirre Sanchez, HR Generalist at Veridian Homes and Director of Workforce Readiness

On February 17, eight volunteers from GMA SHRM’s Workforce Readiness Committee hosted Resume Review stations at the South Central Wisconsin Job Fair, providing job seekers with personalized support before they connected with recruiters.

Throughout the day, volunteers worked with 32 attendees, addressing a wide range of questions and career backgrounds. These one-on-one interactions allowed volunteers to take a deeper dive into each individual’s work history, offering thoughtful, actionable guidance to strengthen their resumes and overall job search approach.
The impact was immediate and meaningful. Many participants left the resume stations feeling more confident and prepared to engage with employers, reinforcing the value of direct community support.

Events like this highlight GMA SHRM’s commitment to workforce readiness and community engagement, bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more about this event or volunteering at a future event, please reach out to our Director of Workforce Readiness, Ambar Aguirre Sanchez at asanchez@veridianhomes.com.


 

April and May Observances

Neurodiversity Awareness Month
April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month, and it is a time to celebrate neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and bipolar, as identities to be accepted and respected. The goal is to move beyond awareness and celebrate these differences as strengths rather than hindrances.

HR professionals and managers play an important role in creating environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive. Inclusive practices benefit all employees and often improve clarity, communication, and productivity across teams.

What is neurodiversity and why is it important?
Individuals whose brain function and behavioral traits differ from what is typically considered “neurotypical.” It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in today’s workforce fall under the umbrella of
neurodivergent.

Benefits of a neurodiverse workplace

• Broader perspectives that strengthen problem-solving and innovation
• Strong attention to detail and pattern recognition
• Employees who may excel in structured, analytical, or highly focused work
• A workplace culture that values diverse ways of thinking and collaborating

Communication strategies with neurodivergent employees

• Provide clear expectations and written instructions when possible
• Be direct and specific when communicating goals or feedback
• Avoid relying on implied social cues or unspoken expectations
• Offer regular check-ins to clarify priorities and support success
• Recognized that communication and processing styles may differ among employees

As workplaces continue to evolve, recognizing and supporting neurodiversity helps organizations tap into a wider range of talents, perspectives, and strengths. Visit neurodiversityweek.com for more information.

The neurodiversity symbol, a rainbow infinity sign, represents the diversity of human brains.

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