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2025 Chapter Leadership Award Recipients
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Washington State SHRM recognizes the outstanding efforts of local chapters in driving impactful initiatives that strengthen the HR community. These awards celebrate chapters that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to SHRM’s mission of empowering people and workplaces.
Yakima SHRM partnered with an underserved part of the community, monolingual or native Spanish-speaking business owners. Partnering with the local WorkSource office, they brought together a cohort of over a dozen business owners, bilingual volunteers, and SHRM board members. Using the information gathered, Yakima SHRM developed a presentation (in Spanish) explaining the importance of having procedures and an employee handbook, then introduced SHRM as a resource. They plan more Spanish presentations on topics like workers compensation, discipline, termination, and leave.
The WSHRMA Road Show was launched to strengthen connections between the board and HR professionals across their 150-mile geographic region. Recognizing that monthly meetings and email newsletters weren't always accessible to everyone, they aimed to create more personal and direct engagement opportunities. By hosting coffee hours and happy hour gatherings in communities further away from our normal meeting location, they made it easier for members to connect, whether on their way to work or at the end of their day. They also hosted several volunteer opportunities for HR professionals to work together in helping low-income college students and military families with job searching tools and advice. These events were held at various locations and involved developing partnerships with government and non-profit agencies.
Mt Baker SHRM created a membership initiative that requires members to log in to access discounted pricing on the chapter website. Membership directors actively reviewed and updated member status and conducted outreach to lapsed members to encourage renewals. The initiative resulted in a 25% increase in new members during 2024. This strengthened both the chapter’s financial sustainability and its community engagement.
South King County heard from members that the process to become SHRM certified was overwhelming. In response, they launched a 3-month SHRM certification study group.
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Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that they had considered certification for years but hadn’t followed through until the group provided the support and accountability they needed. Several members noted that the experience gave them confidence, clarity, and a stronger connection to the HR profession and our chapter. Based on the positive response, South King County is launching a second study group in fall 2025.