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• Spring Into Learning! Friday Lunchtime Certification Study Group

  • Start
    27 Mar 2026
  •  
  • End
    29 May 2026
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  
  

  ☀️ Spring into Learning with Our Friday Study Group! ☀️

  Ready to shake off the winter fog and grow something new this season?

  Join us for our Spring Certification Study Group—a 10-week, lunchtime series starting Friday, March 27th. It’s the perfect way to refresh your HR knowledge, stay accountable, and connect with others who are on a similar path.

  Why join us this spring?
  Because everything’s better with a little momentum (and good company):

  • Plant the seeds for your SHRM certification—or finally bring it across the finish line

  • Stay on track with a consistent, low-pressure weekly touchpoint

  • Trade ideas, insights, and real-world experiences with peers who get it

  • Add a little energy (and maybe a few laughs) to your Fridays

  This group is for you if you’re:

  • Preparing for SHRM certification

  • Looking to sharpen your HR expertise

  • Wanting a structured, supportive way to stay engaged

  No heavy lifting—just steady progress, meaningful conversation, and a chance to grow week by week.

  Let’s make this a season of fresh starts and follow-through.

  
  

  

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• Spring HR Workshop: Learn, Connect, Lead

  • When
    14 May 2026
  •  
    9:45 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Northwest Career & Technical Academy, 2205 West Campus Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

  Register

  
  

  Spring HR Workshop: Learn, Connect, Lead

  Thursday, May 14th,  9:45 AM - 3:30 PM Pacific Time
  Northwest Career & Technical Academy, 2205 West Campus Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

  Join us for a dynamic, in-person experience designed to bring HR and business professionals together from across the region. This Spring Workshop blends timely insights, practical strategies, and meaningful networking—creating space to learn from experts while building authentic connections in a fun, engaging environment. 

  Workshop Agenda (9:45 AM – 3:30 PM)

  • 9:45 – 10:00 AM | Welcome & Announcements — Erin Kuusela, Chapter President

  • 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Speaker 1 — Jessi Beyer, Crisis Mental Health Professional & Author

  • 10:45 – 10:55 AM | Break

  • 10:55 – 11:40 AM | Speaker 2 — Scott Iddings, Northwest Workforce Council

  • 11:40 – 11:50 AM | Break

  • 11:50 AM – 12:35 PM | Speaker 3 — Toby Paterson, Regional Labor Economist (ESD)

  • 12:35 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Networking

  • 1:30 – 2:15 PM | Speaker 4 — Gary Priam, Diventa Solutions

  • 2:15 – 2:30 PM | Break

  • 2:30 – 3:00 PM | Raffle & Closing Announcements - SHRM Skagit-Island Board

  • 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Networking & Event Close

  
  

  
  

  Session One

  How Every HR Professional Should Handle a Workplace Mental Health Crisis

  Presented by Jessi Beyer, Crisis Mental Health Professional & International Speaker

  Workplace mental health crises are more common than many realize—and HR is often at the center of response. In this powerful and practical session, Jessi introduces her L.I.F.E. model for de-escalation and suicide prevention, equipping you with the tools to respond confidently and compassionately.

  You’ll walk away with the ability to:

  • Better understand the prevalence and impact of mental health challenges at work

  • Recognize the limitations of traditional approaches like EAPs alone

  • Apply a clear framework to support employees in moments of crisis

  About the Presenter: 

  Jessi Beyer, MHP, C-RFA, Crisis Mental Health Professional, Jessi Beyer International.

  Jessi Beyer is an international TEDx speaker, #1 best-selling author of How to Heal, and a crisis mental health professional embedded with law enforcement, serving as a negotiator with Region 1 SWAT. Recognized as the 2025 Best International Mental Health Speaker by Global Health and Pharma, she has been featured in over 200 media outlets and has spoken to thousands worldwide on peer support, suicide prevention, and verbal de-escalation. Jessi holds master’s degrees in critical psychology and human services from Prescott College and military psychology from Adler University.

  
  

  

  Session Two

  Public Workforce Programs and Resources

  Presented by Scott Iddings, Director of Program Strategy & Business Development, Northwest Workforce Council

  Discover how to leverage your local workforce ecosystem to strengthen hiring, retention, and workforce planning. This session provides a practical look at how employers can partner with workforce boards and the WorkSource system to build stronger talent pipelines.

  You’ll learn how to:

  • Engage effectively with your local Workforce Development Board

  • Utilize WorkSource services for recruiting, training, and retention

  • Leverage sector partnerships to solve shared workforce challenges

  About the Presenter: 

  Scott Iddings, Director of Program Strategy & Business Development, Northwest Workforce Council

  Scott Iddings brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in television and radio before transitioning into workforce development. In his current role, he partners with employers to strengthen talent strategies by connecting them to recruitment support, workforce training resources, and labor market insights. Scott specializes in helping organizations navigate public workforce systems and build sustainable talent pipelines through strategic collaboration.

  
  

  

  Session Three

  North West Regional Labor Economics

  Presented by Toby Paterson, Regional Labor Economist, Washington State Employment Security Department

  Gain a data-driven perspective on the regional labor market. Toby will walk through key trends in occupations and industries, helping you better understand the forces shaping talent availability in Northwest Washington.

  You’ll gain insight into:

  • Local labor market trends and economic shifts

  • Occupation and industry changes impacting your workforce

  • Where and how to source reliable labor market data

  About the Presenter: 

  Toby Paterson, Regional Labor Economist, Washington State Employment Security Department

  Toby Paterson is a Regional Labor Economist with over 20 years of experience in economics and econometrics. He supports Northwest Washington by analyzing labor market trends, industry shifts, and occupational data to inform workforce and economic development strategies. Toby is passionate about making complex data accessible and actionable for employers, policymakers, and community partners.

  
  

  

  Session Four

  The AI Genie Is Out of the Bottle: HR’s Role in Responsible AI Adoption

  Presented by Garry Priam, Managing Partner, Diventa Solutions

  AI is already transforming the workplace—and HR plays a critical role in shaping how it’s used. This engaging session explores the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities of AI in HR, with a focus on maintaining trust, fairness, and transparency.

  You’ll explore how to:

  • Identify where AI is already influencing HR functions

  • Recognize risks such as bias and ethical concerns

  • Implement responsible governance practices for AI adoption

  About the Presenter: 

  Garry Priam, B.Sc., Prosci®, Managing Partner, Diventa Solutions, LLC

  Garry Priam is an international speaker, author, and organizational development consultant focused on helping individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. With a background that spans computer science, advanced project management, and change management, Garry brings a unique perspective to leadership and innovation. A former professional basketball player who lived in Italy for nine years, he is now a sought-after advisor on artificial intelligence, leadership, and team development.

  
  

  
  

  Built for Connection

  This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a space to engage. With dedicated networking time throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and connect with peers facing similar challenges across the region.

  Multiple HRCI and SHRM recertification credits available.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Wednesday Coffee Connections

  • When
    20 May 2026
  •  
    7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Location
    In-Person, Burlington

  Registration is closed

  
  

  
  

  Coffee Connections: Member Networking Series

  Coffee Connections is a monthly, member-only networking opportunity designed to foster meaningful relationships, peer learning, and connection across our chapter’s diverse geographic footprint. Held once per month on the 3rd Wednesday, these informal one-hour gatherings create space for HR professionals to connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting—before the workday gets fully underway.

  The intent of Coffee Connections is simple: to provide high-quality, consistent networking opportunities where members can build authentic relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen their professional community. Whether you’re new to the chapter or a long-time member, Coffee Connections offers an approachable way to stay engaged and connected.

  Recognizing that our chapter spans three counties and a large service area, we aim to rotate locations to meet members where they are. We welcome suggestions for coffee shops or meeting spots that are convenient for you and your local HR community.

  Event Details:

  • When:  3rd Wednesday of the Month

  • Duration: 1 hour, 7:30AM - 8:30AM

  • Who: Members only

  • Format: Informal, in-person networking

  Have a location suggestion? We’d love to hear it. Please submit your ideas to our chapter email: info@sihrma.org, and help us shape future Coffee Connections across the region.

  Join us for great conversation, strong connections, and a cup of coffee—because the best professional relationships are built one conversation at a time. 

  *Please note we will only host this event if a minimum of 5 members are registered. Exact location will be shared directly with registrants. 

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• Understanding the WA Cares Fund: What HR Professionals Need to Know

  • When
    11 Jun 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual Only: Zoom Link will be shared with registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Understanding the WA Cares Fund: What HR Professionals Need to Know

  By

  Mariah Davis, MSW, Outreach Specialist at Northwest Regional Council (NWRC)

  Thursday, May 14th, 8:00AM - 9:00AM

  Virtual Only

  
  

  Washington is the first state in the nation to establish a worker-earned, worker-funded long-term care benefit, making the WA Cares Fund a pioneering approach to addressing the growing long-term care needs of an aging population. As the program continues to evolve, HR professionals play a critical role in helping employees understand and navigate this benefit.

  Beginning in July 2023, most Washington workers started contributing to the WA Cares Fund through payroll deductions. July 2026 marks the first time eligible individuals may access benefits, making now an especially important moment for employers and HR teams to be informed, prepared, and compliant.

  This session will provide a clear, practical overview of the WA Cares Fund, including how the program works today, key legislative updates since its introduction, and how HR professionals can appropriately support employees who may need to use the benefit. Attendees will gain context not only on compliance requirements, but also on the broader workforce and societal challenges the program is designed to address.

  Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what the WA Cares Fund is and how the benefit works

  • Review key legislative changes since the program’s creation in 2019

  • Learn how to direct employees to appropriate resources and supports when accessing the benefit

  This session is ideal for HR professionals, people leaders, and managers supporting Washington-based employees who want to stay informed, compliant, and ready to guide their workforce through an important and evolving benefit landscape.

  
  

  About the Speaker:

  Mariah Davis, MSW, is an Outreach Specialist at Northwest Regional Council (NWRC), where she provides education and outreach about the WA Cares Fund. Her professional background includes working with children, adolescents, women experiencing homelessness, and older adults. She is passionate about advocating for equitable, accessible long-term care options that support individuals and families across the lifespan. 

  
  

  Attendees earn one (1) recertification credit for SHRM and/or HRCI certifications. 
  

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