Greetings, Austin SHRM members! I am thrilled and super excited to share with you that we are the recipients of the 2023 Platinum EXCEL Award presented by SHRM! 

The EXCEL award is given to state councils and chapters to recognize major accomplishments, strategic activities, and tactical initiatives that elevate the profession of human resources. The EXCEL Award can be earned at four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a prescribed set of requirements and accomplishments that must be met, and we met them at the highest level!

As said by Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM - “SHRM’s impact on the world of work is due to the dedication and efforts of our chapters and state councils like Austin SHRM. The Platinum EXCEL Award is not only a celebration of the great work done by Austin SHRM—it’s also recognition of their focus and determination to cause the effect to make great workplaces. Their HR leadership is exemplary.”

Here's what the 2023 Austin SHRM Board of Directors accomplished that led to receiving this prestigious award:

• Austin SHRM became a dual membership chapter in August 2023. Our goal was to increase dual membership by three percent. As of our dual membership launch date, we increased membership from 444 dual members to 569 dual members, resulting in a 28 percent increase in dual membership.
• To expand our efforts to increase our presence and visibility through community engagement, we participated in two local community events for the first time – volunteering at Caritas and the Central Texas Food Bank. These efforts not only position Austin SHRM as a leader in the HR field but also highlight our commitment to contributing positively to the local community and the broader HR profession. These initiatives provided excellent opportunities for engagement and members were enthusiastic about contributing to our volunteer efforts.
• We became an active member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce to increase our presence in the HR and business communities.
• We hosted our very first HR Excellence Awards recognizing a broad spectrum of HR excellence in the Austin and surrounding communities, enhancing the visibility of HR’s critical role in organizational success and promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the profession.
• Our DEIB program organized a series of DEIB pop-up events across various locations throughout Austin, ensuring accessibility and a broad reach to different sectors and communities. These interactive experiences encouraged participation and open dialogue among attendees, focusing on various DEIB topics along with providing tools, resources and insights to support positive change.
• In partnership with our Workforce Readiness program, we hosted our first ever Brainstorm Series during our Annual Conference. By presenting cutting-edge ides and practical strategies such as this, we are intent on empowering HR professionals and business leaders with the knowledge to cultivate highly engaged and motivated workforces.

I am so thankful and humbled to have served as the leader for such an amazing organization that is made up of some amazing people.

Many, many thanks to the Austin SHRM 2023 Board of Directors for the amazing work, dedication and unwavering support of me and each other, and always ensuring that we are supporting the HR needs of our members in a very impactful and positive way -

Mya Kelly
Jennifer Charles
Metha Vasquez
Michelle O’Neil
Tracy Letulle
Ricardo Carlos
Karen Nieft
Odette Perez
Sarah Maldonado
Sarah Glaser
Derek Curlee
Marie Carroll
Kaitlyn Vicars
Angela Johnson
Kenyetta Smith (posthumously)

I’ll close as I always do by thanking each and every one of you for all that you do in support of Austin SHRM, your Board of Directors and each other. Now, let’s get after it for 2024!!!

Billie