Advanced (Elevating I&D)

Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP, founded Seriema Consulting, an advisory firm helping institutions achieve organizational transformation through change management, people analyics, and strategic planning. He consults with C-suite executives in aligning talent management objectives and processes to business outcomes. Specific to the work of inclusion, Brian designed and launched a DE&I function encompassing ERGs, mentorship, and community outreach. He has also worked internationally in business development and internal consulting roles.

Brian earned his BA from New York University and his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He resides in St Petersburg, Florida, where he serves as VP of Membership for SHRM’s affiliate chapter in Pinellas Count, SuncoastHR.

Sascha Mayer is cofounder and Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of Mamava, the creator of freestanding lactation spaces for breastfeeding on the go. Sascha is a recognized expert on lactation space design, family-friendly workplace policies, and social entrepreneurial leadership. A seasoned brand strategist, she’s worked with HP, Levi’s, Lululemon, Nike Women, and Seventh Generation. Sascha is also the host of The Bodacious Optimist, a podcast focussed on design, brand, advocacy, and the people who have inspired her entrepreneurial journey. When she’s not designing new ways to support breastfeeding parents, she’s gardening and tending her chickens.

H-Soul is a speaker, author, and strategist for leaders seeking to create social and culture change. He empowers audiences to shift from ‘Survival’ to ‘Thrival’ both in individual mindsets and behaviors, and as part of their business culture to achieve greater growth and impact. As the Founder of TruNorth Institute and a seasoned strategist in social and cultural movements, strengthening relationships, and building new institutions. He provides individuals and companies with a powerful equation for thriving, with step-by-step guidance for aligning desires, mindset, and actions, and cultivating connection, trust, and belonging.

Elissa Jessup, SHRM-SCP, has 8 years' human resources experience in the private sector, higher education, and government. Her areas of expertise include classification, compensation, talent management, benefits and employee relations. Elissa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Human Resources Management.  Outside of work, she enjoys date nights with her husband, traveling with family and friends, visiting wineries and scrapbooking.

Rakhi is a Professional Corporate Recruiter with 10 plus years of hands-on experience in ATS Management and Passive Sourcing. Adept at combining data-driven insights with a people-centric approach to lead successful process Improvement solutions. Demonstrated expertise across diverse industries including Consulting, Information Technology / SaaS, Healthcare, Retail, and Hospitality. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency to elevate both candidate and stakeholder experiences.

Keren Maldonado joined SHRM two years ago after an exciting career focused on international markets including Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.  Keren has lived stateside in Miami, and as a two-time expatriate, she has lived abroad in Antwerp, Belgium, and London. Throughout her career, she has led different regional teams in building compensation and benefits programs on a regional and global scale. She has also adapted frameworks for local regulations and culture and driven change to improve employee work experience. Now, Keren is leading the evolution of the SHRM employee rewards experience by remodeling SHRM’s programs for the diversified talent that strengthens the organization.

Rakhi is a Professional Corporate Recruiter with 10 plus years of hands-on experience in ATS Management and Passive Sourcing. Adept at combining data-driven insights with a people-centric approach to lead successful process Improvement solutions. Demonstrated expertise across diverse industries including Consulting, Information Technology / SaaS, Healthcare, Retail, and Hospitality. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency to elevate both candidate and stakeholder experiences.

Keren Maldonado joined SHRM two years ago after an exciting career focused on international markets including Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.  Keren has lived stateside in Miami, and as a two-time expatriate, she has lived abroad in Antwerp, Belgium, and London. Throughout her career, she has led different regional teams in building compensation and benefits programs on a regional and global scale. She has also adapted frameworks for local regulations and culture and driven change to improve employee work experience. Now, Keren is leading the evolution of the SHRM employee rewards experience by remodeling SHRM’s programs for the diversified talent that strengthens the organization.

Jay Jones brings ten years of broad HR experience, including employee relations, performance management, training, and career development. As a senior HR Specialist at SHRM, he serves as a trusted advisor to people managers and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. He is a critical part of the Talent Management Employee Experience and broader HR team, supporting talent recruitment and retention and employee engagement solutions that enable an agile, engaged, and inclusive workplace.

Jay Jones brings ten years of broad HR experience, including employee relations, performance management, training, and career development. As a senior HR Specialist at SHRM, he serves as a trusted advisor to people managers and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. He is a critical part of the Talent Management Employee Experience and broader HR team, supporting talent recruitment and retention and employee engagement solutions that enable an agile, engaged, and inclusive workplace.