Neena Kovuru
Strategic HCM Thought Leader
UKG
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Neena is a transformative Human Capital Management thought leader, revolutionizing organizations with her expertise.  Rising from a Computer Science background, Neena blends technical mastery with HR acumen to prioritize data-driven decisions and transparency. She's modernized the HCM sector with her ROI-driven approach and outstanding tech utilization, making HR a competitive advantage rather than a support function. An engaging speaker, Neena's presentations are rich, relatable, and humorous, igniting audiences to embrace innovation and foster inclusion. As a stalwart Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocate, she champions diverse views and open contributions, sparking cultural change and promoting employee engagement. Her analytical and behavioral skills have proven instrumental in organizational transformation, solidifying her status through publications in renowned platforms like IPMA-HR, Route Fifty, WorldatWork, and SHRM. With 15+ years in the consulting realm, Neena's data-driven solutions have driven value amid fast-paced tech advancements. Her vibrant energy, sharp wit, and exceptional ability to connect with people have made her a favored speaker and consultant. Put simply, Neena is the people's champion, driving organizational success with her unwavering focus on empowerment and strategic insight.

SESSIONS:
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - 7:30am to 8:30am
Neena Kovuru
Strategic HCM Thought Leader
UKG
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Neena is a transformative Human Capital Management thought leader, revolutionizing organizations with her expertise.  Rising from a Computer Science background, Neena blends technical mastery with HR acumen to prioritize data-driven decisions and transparency. She's modernized the HCM sector with her ROI-driven approach and outstanding tech utilization, making HR a competitive advantage rather than a support function. An engaging speaker, Neena's presentations are rich, relatable, and humorous, igniting audiences to embrace innovation and foster inclusion. As a stalwart Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocate, she champions diverse views and open contributions, sparking cultural change and promoting employee engagement. Her analytical and behavioral skills have proven instrumental in organizational transformation, solidifying her status through publications in renowned platforms like IPMA-HR, Route Fifty, WorldatWork, and SHRM. With 15+ years in the consulting realm, Neena's data-driven solutions have driven value amid fast-paced tech advancements. Her vibrant energy, sharp wit, and exceptional ability to connect with people have made her a favored speaker and consultant. Put simply, Neena is the people's champion, driving organizational success with her unwavering focus on empowerment and strategic insight.

SESSIONS:
 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 - 7:30am to 8:30am
Cliff Jurkiewicz
Vice President of Global Strategy
Phenom
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Cliff Jurkiewicz, Head of Strategy & Evangelist at Phenom, has shaped the company's growth from startup to a global talent intelligence platform powerhouse. His 30-year career intersects both design and technology, including leading a top digital advertising agency and founding a successful software firm. Known for his insightful contributions to global tech and AI discourse, Cliff excels in making complex ideas accessible and actionable. An experienced pilot by passion, he co-founded Kyle’s Wish Foundation to honor his late son, supporting mental health and addiction recovery through aviation experiences. Cliff enjoys life with his family outside Philadelphia.

SESSIONS:
Jennifer Lee
Director of Learning and Development
JB Training Solutions
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Jennifer Lee is an experienced keynote speaker, engaging educator, and talented facilitator. Jennifer has over 15 years of learning and development experience with a robust background in luxury hospitality, human resources, and training. As the former Learning and Development Director at the AAA Five Diamond-rated Waldorf Astoria Chicago and the former Learning Manager at The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Jennifer brings a rich perspective in leadership, management, service, hospitality and presentation skills training. When she’s not presenting, Jennifer can be found checking items off her bucket list, which still includes attending the Oscars at least once in her lifetime.

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Katie Howard
Senior HR Consultant
James Moore and Co. -JMA Advisory- HR Solutions
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Katie has over 20 years of HR experience in leadership and consultative roles across various industries such as: municipal government, healthcare, and professional employer organizations. She excels in talent management, total rewards, performance management, and compliance. As a consultant, Katie tailors her recommendations to each client's culture, challenges, and goals, fostering strong relationships and sustainable HR strategies. She holds a Bachelor's in Finance, PHR certification, and has spoken at the Forbes School of Business Thought Leadership Summit, HR Florida, DisruptHR, and SHRM Jax, and has been featured on several HR podcasts.

SESSIONS:
Katie Howard
Senior HR Consultant
James Moore and Co. -JMA Advisory- HR Solutions
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Katie has over 20 years of HR experience in leadership and consultative roles across various industries such as: municipal government, healthcare, and professional employer organizations. She excels in talent management, total rewards, performance management, and compliance. As a consultant, Katie tailors her recommendations to each client's culture, challenges, and goals, fostering strong relationships and sustainable HR strategies. She holds a Bachelor's in Finance, PHR certification, and has spoken at the Forbes School of Business Thought Leadership Summit, HR Florida, DisruptHR, and SHRM Jax, and has been featured on several HR podcasts.

SESSIONS:
Lauraine Bifulco
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
President
Vantaggio HR, ltd.
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Two themes are woven throughout Lauraine Bifulco's diverse career: a passion for a job well done and a zest for continual learning and improvement.  Lauraine infuses Vantaggio HR with these qualities every day. When she founded the firm in 1994, Lauraine combined her rare talent in understanding what a client needs and her gift of business foresight to create a company that can service the HR and management consulting needs of small and large companies equally well.  Today, Vantaggio serves clients across the country from their offices in California, Hawaii, Colorado, and New York. 

Her Career experience helps employers realize their HR goals and adapt to the shifting HR landscape.  Lauraine is a veteran HR executive and entrepreneur with 25 years of international, corporate, and consulting experience. Her bold career has taken her to employment and business opportunities in Europe and multiple U.S. cities. She serves as co-chair of the California Small Business Administration's committee on Labor Issues which reviews and makes recommendations on pending labor/employment laws, keeping her abreast of legal developments.                                                                            

Delivering over 30 presentations and webinars each year, Lauraine is a well-respected, and highly sought after guest lecturer and speaker on a variety of business management and HR-related topics for both state and national organizations including Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA), American Payroll Association (APA), Next Concept HR Association (NCHRA), Paylocity annual Elevate Conference, and HR Star Conference to name a few. She has been invited to review, develop, and deliver certificate programs for SHRM, and has developed and delivered curriculum for businesses throughout the U.S.                                                                   

Lauraine received a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and conducted graduate level studies in linguistics at the Sorbonne in Paris.

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Ash Beckham
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Inclusion Activist
Ash Beckham Consulting
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Ash Beckham helps high-performing individuals and teams realize the freedom that comes from embracing their authentic selves so they can thrive both independently and collectively.  Ash is a bold, dynamic presenter who speaks about empathy, respect, and the power of having real conversations. Online videos of her TEDx talks "Coming Out of Your Closet" and "Owning Your Duality" and her Boulder Ignite speech "I am SO GAY" have gone viral with more than 15 million YouTube views. Ash reaches millions as her inspiring speeches are experienced in classrooms, boardrooms, and auditoriums worldwide.  

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm