In-person Pass

Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, is an HR professional with over 15 years of broad-based experience in the public school and private sector in various roles and disciplines. A Miami, Florida native, Monique earned her degree in Public Administration with a specialization in HR from Barry University. Monique is also a Master Examiner and Mentor with the Florida Sterling Council Board of Examiners, visiting organizations throughout the state across all industries to assess their leadership system and organizational performance through the National Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence model. In her volunteer role, Monique has been an active SHRM Chapter leader serving in various roles including Chapter President and District Director with HR Florida. In addition, she serves on various local non-profit boards. As a high energy, creative thinker, team builder, and problem-solver, Monique has a passion for service and assisting others in their purpose, potential, and professional development through meaningful connections.

Faith is Manager, Academic, Affiliate and Student Communities for SHRM.  Prior to this role, Faith served as a Field Services Director (FSD) based in Pittsburgh, PA. In this role she is responsible for membership growth through renewals and member acquisition working closely with the chapter and state council volunteer leaders in IN, KY, MI, ND, SD and TN. Faith also leads strategic planning and succession planning workshops for state councils and chapters along with speaking to SHRM members and non-members on a wide range of HR topics that are impacting employees and employers who are creating Better Workplaces for Better Worlds.

The first person to ever compete in four Winter Olympics each in a different decade, Ruben Gonzalez takes people’s excuses away and inspires them to produce more than ever before. At 47, Ruben was the oldest luge competitor, who competed in the Vancouver Olympics. At 55, he became the oldest person to compete internationally in the sport of luge. Since 2002, Ruben’s spoken for over 100 Fortune 500 companies about commitment to excellence, overcoming challenges and taking bold action to create long-lasting success. Ruben’s inspiring message will help your team soar to a new level of performance.

Eric Ellis, President and CEO of Integrity Development Corp., is an award-winning entrepreneur, thought leader, author, and keynote speaker with over thirty years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.  

Named one of the Top 100 DEI Experts in the World by the Society for Human Resources Management and "Cincinnati's Diversity Fixer" by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Eric is an innovative thought leader who helps transform organizational cultures into people-centered workplaces that inspire employee engagement and a sense of belonging.

Eric is a singer/songwriter, and the author of Diversity Conversations. He hosts a weekly podcast named after his book, which can be found on Apple, Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.

As executive director of SHRM Northern California Operations, Ayllon is responsible for overseeing membership engagement activities, including recruitment, retention and local educational programs for HR professionals living and working in the Greater SF Bay Area. Additionally, she oversees the financial responsibilities of the Northern California operation. Prior to joining SHRM, Ayllon served for nearly 18 years as executive director of the Professional Association of Childhood Education, where she oversaw the organization’s daily operations, program development and strategic planning initiatives. Ayllon holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from San Francisco State University. Additionally, she is SHRM SCP Certified and a Certified Association Executive.

Kevin Abbed is the Specialist, Academic and Afiliate Engagement for SHRM.  Prior to that he served as Member Engagement Associate, where he engaged with members, students and prospective students. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications from Penn State University.