ENX Mid-Market

Bernadette Jones is a trailblazing HR leader with over 20 years of experience crafting "Culture-First" solutions across diverse organizations. As Human Resource Committee Chair at Richmond Art Center and Professional Development Chair for SHRM Northern California, she champions intentional inclusion and culture-first practices. Bernadette's innovative "Respect in the Workplace Starts With Me®" workshop series addresses crucial compliance and cultural issues. With SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, she brings deep HR expertise to her roles. Bernadette's leadership in Visionova's participation in SHRM's National HR Registered Apprenticeship Program demonstrates her commitment to nurturing HR talent and enhancing workplace environments. Her work connects over 27,000 HR professionals across 16 SHRM chapters in Northern California.

Dr. Jessica Hicksted, is a resilient and innovative AuDhd woman. With a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, her research and advocacy serve as a beacon for inclusion and diversity. Dr. Hicksted illuminates the complexities of invisible disabilities, challenging stereotypes and championing workplace inclusivity. Her groundbreaking work includes the development of a pioneering survey, gauging the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities. By dissecting acceptance, ableism, and advocacy, she sheds light on dynamics affecting disclosure decisions in professional settings. Through her work, she emphasizes shifts in workplace culture, enhancing performance and satisfaction where every individual thrives.

Ms. Walters has more than 30 years’ combined experience in management, HR administration, employment law practice, and teaching.

She has presented at conferences across the country, been engaged as an expert witness, and testified before U.S. Congressional and state legislative committees on employment issues.

Her book, “From Hello to Goodbye: Proactive Tips for Maintaining Positive Employee Relations” is in its 2nd edition and was one of the SHRMStore’s “Great 8” best-sellers for eight consecutive years.

Today, Ms. Walters works as an independent consultant doing business as FiveL Company, “Helping Leaders Limit their Liability by Learning the Law.”SM

Melanie Hallenbeck is Chief Growth Officer at Alegeus, leading the company’s go-to-market strategy. With more than two decades of channel experience in the employee benefits and consumer-directed healthcare space, Melanie most recently served as chief growth officer at Elevate, a fast-growing developer of employee benefits technology. Prior to Elevate, she served as chief growth and marketing officer at benefitexpress, which was acquired by Wex, a leading global benefits company. Previously, she was senior vice president at WageWorks, leading the organization’s health plan partner channel business. Earlier in her career, she held senior sales roles at ADP and Progressive Benefits Solutions.

Dr. Diane Bergeron is a social-organizational psychologist and current Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership. She has consulted and worked with Fortune 500 companies. She earned her PhD at Columbia University. Her research and consulting areas include women’s leadership, workplace listening, and grief and bereavement in the workplace. Prior to graduate school, she spent two years volunteering in the Dominican Republic. Formerly, she was an associate professor in a business school at a research university. She took two years off work for a family sailing adventure. It was the best decision she ever made.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles.