Never Bet Against SHRM

The 2019 SHRM Annual Conference left nothing to be desired.  As usual, SHRM provided attendees with a wealth of information via educational tracks, mega sessions, general sessions, and tons of networking opportunities.  This was my second conference and I can say that it was no less exceptional than the first.  This year’s conference was recorded as the largest yet, with close to 25,000 attendees from over 90 different countries, including Texas.  

A true highlight of the conference was the opportunity to connect and network with so many wonderful HR people from TX at the Texas SHRM Reception held in Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant (after all you can’t be a Texan without a margarita). The connections made there are sure to last a lifetime for many. 

Lastly, the live entertainment – Lionel Richie and Regina Bell - was icing on the cake for me.  Both artists are wonderful performers who I grew up listening to, and being able to see them live really added to the experience.  

Unfortunately, my phone was lost while on this trip, and with it, all of the photos I took (who doesn’t back up their phone on the cloud due to limited storage?). However even this tragedy, as sad as it is, could not dull the memories and connections made at SHRM19 and at the TXSHRM reception.  Time to start preparations for SHRM20 in San Diego!

Leila Peeples, SHRM-SCP

Contributor, FWHR Newsletter

Member Spotlight: Destiny Row, MBA

#FWHR chose to include Destiny Row in July's Member Spotlight. Destiny is a Human Resources Strategic Partner for Catholic Charities Fort Worth. She received her BBA in Business Management from UTA and her MBA in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at UNT. Read more about Destiny below!

Q: How did you come to join FWHR?

A: I learned about this great organization through my current employer. I'm so glad I did!

Q: What's a typical day at work look like for you, and what parts of your job do you find most enjoyable?

A: A typical day for me is mostly focused around recruiting. What I find the most joy in is problem solving and being a strategic partner for our employees. 

Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

A: I'm a member of the Junior League of Fort Worth. I have the opportunity to give back and positively impact my community. I am currently serving as a team lead for a group of advisors who are guiding new members through their first year in the league. I also volunteer a lot with my church serving alongside my husband in the youth ministry program. 

Q: What inspires and motivates you?

A: What inspires me is leaving behind a legacy, both personally and professionally. I am motivated most when I am challenged with learning new skills, as well as being entrusted with taking on ownership and more responsibility. Seeing the fruit of my commitment, discipline, and hard work paying off is a great feeling.

Q: What did you think was cool when you were young, but isn't so cool now?

A: The 90's grunge look. A style I hope doesn't make its way back!

Q: If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?

A: Why do mosquitos exist? They are the worst!

Q: What's something you've learned about HR that you otherwise wouldn't have learned in school?

A: There are a lot of gray areas in HR. It's not just black and white all the time like people outside of HR may believe. Some things come down to understanding your organization's culture, what's best for your employees, and the greater good of the organization.