Help Local Students Start the School Year Strong

This August, SHRM Mid-Florida is proud to support the Polk County Public Schools T.A.S.S.E.L. Project, which provides essential resources to local students and families experiencing hardship. By helping provide school uniforms and hygiene items, we can ensure that children in our own community begin the school year with confidence and the essentials they need to succeed.

We invite you to bring a donation to our August SHRM Mid-Florida  meeting on Tuesday, August 4th. We are collecting new or gently used school uniforms—including khakis, blue or black pants, denim, youth belts, and shoes—as well as hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, washcloths, coloring books, and small toys.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for students right here in Polk County. Every donation, big or small, helps remove barriers to learning and reminds local children that their community cares about their success. Thank you for helping Mid-Florida SHRM invest in the future of our community.

Voice of the American Workplace

Lost in Translation: When clarity builds trust

This year’s Voice of the American Workplace survey explores the shifting expectations and disconnect between employers and employees in today’s workplace. The findings offer actionable insights to inform plan decisions, revealing how employee financial stress, job uncertainty and evolving expectations are influencing engagement and retention

Presented by Michael Dullaghan, AIF®, Director of Retirement Sales Execution (Retirement & Insurance) from Franklin Templeton.

Join us for a virtual session

on Microsoft Teams

July 15, 2026

12 – 1 p.m. Central time (CT)

Click here to register

Hosted by

Retirement plans consulting team of Wealth Management Solutions, Ameriprise Financial

___________________________________________________________________________

This is an informational seminar. There is no cost or obligation.

This event is sponsored by: Franklin Templeton. These sponsors and representatives are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2026 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Join SHRM Mid-Florida for Painting with a Purpose—an evening filled with creativity, laughter, networking, and giving back!

️When: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL
Cost: $40 per person

The best part? 50% of every registration will benefit Florida's Children First as part of SHRM Mid-Florida's fundraising efforts for the SHRM FL HR Conference.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or your stick figures need a little practice, this event is all about having fun while supporting an incredible organization that advocates for children and youth across Florida.

Bring a friend, meet fellow HR professionals, and leave with a masterpiece—and the satisfaction of knowing you've helped make a positive impact.

️ Seats are limited, so reserve yours today. We can't wait to paint with you!

Register today!

https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/lakeland/event/4328901/

SHRM Florida serves the profession as the premier resource for best practices to the public and Florida human resource professionals.  We achieve many great things together and also want to recognize those efforts and achievements – whether it is a significant impact of an individual, a chapter or the combined efforts of the chapters within our state.

Interested in finding our more? Check out the Awards Page. 

If you have any questions related to awards and recognition, please contact Sommer Sherrod, Director, Awards & Recognition at awards@hrflorida.org. 

The HR Florida Conference team and SHRM FL are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this incredible event a success. Whether you're looking to expand your network, connect with HR professionals from across the state, gain behind-the-scenes experience, or simply give back to the HR community, volunteering is a great way to get involved.

✨ Meet industry leaders
✨ Build valuable connections
✨ Support the HR profession
✨ Have fun while making a difference

Join us for an unforgettable experience and be part of the team that helps bring HR Florida Conference to life!

Interested in volunteering? We'd love to have you on the team, register here today! 

Advance Your HR Career with Polk State College's SHRM Certification Preparation Course

Human Resources professionals looking to elevate their expertise and earn a globally recognized credential have an opportunity to prepare for SHRM certification through Polk State College's SHRM Certification Preparation Course this fall.

Designed for HR practitioners seeking to earn the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential, this comprehensive program also serves as an excellent professional development opportunity for experienced HR professionals who want to strengthen their strategic and operational HR knowledge.

The course is led by J. Lenora Bresler, J.D., CSP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, a highly respected HR leader, educator, and certification instructor with extensive experience helping professionals advance their careers.

Program Details

• Dates: August 24 – November 30, 2026
• Schedule: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Format: Live online classes via Zoom
• Cost: $1,749
• Registration Deadline: August 9, 2026

Participants will engage in an in-depth review of the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK®), explore real-world HR scenarios, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue SHRM certification successfully.

Discounts are available for students who pick up course materials at the Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center.

Whether you are preparing for the SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or simply seeking to expand your HR expertise, this course provides valuable tools and insights to help you succeed in today's evolving workplace.

For additional information, contact Rosy Cellucci at rcellucc@polk.edu

Registration is now open, and early enrollment is encouraged as space may be limited.

Considering a Career in Human Resources? Polk State College Offers Human Resource Management Certificate Course This Fall

Looking to launch a career in Human Resources or strengthen your understanding of HR fundamentals? Polk State College is offering its Human Resource Management Certificate Course beginning this September.

This high-energy, interactive program provides participants with a practical and accessible introduction to key Human Resources concepts that are essential across industries and organizations. Whether you are exploring HR as a career path, transitioning into an HR role, or looking to expand your professional knowledge, this course delivers valuable insights into the foundations of human resource management.

The course will be taught by J. Lenora Bresler, J.D., CSP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, an accomplished HR professional and educator with extensive experience in the field.

Program Details

• Dates: September 9 – November 18, 2026
• Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Format: Live online classes via Zoom
• Cost: $949
• Registration Deadline: September 8, 2026

Participants will gain exposure to critical HR topics and practical applications that can support career growth and organizational success.

Space is limited, and classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment requirements are not met.

For more information, contact Rosy Cellucci at rcellucc@polk.edu.

Register today and take the next step toward building your Human Resources expertise.

Please join us in congratulating Natalie Jones, MS, PHR, SHRM-CP on being named the 2026 HR Professional of the Year by our Chapter!

This recognition reflects Natalie’s incredible leadership and passion for advancing the associate experience, especially her work in expanding access to mental and emotional wellbeing resources at scale. Through innovative, data-driven strategies, she has helped position wellbeing as a true business priority, impacting thousands of associates in meaningful ways.

Natalie’s influence extends far beyond her organization. Through her leadership with SHRM Mid-Florida and her role as District Director for SHRM Florida, she continues to elevate the HR profession by supporting leaders, strengthening chapters, and fostering connection across the state.

Her commitment to service is equally inspiring. From her work with the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s High Future Leaders, to coordinating volunteer efforts through Publix Serves, and supporting youth development through TB 21 Hoops Basketball Academy. Natalie consistently shows what it means to lead with purpose and give back to the community.

Natalie exemplifies the very best of our profession. She is strategic, compassionate, and impactful.

Congratulations, Natalie on this well-deserved honor!

Enhance Your Career with Our Programs

At Florida State University College of Law, Stoops Center for Law and Business, we offer self-paced certifications and courses designed for busy working professionals. Even though these courses don't carry higher education credits, they offer the chance to gain practical skills and earn SHRM or HRCI credits--valuable tools to help you move forward in your career!

Certifications Available

• Certification in HR and Privacy Compliance: Equips professionals with the knowledge to manage privacy, security, and workplace compliance.
• SHRM and HRCI Credits Available
• Certification in Employment & Human Resources Law: A 4-course program focusing on workplace investigations and employment law.
• SHRM and HRCI Credits Available
• Certification in Privacy Law & Policy
• Tailored tracks:
• Financial/Education | Medical | Telecommunications/Marketing

Explore Programs

Why Enroll Now?

• Self-Paced Convenience: Learn on your schedule.
• Professional Credits: Earn CLE, SHRM, or HRCI credits.
• Immediate Access: Start anytime and boost your career. No need to wait for a start date!
• Promo Code LAW10 for 10% Off

Don’t miss the chance to finish the year strong—invest in yourself today!

For questions, enrollment assistance, our group discounts up to 30% off, please reach out to me at jcoco@law.fsu.eduor schedule a time to chat here.