Committees

Make a Difference – Volunteer with SHRM Hawaii!

Volunteering with SHRM Hawaii is more than just giving your time - it’s an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on Hawai‘i’s HR community. Whether your interests are in educational programming, workforce development, legislative affairs, membership engagement, marketing, or supporting our emerging professionals, we have a variety of committees to match your passion.

Why volunteer?

  • Strengthen our HR community - Your participation helps shape programs, events, and initiatives that support HR professionals across the islands.

  • Grow your network - Build lasting relationships with HR peers, business leaders, and community partners.

  • Enhance your skills - Gain hands-on experience in leadership, planning, and strategic projects.

  • Align with your passion - Choose from multiple committees designed for different interests and skill sets.

  • Volunteer Value Proposition Program - We deeply appreciate the time and dedication of our volunteers and thank them with exclusive opportunities, including special events, complimentary admission, and discounted registration to select programs.

Whether you can give a few hours or take on a larger role, your involvement strengthens our HR ‘ohana and helps shape the future of the profession in Hawai‘i.

To get involved, email us at [email protected].

Committees at a Glance: Where You Can Make an Impact

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & Certification

The Professional Development & Certification Committee supports the ongoing growth of Hawai‘i’s HR community by providing professional development opportunities aligned with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), formerly known as the SHRM BoCK®.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Coordinating and hosting SHRM Hawaii’s Spring and Fall Certification Prep Courses, designed to prepare HR professionals for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams
  • Certifying SHRM Hawaii’s educational events with SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) to ensure alignment with national recertification standards
  • Promoting lifelong learning and competency development among new and experienced HR practitioners

Through its efforts, the committee plays a key role in advancing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of HR professionals throughout the state.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Communications & MARKETING

The Communications & Marketing Committee is responsible for managing SHRM Hawaii’s external communications and strengthening the organization’s brand presence. This includes promoting events, initiatives, and professional development opportunities through a variety of platforms.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Managing SHRM Hawaii’s social media channels and email communications
  • Creating design and promotional elements for the annual SHRM Hawaii State Conference & Expo
  • Supporting annual sponsorship and job posting communications 
  • Partnering with other committees to ensure timely and effective outreach

Through its efforts, the committee helps increase awareness, engagement, and support for SHRM Hawaii’s mission and programs.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Compliance & Nomination 

The Compliance & Nominations Committee ensures SHRM Hawaii and its Educational Foundation operate in accordance with bylaws, policies, and applicable governance standards.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Overseeing compliance with SHRM Hawaii’s bylaws, approved policies, and governance best practices
  • Coordinating the annual board nominations and elections process
  • Managing the HR Awards program, which recognizes outstanding HR professionals across the state

Through its efforts, the committee supports organizational integrity, promotes strong leadership, and celebrates excellence within the HR community.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

EMERGING Professionals

The Emerging Professionals Committee supports the growth and development of early-career HR professionals and students preparing to enter the HR field. The committee fosters connection, community, and confidence among Hawai‘i’s next generation of HR leaders.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Creating opportunities for HR professionals with 1–3 years of experience to connect and collaborate
  • Hosting educational programming to support early-career success
  • Coordinating mentorship opportunities with established HR leaders
  • Providing spaces to discuss challenges, share insights, and build leadership skills

Through its efforts, the committee helps emerging professionals advance their careers and strengthen their role in Hawai‘i’s HR community.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Legislative Affairs

The Legislative Affairs Committee monitors and evaluates legislative, regulatory, and legal developments that impact the HR profession at the local, state, and federal levels. The committee keeps SHRM Hawai‘i members informed and engaged on key issues shaping the workplace.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Tracking and reviewing pending legislation that may affect HR practices
  • Providing regular updates to the Board and chapter members
  • Collaborating with SHRM Hawai‘i’s lobbyist to represent the HR voice in policy discussions
  • Advocating for SHRM’s positions with elected and government officials

Through its efforts, the committee ensures SHRM Hawai‘i remains a trusted and informed voice on workplace legislation and compliance matters.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Membership

The Membership Committee is dedicated to growing and engaging SHRM Hawaii’s membership base while promoting the value of both local and national SHRM membership. The committee fosters connection and community among HR professionals across the state.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Driving new membership and supporting member renewals
  • Promoting the benefits of SHRM Hawaii and SHRM National membership
  • Creating opportunities for connection through webinars, events, and networking
  • Hosting an annual membership networking event to welcome new and prospective members

Through its efforts, the committee helps build a strong, inclusive, and connected HR community across Hawai‘i.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

State Conference

The State Conference Committee is responsible for planning and executing SHRM Hawaii’s Annual State Conference & Expo, the organization’s largest professional development and networking event. Held each October, this multi-day event brings together HR professionals, thought leaders, and industry partners from across the state and beyond.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Coordinating the overall logistics and experience of the Annual State Conference & Expo
  • Managing the speaker selection process, including the review of online applications for keynote and breakout presenters
  • Collaborating with sponsors, exhibitors, and partners to ensure a successful and engaging event

Through its efforts, the committee provides a high-impact learning experience that supports professional growth and strengthens the HR community in Hawai‘i.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Workforce Development

The Workforce Development Committee focuses on building strategic partnerships that strengthen Hawai‘i’s current and future workforce. Through collaboration with industry, education, and community partners, the committee advances initiatives that support workforce readiness and long-term sustainability.

This committee is responsible for:

  • Identifying and cultivating partnerships that impact workforce development
  • Hosting a pre-conference workshop focused on future workforce strategies
  • Supporting career readiness through job fairs and events
  • Partnering with Junior Achievement Hawai‘i to inspire the next generation of professionals

Through its efforts, the committee helps bridge the gap between education, employment, and community needs to support a thriving workforce across the state.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Educational Foundation

The SHRM Hawai‘i Educational Foundation is the charitable arm of SHRM Hawai‘i.  In its capacity as a 501(c)3, the Educational Foundation works across the island districts to provide educational and scholarship opportunities to SHRM Hawai‘i members. The four Foundation Districts – Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island, each have a representative to help achieve this goal.

Each district has standing committees to support these efforts, including Programs, Professional Development, College Relations, and School-to-Work committees.  Please refer to the Educational Foundation page for more information.