June 2026
State Council Director's Message
As I reflect on this year’s SHRM Annual Conference in Orlando, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude - for the learning, the inspiration, and the people who made the experience so meaningful. With nearly 70 attendees from Hawai‘i, it was especially meaningful to share this journey with colleagues who truly feel like ‘ohana.
Several messages from the main stage speakers have stayed with me.
One that stood out came from Oprah Winfrey: “Did you see me? Did you hear me? Does what I say matter?” At the heart of her words is a simple truth: people want to know they matter. As HR professionals, we have the privilege and responsibility to create environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
Simon Sinek reinforced that even in an AI-driven world, business remains fundamentally human. Leadership is not just about strategy or efficiency; it’s about trust, communication, and helping people feel safe and supported through change.
And Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.’s call to “Take Back HR” felt like both a challenge and an invitation to step forward with confidence, lead with courage, and continue shaping the future of our profession.
Of course, some of my favorite memories weren’t just in the sessions, but in the moments in between including the Christina Aguilera concert, after-hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and simply reconnecting and building new friendships.
The learning was incredible but sharing it with this community made it unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to continuing the journey next year in Chicago SHRM27.
Edwina Minglana Pine, SHRM-CP serves as SHRM Hawaii's State Council Director and has been a SHRM Hawaii volunteer since 2019. She is the Vice President of Human Resources at Anthology FINN Partners.
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State Conference Update
SHCX26 Is Calling - Will We See You There?
Hundreds of HR professionals from across Hawai'i will gather this October - and we hope you'll be one of them.
Join us on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for Together We Will Thrive: Balancing Innovation with People, Trust, and Purpose - a day designed to help you navigate the future of work with confidence while strengthening the human connections that matter most.
Meet Our Main Stage Speaker
We're thrilled to welcome Michael Puck, SHRM-SCP, President of Next Level Human Insights, to the SHCX26 Main Stage. An internationally recognized HR thought leader and two-time TEDx speaker, Michael will explore how organizations can build trust, develop resilient teams, and embrace AI without losing sight of the people behind the technology. In addition to his inspiring keynote, he'll lead an interactive afternoon workshop packed with practical tools and strategies you can take back to your workplace.
Breakout Sessions Coming Soon
We're putting the finishing touches on an outstanding lineup of breakout sessions covering today's most important HR topics - from AI and workplace technology to employment law, leadership, organizational culture, compliance, and practical strategies you can immediately put into action. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we begin announcing our educational sessions and speakers.
Register Before Early Bird Ends
There's still time to save! Early Bird Registration ends July 12, 2026, so don't wait to reserve your spot.
Bring Your Team & Save
The best conference conversations don't end when the day is over. Bring your colleagues and continue the learning back at work. Organizations that register three or more SHRM Hawaii members from the same organization qualify for our group registration discount, making it easier than ever to learn, collaborate, and thrive together.
Become a Thrive Partner
Want to connect with Hawai'i's HR community? A limited number of Thrive Partner sponsorship opportunities are still available. Whether you're looking to build brand awareness, connect with HR decision-makers, or demonstrate your support for the profession, there's a sponsorship opportunity designed for you.
SHRM Hawaii Education Foundation Conference Scholarships
The SHRM Hawaii Education Foundation is committed to making professional development more accessible by offering conference registration scholarships.
Applications are open now and close on July 12, 2026. Applicants must register for the conference before submitting a scholarship application, as scholarships are awarded as registration reimbursements according to the program guidelines.
Visit our conference website for everything you need to know about SHCX26 - we can't wait to welcome you this October as Hawaii's HR community comes together to learn, connect, and thrive.
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Compliance and Nominations Update
Nominate an Outstanding HR Professional
SHRM Hawaii is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2026 SHRM Hawaii HR Awards is now open. Now in its third year, the awards program continues to recognize the outstanding HR professionals who make a meaningful difference across our islands.
Over the past two years, the HR Awards have become a highlight of the SHRM Hawaii State Conference. Last year’s celebration honored our second group of recipients during a memorable awards luncheon, recognizing excellence in categories including HR Emerging Professional, HR Volunteer Service, HR Professional of the Year, and HR Lifetime Achievement. The event reflected the strength and dedication of Hawaii’s HR community.
This year, we look forward to recognizing another group of exceptional leaders at the SHRM Hawaii State Conference, to be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on October 16, 2026.
As organizations continue to navigate workforce shortages, rising costs, and ongoing change, HR professionals have stepped into increasingly critical roles. They are guiding strategy, strengthening workplace culture, and helping organizations adapt and thrive. The HR Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge these contributions and celebrate the professionals behind them.
Mark Your Calendars: Call for Nominations
Opens: July 1, 2026
Closes: July 22, 2026
Don't miss the opportunity to recognize an outstanding HR professional. Nominations close July 22. Click here to review the eligibility requirements, explore the award categories, and submit your nomination below!
We look forward to celebrating this year’s honorees with you in October!
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Professional Development & Certification Update
We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of our Spring 2026 SHRM Certification Prep Class, our third cohort of HR professionals preparing to earn their SHRM certification. This spring, 12 participants from O'ahu and Hawai'i Island came together virtually to strengthen their HR knowledge while supporting one another throughout the journey.
Over 16 instructor-led sessions, participants learned from SHRM-certified HR professionals based in Hawai'i and collaborated through three guided study groups. The cohort concluded with an in-person celebration at PACT in Kalihi, where participants connected with members of the SHRM Hawaii Board. Mahalo to our instructors for generously sharing their expertise and commitment to developing Hawai'i's HR community.
Congratulations to our two scholarship recipients, Anna Ngo and Connie Aderinto, whose dedication to professional growth exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning.
We are also proud that our certification success rate continues to exceed the SHRM national average - a testament to the dedication of our students, instructors, and mentors.
Participants shared that they "really appreciated the ongoing support from my study group and the instructors," "have more confidence to take the exam," and valued learning from local HR leaders who shared real-world experiences.
Mahalo to everyone who made this cohort a success. Stay tuned for upcoming information sessions about our Fall 2026 SHRM Guided Study Group, launching this October!
Kristine Kratschmer, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, and Dawn Hao-De Motta, SHRM-SCP, serve as Co-Chairs of SHRM Hawaii's Professional Development & Certification Committee. Kristine has been a SHRM Hawaii volunteer since 2020 and is a Senior HR Professional on the island of Maui. Dawn has been a SHRM Hawaii volunteer since 2024 and is the Human Resources Director at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
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