Discover how volunteering with PHRA can elevate your HR career!

In this inspiring episode, Ron Kubitz, Director of Recruitment at Saint Barnabas Health System, is joined by dedicated PHRA volunteers Kim Zapf-Beatty and Heather Saxon.

Together, they explore the incredible benefits of getting involved—from networking and career development to finding purpose and building meaningful connections.

Kim and Heather share personal stories about how volunteering has boosted their confidence, expanded their professional circles, and opened doors to new opportunities. They also offer advice for newcomers looking to make their mark in the HR community.

Tune in to hear:

• Why volunteering with PHRA is a game-changer for HR professionals
• How collaboration and mentorship create a strong HR network
• The surprising alternative career dreams of seasoned HR pros
• How you can get started and grow with PHRA

Why You Should Tune Into the PHRA Podcast with Jenn Kerrigan

Curious about the latest trends in background screening and how AI is shaping the process? Jenn Kerrigan from ProVerify breaks it all down — from the rise in background checks to why a human touch is still essential.

Key Takeaways:

· Uptick in background checks, especially in manufacturing — a positive sign for the economy

· AI in screening? Helpful, but human oversight remains crucial for accuracy

· Continuous monitoring: Why tailored, periodic checks matter

· ProVerify’s "one-stop shop" solution — including on-site fingerprinting and child protective clearances

Exclusive for PHRA Members: Get a 5% discount with ProVerify when you mention the PHRA Marketplace!

Stay ahead of the curve and elevate your hiring strategy!

Joining us is Dr. Victoria Mattingly, a workplace inclusion expert passionate about making DEI a sustainable, data-driven, and business-integrated practice. In this episode, she’ll break down what DEI truly means, how organizations can measure and improve their efforts, and why investing in DEI leads to better business outcomes.

We’ll also be joined by Pete Schramm, who will provide key takeaways and a call to action for HR and business professionals looking to integrate DEI into their everyday work.

So, whether you’re new to DEI or looking for innovative ways to enhance your strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

We are excited to feature Joseph M. Fetzer, MBA, PCC, and PhD Candidate on the latest episode of the P4 Podcast: Passion in Pittsburgh, brought to you by PHRA!

Joe, a Marine Corps veteran and former bomb technician, brings a unique perspective to organizational development and people operations. As the Principal Consultant and Owner of Innovative Organizational Development, LLC, Joe shares insights on:

· The evolving role of organizational culture in employee success.

· A practical framework for driving accountability through clear communication and expectations.

· The strategic importance of leadership development at all levels to empower thriving teams.

With a career rooted in resilience, leadership, and innovation, Joe offers actionable advice for HR professionals and organizational leaders looking to build stronger, more aligned workplaces.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Listen now: https://youtu.be/D4LTXMBHJ0o

We’re excited to share the latest episode of the P4 Podcast: Passion in Pittsburgh, brought to you by PHRA! This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Senger, owner of Language Collaborations, LLC, based in Erie, PA.

Ashley is breaking down language barriers and building stronger, more inclusive communities through custom English language courses for companies and refugees. In this episode, Ashley shares:

• How her work empowers non-native English speakers and their employers.
• Practical tips for fostering communication and respect within diverse teams.
• Ways businesses can invest in inclusion through cultural exchange and language accessibility.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a leader, or someone passionate about diversity and inclusion, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build trust and connection in the workplace.

Listen now to be inspired by Ashley’s journey and her impactful work: https://youtu.be/6RLRDrjDA1o

Tesha Ellison, Brian Lipkin, and Karen Mancini, PHRA Board of Director Spotlight!

Get to know some of the incredible leaders shaping the HR community in Pittsburgh! In our latest podcast, we sat down with Tesha Ellison, Brian Lipkin, and Karen Mancini to discuss their backgrounds, professional journeys, and insights on key HR trends.

Topics covered include:

· Workforce recruitment and retention challenges (Tesha)

· The impact of changing non-compete laws (Brian)

· How AI and automation are transforming the workplace (Karen)

They also shared the value they’ve gained from PHRA membership, including networking, professional development, and fresh perspectives on industry challenges.

And just for fun, we learned their "fantasy" careers: Tesha as a pro poker player, Brian as a pilot or baseball umpire, and Karen as a makeup artist or animal advocate!

Tune in to hear their stories and insights: YouTube: https://youtu.be/_mPkNGjJDYs

In our latest episode, Pete previews the PHRA Annual Conference, focused on "Sharing Solutions, Success Through Synergy." We’re thrilled to feature keynote speakers Alicia L. Booker, Megan Wollerton, and Dawn Pomaybo. They’ll cover building diverse talent pipelines, mastering mental resilience, and community-centric workforce development. Pete also introduces the expanded "5 P's" framework: People, Purpose, Passion, Partnerships, and Pittsburgh. Tune in for valuable insights and a sneak peek into the conference!

In our latest P4 Podcast episode, keynote speakers Richard Hight and Julie Develin explore the theme of "Sharing Solutions, Success through Synergy" from the PHRA Conference. Julie, a Senior Partner at UKG with extensive experience in HR, discusses the importance of psychological safety and innovative strategies in creating better workplaces. Richard, a fine artist who now inspires corporate audiences, shares how integrating creativity and diversity can drive innovation and uncover hidden opportunities. Together, they offer valuable insights on how HR professionals can build a sustainable and resilient workforce by embracing creativity, resilience, and diversity.