I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended the National Academy of Human Resources (NAHR) 2025 Gala and the Master’s Student Program. Connecting with fellow HR master’s students and engaging with accomplished business and HR leaders was incredibly inspiring. It is truly an experience I will never forget.
Spending time with master’s students from across the country was especially meaningful. It was one of the first times I experienced a broader HR community beyond LER and the University of Illinois. The Master’s Student Program was guided by exceptional HR leaders, including Peter Fasolo, the former CHRO of Johnson and Johnson. During our group conversations, we shared ideas and excitement about our role in shaping the future of the HR function. We also laughed, shared stories, and explored New York City, a place that perfectly set the tone for both the program and the Gala. While our time together was brief, I built a lasting network of colleagues and friends that I will continue to rely on in the years ahead.
The NAHR Gala was an unforgettable experience. In addition to connecting with fellow master’s students, I had the opportunity to interact with some of the most influential HR leaders worldwide. Many of these moments will stay with me forever. I have never felt more inspired. Speaking with such accomplished professionals allowed me to envision myself in their position one day and gain a deeper understanding of what is possible. It also reinforced the impact of the HR function and highlighted the strong sense of community among HR professionals who are eager to support one another. I will always be thankful for this incredible opportunity.
None of this would have been possible without my Fellow Sponsor and Illinois Alumna, Jill B. Smart. Jill is highly respected within the HR community and made every effort to ensure I felt welcomed throughout the experience. Thank you, Jill, and thank you to the School for making this connection possible. It was amazing to represent my program on a larger scale.
