HRMA of Central Massachusetts

10/08/2025

Please enjoy this month’s Heritage, Cultural & Celebratory Calendar, and take a moment to join us in recognizing the unique cultures, traditions, and perspectives that strengthen our community. October is Global Diversity Awareness Month—a time dedicated to appreciating the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our workplace and beyond. The calendar highlights various religious and cultural holidays and awareness observances, providing opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate together throughout the month.

This month, we’re recognizing:
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month, honoring the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
• National Coming Out Day on October 11, promoting visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Filipino American History Month, celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans.

Have a Suggestion?
If there's a day, month, or observance you’d like us to highlight, please let us know. We welcome your input for the November calendar—we want to hear from you!
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Want to Get Involved?
We welcome members who want to share a story, video, tradition, or resource that reflects your identity, experiences, or background. Your contribution may be featured in an upcoming calendar!
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Contact:
Please reach out to Nicole Smith, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, at diversity@hrmacentralma.org
*Calendar created by DEI Committee member Kerry Baratier

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a more inclusive and connected HR community.

Kind regards,
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

09/26/2025

💙 A Note to My HR Friends on International HR Day 💙

Dear friends,

On this International HR Day, I just want to pause and say how proud I am to be part of this amazing community. HR is not always easy—it asks us to carry a lot, to listen deeply, and to give so much of ourselves. But it’s also one of the most meaningful callings there is.

We are there to welcome people on their very first day and to walk with them through their biggest milestones. We are the steady hands in times of change, the listeners when someone needs to be heard, and the cheerleaders when people forget how much they matter.

What I love most about this profession is how it constantly reminds me that at the heart of every policy, every program, and every decision is simply this: people. And people matter.

So today, I celebrate you—my fellow HR professionals who show up every day with empathy, courage, and hope. You inspire me, and you remind me why this work is worth it.

Here’s to us, to the good we do, and to the difference we make—often quietly, but always powerfully.

With gratitude and friendship,
Andrea, VP of HRMA Central Mass

09/18/2025

HR leaders don’t wing it. They lead with . Join now through your local Chapter & get 50% off membership — new members only. Select your local Chapter and use code NewMembersOnly https://www.shrm.org/membership

09/17/2025

I just dropped our latest Legislative Update on Pay Transparency on the HRMA of Central MA website.

👉 Check it out and let us know how you are preparing!

https://lnkd.in/eiY79BeB

09/16/2025

Sign up today and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

CENTRO's 6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Breakfast Tickets, Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite

Date: Friday, October 3, 8:00 AM
Location: Union Station Grand Hall
Description: An annual breakfast event celebrating Hispanic Heritage.

Somos Worcester Somos Americanos: Connecting Worcester's Latino History to the National Story - Prior Performing Arts Center

National Museum of American Latino
Hispanic Heritage Month Resources | National Museum of the American Latino

The Surprising Origins of Hispanic Heritage Month
https://lnkd.in/eNj-_Spw

Facts About Hispanic Heritage Month
https://lnkd.in/etNU5QxF

07/04/2025

06/19/2025

We are sharing resources today in honor of Juneteenth; education is action. As we observe Juneteenth, let’s continue to educate ourselves and support one another. May today be one of pride, remembrance, and purpose. Happy Juneteenth!

What you need to know:
https://lnkd.in/dwYSGCyK

Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture https://lnkd.in/e36s6Y6W

Juneteenth Digital Toolkit | National Museum of African American History and Culture https://lnkd.in/ecT-TH4z

juneteenthresources_final.pdf https://lnkd.in/eg3znuf

Juneteenth Resources - Please Touch Museum - Books and Resources for Children https://lnkd.in/dkFQxEm2

Juneteenth Flag Meaning: https://lnkd.in/d3NyPJAB

04/16/2025

Are You Ready for the HR Policy Changes Ahead?

Major policy changes are here — and they’re reshaping how HR does business. As the first 100 days of the new administration wrap up, don’t miss SHRM’s exclusive webinar breaking down the biggest developments affecting your workplace.

Join a dynamic bipartisan panel — moderated by Emily M. Dickens, SHRM’s Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs, on Tuesday, April 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET for insights on:
• Key executive orders and legislative shifts.
• Compliance, talent, and benefits implications.
• What’s next for HR policy — and how to prepare.
This is your chance to get ahead of the curve and stay compliant in a rapidly changing environment.

*Plus, earn 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.

03/31/2025

Rolling with the Changes The landscape of human resources and the pace of change in the workplace are never static, but some times are more … well, dynamic than […]

02/28/2025

Massachusetts State Council of SHRM

At HRMA, we know that a psychologically safe workplace is key to fostering innovation, collaboration, and success. That’s why we’re hosting Creating High-Performing Teams with Psychological Safety: A Course for HR Professionals & Managers—an event designed to equip leaders with the tools to cultivate trust, open communication, and team resilience.

THIS JUST IN!!! Because of the importance of this topic, we want anyone who wants to attend to be able to for FREE. By entering this coupon code, you get to attend the seminar for free and you get 3 months free when you sign up for a 12-month membership. Try us out! Membership must be purchased no later than 4/1 to get 3 free months. Use coupon code "JoinHRMA2025".

REGISTER HERE! https://lnkd.in/dDZuewRa

What You’ll Gain:
✔️ Understanding Psychological Safety – Learn how it impacts team performance, well-being, and organizational success.
✔️ Leadership Skills for Inclusive Teams – Develop strategies to encourage open dialogue, manage conflict, and support diverse perspectives.
✔️ Practical Tools for Team Development – Walk away with actionable steps to create an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered.
✔️ Stronger Peer Connections – Engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and build relationships with fellow professionals.

Why It Matters:
✔️ Fosters a culture of trust where employees feel safe to share ideas and take risks.
✔️ Boosts team performance by improving communication, accountability, and adaptability.
✔️ Supports DEI principles by ensuring that every team member has an equal voice and opportunity to contribute.
✔️ Enhances workplace well-being by reducing stress and increasing engagement.

Join us in creating a healthier, more inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Your team’s success starts with psychological safety!




MEET THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Stephanie Cojocaru is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Her background in working with military populations and individuals afflicted by complex trauma led her to a Staff Psychologist position with the Department of Veterans Affairs. During her time with the VA, she became a national consultant for an evidence-based treatment focused on strategies to improve relationships and mood and also spent time working with the organizational development team to improve workplace performance and cohesion. Dr. Cojocaru left the VA in 2019 to open her private practice and expand mental health treatment and organizational development consulting services across her community. She believes in a comprehensive approach to care and has a passion for destigmatizing mental health challenges and empowering others to make sustainable, meaningful change in their lives.