HRMA of Central Massachusetts

11/18/2025

Please enjoy this month's Heritage, Cultural and Celebratory Calendar published by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and take a moment to join us in recognizing the unique cultures, traditions, and perspectives that strengthen our community.

November is Native American Heritage and National Veterans and Military Families Month. You can find links to articles and resources for these and other observances this month on the HRMA DEI Committee page at https://hrmacentralma.org/content.php?page=group

*Calendar created by DEI Committee member Kerry Baratier

11/11/2025

Honoring Our Veterans: Strength in Service, Strength in the Workplace

Today, we pause to honor the brave Veterans who have served our nation. Their courage, discipline, and dedication exemplify the very qualities that make veterans outstanding employees and leaders in any organization.
Veterans bring:
✅ Leadership under pressure — proven ability to guide teams through challenge and change.
✅ Commitment to mission — a deep sense of purpose that aligns with organizational values.
✅ Adaptability and resilience — experience thriving in diverse, dynamic environments.
✅ Integrity and teamwork — built on trust, accountability, and collaboration.
As we thank them for their service, let’s also recognize the immense value they bring to our workplaces and communities every day.

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.