The Network Live: Hold on Tight: Mastering the Art of Employee Retention

November 17, 2024

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm | Grand Ballroom

Panel Discussion:

In a labor market where only 6 people are available for every 10 jobs, the battle for top talent is more intense than ever. Retention isn’t just a priority—it’s a strategic necessity. This panel brings together leaders who have profound influence over organization culture to share strategies for keeping your best employees engaged and committed. Through this discussion, you’ll learn how to build a more inclusive workplace that not only attracts diverse, skilled talent but also fosters a deep sense of belonging and purpose for all employees.

Our panelists will offer actionable insights into intensifying inclusive hiring practices and expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which are crucial for cultivating a resilient and inspired workforce. Join us to explore how deepening employee engagement and embedding DEI into your organizational DNA can transform your culture, drive retention, and strengthen your impact in an increasingly competitive environment.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDING SPEAKERS
  1. Create the Speaker on the Components page and export that speaker's row as a "Component"
  2. Add the speaker's name to the Event Categories using: first-last as the category "slug"
  3. Clone a "div" row in this layout and then delete the cloned "component" and add in the new speaker's component.
    Inspect that component and click on "Customize" - then "Conditions" and choose the speaker's name from the list of conditions

Speakers

Image

Meshia Burrell

Vice President of People and Culture, Anti-Cruelty

Meshia Burrell has more than 25 years of human resources experience with nonprofits, including 15 at Anti-Cruelty. Meshia holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Human Resources, PHR (Professional Human Resources) certification, SHRM – CP (Society of Human Resources Certified Professional) certification and is a certified Caliper Expert.

Image

Sarah Javier

CEO, Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri

With over two decades of impactful leadership, since 2016 Sarah has led the APA to achieve remarkable strides in advancing its mission, doubling its size, and expanding its reach to serve over 10,000 pets annually across two locations. Sarah is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and equity in both her organization and the broader community; she serves as a DEI Ambassador and is a member of The Association’s DEI Council, driving initiatives to ensure diverse representation and equitable practices in animal welfare.

Image

Rachel Levine

Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League

Rachel Levine oversees the Dumb Friends League’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy (DEAI) as well as succession planning, career pathing, and leadership development.  Rachel has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge.  Rachel serves on the DEI Council of The Association, and is an advisor for the Customer Experience Program at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado.

Image

Aiko Okamoto

Chief Administrative Officer, Humane Society of Charlotte

Aiko joined the Humane Society of Charlotte in 2008 as an Administrative Assistant.  She is now the Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing Finance, HR, Volunteer Programs, Facility, and IT. Aiko is a Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR, and a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional, CNAP.

Image

Katherine Shenar, CAWA

Executive Vice President, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

Katherine Shenar is the executive vice president for The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. She has 30 years of experience in animal welfare, including serving as CEO for two animal welfare organizations and holding leadership roles with four others. Katherine became a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) in 2020.