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Central NM SHRM Newsletter: September 2026
President's Report
Hello CNM SHRM Members,
September in New Mexico is one of my favorite times of year. The air started to cool (at least a little), the smell of roasting green chile filled our communities, and excitement built for Balloon Fiesta. It's a season that reminds us what makes New Mexico special: tradition, connection, and coming together.
As HR professionals, community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we're supporting employees through challenges, helping organizations navigate change, or celebrating successes, our impact extends far beyond policies and processes. We help create workplaces where people can thrive.
This month, so many of you took the opportunity to reconnect with your HR community, whether by attending a chapter event, introducing yourself to a new member, or sharing an idea with a colleague. Some of the best insights and strongest professional relationships begin with a simple conversation, and it was wonderful to see so many of those conversations happen.
As we head into one of the busiest and most exciting seasons of the year, thank you for everything you do to support your employees, leaders, and organizations. Your dedication continues to strengthen workplaces across New Mexico and helps elevate our profession every day.
I hope you found time this month to enjoy a green chile cheeseburger, attend a local harvest festival, or start planning for Balloon Fiesta season. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming chapter events.
Warm regards,
Rebecca Basquez, SHRM-SCP
President, Central New Mexico SHRM
Thanks for Joining Us!
Leading Through Times of Change
On September 15, members gathered at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a timely conversation about leading through constant change. Keynote speaker Katrina (Kat) Kibben, founder of Three Ears Media, asked a question every HR leader is facing: is your team built to bounce back?
With 1 in 5 workers balancing caregiving and career right now, many teams are stretched thin. Kat shared EQ-based tools for stabilizing teams during uncertainty, building psychological safety that keeps new ideas alive, and spotting early signs of burnout before they take hold. It was practical, honest, and refreshingly free of buzzwords.
Thank you to Kat for bringing real-world experience from organizations like Zoom, Monster.com, and Olly Vitamins, and to everyone who started their morning with us!
Connect with Confidence
On September 29, members traded the usual weeknight routine for an evening of connection. Featured speaker Annemarie Ciepiela Henton kicked things off with a refreshing take on the science and art of networking, reminding us that it only takes about 60 seconds to make a meaningful first impression. A few favorite takeaways: "Stop trying to be interesting. Start being interested." And "Conversation isn't tennis. Sometimes you just follow the thread."
From there, the group headed to Volare Rooftop for sunset views, a signature "Pink Connection" cocktail, lots of laughs, and genuinely meaningful new connections.
A huge thank you to Annemarie for her insights, and to Sasha Price with Thread HCM for sponsoring the evening. And thank you to everyone who joined us. We loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones!
Mark Your Calendars!
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hot breakfast included
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque
Most employer liability doesn't come from bad intentions. It comes from inconsistent documentation, overlooked policy details, and avoidable missteps.
Our Annual Legal Symposium covers pay equity, pay transparency, audit readiness, and employment-law risk, led by Quentin Smith of Stelzner Law, an Albuquerque employment and labor attorney with more than 20 years of experience. You'll also see a live mock trial where plaintiff and defense counsel dissect workplace records, so you can see exactly how your documentation would hold up.
Tickets: $99 members, $149 nonmembers
Register: https://centralnmshrm.starchapter.com/meet-reg1.php?id=82
Mock Trial Volunteers Needed!
Want a front-row seat? We're looking for volunteers to take part in our live wrongful termination mock trial. No legal experience needed, and prep support is provided.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pTtBPks5zEmT9mpu9
On the Horizon
November Breakfast: The Manager Fix
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque
So many HR fires start with managers who were promoted for strong individual performance but never given the tools to lead people. In this fun, interactive session, Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD, founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, shares five simple, science-backed leadership hacks you can bring straight back to your organization.
Tickets: $40 members, $50 nonmembers, students free with current ID
Register: https://centralnmshrm.starchapter.com/meet-reg1.php?id=81
Grow With Us!
We're excited to begin planning for the 2027–2028 Central New Mexico SHRM Board of Directors, and we invite you to consider applying for a leadership role!
Serving on the board is a meaningful way to contribute to the HR community, expand your professional network, strengthen your leadership skills, and help shape the future of our chapter. We welcome both returning leaders and new voices.
To express your interest, email Francine Izzard at [[email protected]] by October 13 with:
- Full name
- Preferred email address
- Phone number
- The board position(s) you're interested in
- A brief statement on why you're interested and what you'd bring to the board
Once all submissions are in, we'll follow up on selections and next steps.
Board Positions
- Event Planning
- Community Service Director / Elect
- Web/Technology Director / Elect
- Treasurer / Elect
- Professional Development Director / Elect
- Certification Director / Elect
- Communications Director / Elect
- Business Partnerships Director / Elect
- Workforce Readiness Director / Elect
- Marketing Director / Elect
Board Member Expectations
- Regular attendance at monthly board meetings, chapter events, and breakfasts
- Active participation in strategic planning and chapter goals
- Fulfilling the responsibilities of your position
- Collaborating with your Director/Elect counterpart. Directors provide training and guidance, and Elects support the Director while preparing to step into the role.
- Supporting and promoting chapter programs and events
- Maintaining dual membership with SHRM National and Central New Mexico SHRM
- Following all chapter bylaws and board requirements
Questions about any of the positions? Reach out to Francine. We look forward to building a strong, engaged board for 2027–2028!
Stay connected with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Welcome New & Renewing Members
You are connected with a vast network of HR professionals, exclusive events, and resources to help you advance your career by combining Central NM SHRM and SHRM national membership.
