FOUNDATION: KIM COTTAGE, FOUNDER OF PHILANTHROPY NETWORK OF NY

Kim Cottage is a trailblazer in the recruitment industry and a co-founder of the Philanthropy Network of NY. With a passion for connecting corporate clients with their philanthropic missions, Kim has made significant contributions to the intersection of business and social impact. Her innovative approach has set her apart in the recruitment field, making her a key player in fostering meaningful partnerships between companies and their philanthropic goals.

PROGRAMMING CO-CHAIR: MICHELE REBETTI, M.A., PRESIDENT, CRESTCOM KEY ALLIANCE LLC

Michele owns her own company specializing in Management and Leadership training for many Long Island businesses. She helps companies improve their productivity and profitability by educating managers on how to develop the skills to sharpen their focus on the bottom-line and enhance an organization’s ability to excel in their markets. Her workshops focus on the often-overlooked people skills that can positively impact morale, productivity, performance and profits.

Michele has a Master's degree from Hofstra University in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She has worked in the training and organization development field for close to 20 years creating management and employee development training programs in diverse industries and improving corporate cultures.

Michele is also an Assistant Professor at Farmingdale State College in the Psychology Department. She is also a professional speaker.

Laura Sikorski is a Call/Contact Center 40-year veteran and has been featured in/at webinars, podcasts, conferences and written articles for numerous industry publications.

Many industry policies, procedures, technology improvements, training programs and implementation plans developed by her have improved industry operational excellence.

Laura has also hosted a WebTV show for 3 years, Member and Past President of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, Member and Membership Chair of SHRM-LI chapter, Member of the Association for Talent Development – Long Island and a current Advisory Board member for Contact Center Pipeline magazine.

Workforce Readiness - Jesenia Rodriguez, PHR, SHRM-CP



I am a motivated professional with over 18 years of Human Resources/Employee Benefits experience in the non-for-profit and for-profit sectors. I am a resourceful problem solver and an efficient communicator with a passion for growth and learning. I have great experience building internal and external relationships and consensus. I have taken on tough challenges and have a solid track record of success in accomplishing objectives.

EMERGING LEADERS CHAIR- TBA

Jenna Eurell is an associate in the Long Island, New York office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents employers and management with respect to claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and other alleged violations of labor and employment laws before federal and state courts, Arbitrators and administrative agencies.

Jenna also advises clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including Title VII, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, state/local wage hour, sick leave laws and related requirements, as well as new legal developments impacting labor and employment policies and practices. Additionally, she assists clients with the development and implementation of effective employment policies, handbooks, procedures and contracts.

While attending law school, Jenna was research editor of the Hofstra Law Review and legal writing teaching assistant.

CERTIFICATION CHAIR: JANIC CLAXTON, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

I am a positive, creative and highly motivated Human Resources executive, with an unmistakable passion for my work. I am proud of my track record for delivering innovative, HR solutions that meet strategic business needs, in fast-paced environments, and thrive on working with many individuals, using my interpersonal skills to build strong relationships.

I also thoroughly enjoy delving into complex projects, with opportunities to add value as well as learn, grow and interact with diverse audiences. Although HR encompasses many functions, I am particularly drawn to:

- Talent Management,

- Business Re-engineering,

- Strategic Planning,

- Work Design and Structure, and

- Change Management.

My experience includes serving domestic and international groups of up to 3,000 employees. My professional certifications include: SPHR, PHR, and SHRM-SCP.

Also, earlier in my career, I was an Assistant Controller, and 2018 to 2022 I was a Business Manager (Chief Operating officer)

MARKETING-MORGAN MARRAN

Morgan Marran specializes in Advertising, Marketing and Social Media Management and is currently an Account Supervisor at Ampersand Marketing. Morgan excels in client engagement, account management, and coordinating communication strategies especially through social media for a variety of industries.

Morgan is committed to bringing a hands-on and personalized approach to SHRM-LI. As a graduate of Stony Brook University with a BS in Business Management and a Minor in Marketing, she combines academic prowess with practical experience to navigate the complexities of the business world.

Passionate about creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication, Morgan continues to leave a lasting impact in the advertising and marketing landscape, driving success for clients and organizations.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CHAIR: Kimberly Hardin, MBA, SPHR

Senior Human Resources Consultant | SPHR® Certified | Employee Benefits Advisor | I help businesses thrive by cultivating dynamic teams, streamlining processes, ensuring compliance, and attracting and keeping top talent.