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.

MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR: TBD

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-DENIELLE ELLISTON, Human Resources Business Partner at alice +olivia

LEGISLATIVE CHAIR: Melissa Pascualini, Jackson Lewis, ASsociate

Melissa Pascualini is an associate in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling. She advises clients regarding the development and implementation of effective employment policies, handbooks, procedures and contracts. She also regularly advises clients on compliance with the myriad of federal, state, and local employment laws, including the FMLA, FLSA, state/local wage hour, sick leave laws and related requirements.

Additionally, Melissa advises national and regional companies on emerging privacy and cybersecurity issues, including the broad and growing array of mandates, best practices, and preventive safeguards. As a member of the firm’s Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity group, she has assisted numerous clients with investigating, remediating and responding to data breaches of various kinds.



While attending law school, Melissa was elected editor-in-chief of the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal and attended the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Trial Techniques Program. She authored a student note about reducing discrimination in workplace hiring practices under the Fair Chance Act.

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.