ILSHRM’s Core Leadership Directors serve as an important connection between SHRM National and our local SHRM chapters throughout Illinois. Each Director works closely with volunteer leaders serving in the same area at the chapter level to share resources, communicate SHRM initiatives, exchange ideas, and strengthen programs across the state.
This collaborative network helps bring SHRM’s national priorities to life locally—while also creating opportunities for chapter leaders to connect, learn from one another, and share what is working in their communities. Together, our national, state, and local volunteer leaders create a stronger, more connected HR community throughout Illinois.
College Relations
Connect the next generation of HR professionals with the SHRM community! College Relations supports student chapters, faculty advisors, and emerging HR professionals by providing opportunities to build meaningful connections, expand their knowledge, and prepare for successful careers in HR. Each spring, Illinois SHRM brings students and HR professionals together for our Annual Student Conference, featuring learning, networking, and career development opportunities. Watch our Events Calendar for upcoming conference details and other opportunities to get involved!Certification
Advance your HR career through SHRM certification! Illinois SHRM supports professionals pursuing and maintaining their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials by connecting them with certification resources, professional development opportunities, and recertification information. To help make certification more accessible, Illinois SHRM also offers annual scholarships to assist HR professionals with preparation for the SHRM certification exam.
Inclusion & Diversity
Support HR professionals in creating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, included, and empowered to contribute. Illinois SHRM is committed to keeping inclusion and diversity part of the conversation by incorporating relevant topics and perspectives throughout our conferences, webinars, educational programs, and HR communities.
Through practical education, shared experiences, and opportunities to connect with other HR professionals, we explore evolving workplace practices and provide resources that help HR leaders foster inclusive organizational cultures, strengthen belonging, and support a diverse workforce. Our goal is to give HR professionals ideas, tools, and connections they can take back to their organizations and put into practice.
Government Affairs
Keep Illinois HR professionals informed about legislative and regulatory developments affecting the workplace. Government Affairs connects SHRM advocacy efforts with local HR professionals and encourages informed engagement on public policy issues impacting employers and employees. Each spring, Illinois SHRM hosts HR Advocacy Day at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, bringing HR professionals together to learn about key legislative issues and engage in the advocacy process. Each fall, we also host our Employment Law & Workplace Policy Virtual Conference, featuring timely updates on employment law, compliance, and workplace policy. Check our Events Calendar for upcoming dates and details!
Membership
Build your HR community at both the national and local level! SHRM membership connects HR professionals with trusted resources, research, tools, professional development, and a broad network designed to support you throughout your career. Whether you’re looking for guidance on today’s workplace challenges, opportunities to grow professionally, or ways to stay connected to the HR profession, SHRM membership provides resources you can put to work.
But don’t stop at national membership! Your local SHRM chapter brings those connections closer to home. Local chapters offer networking, education, leadership opportunities, peer-to-peer support, and relationships with HR professionals in your own community. It’s where national resources meet local connections—and where many lifelong professional relationships begin.
Get the most from your SHRM experience by connecting at both levels. Join SHRM nationally and find a local Illinois chapter to expand your network, get involved, and make the most of your membership. Learn more at www.shrm.org.
SHRM Foundation
Support the future of HR through the SHRM Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships, grants, educational resources, and programs designed to help HR professionals and students advance their education, earn professional credentials, develop their careers, and expand their impact in the workplace.
Illinois SHRM is proud to promote the many opportunities available through the SHRM Foundation, including academic scholarships, SHRM certification scholarships, professional development support, and other resources that can help remove financial barriers and open doors for current and future HR professionals.
Whether you’re pursuing a degree, preparing for SHRM certification, looking to grow professionally, or interested in supporting the next generation of HR leaders, we encourage you to explore all that the SHRM Foundation has to offer.
Workforce Readiness
Help build stronger talent pipelines and create more pathways to meaningful employment. Workforce Readiness connects HR professionals with resources and initiatives addressing recruitment, skills development, employment barriers, and the changing needs of today’s workforce. Illinois SHRM is actively supporting the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs for IT and HR roles, including educating employers about opportunities to participate in a State of Illinois grant providing up to $350,000 to expand registered apprenticeship programs. Through education, partnerships, and practical resources, we’re helping employers explore apprenticeships, strengthen workforce readiness, improve recruitment and retention, and develop new ways to build the talent they need.