Julie Kiehne is representing Winona State University through a new community role as the Workforce Readiness Advocate within the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Winona Chapter.
She will advocate for workforce readiness chapter activities and encourage local human resource (HR) professionals to become involved with initiatives that impact the workforce readiness arena.
The Winona SHRM Chapter is working on several workforce readiness strategies including:
- Getting Talent Back to Work: encourages HR professionals to consider the untapped labor pool of people with criminal records. Resources are available for HR professionals to confidently evaluate applicant criminal records, reduce legal liability and increase inclusive hiring.
- Veterans at Work: provides HR professionals with well-informed employment practices targeted at attracting, hiring and retaining veterans to mitigate challenges faced by employers and veterans.
- Employing Abilities at Work: teaches best practices in implementing disability inclusion, so HR professionals can learn how to build a better culture to hire, retain, and advance employees with disabilities.
Kiehne shared, “I’m committed to helping local HR professionals develop strategic programs which remove the barriers for qualified workers to enter the workforce.”
Rebecca Rowe, Winona SHRM President said, “SHRM believes employers play a pivotal role in providing worker training and development opportunities to maintain a skilled labor force. We are excited to welcome Julie into her new role to support our Winona SHRM Chapter’s workforce readiness initiatives.”
The Winona SHRM Chapter is a professional organization that exists to build and sustain partnerships with human resource and business professionals, as well as to address challenges that influence the effectiveness and sustainability of our organizations and communities. Activities of the chapter focus on advancing the HR profession through outreach, mentorship, and advocacy.
Adult & Continuing Education (ACE) at Winona State University offers a wide range of non-credit and for-credit offerings to enhance professional development. Whether through online learning, immersive classroom experiences, or hands-on training, Winona State strives to meet student needs so that they can reach their goals. For information on customized training and other continuing education opportunities through WSU, contact Julie Kiehne at
jk*****@wi****.edu
or call 507.457.5080.
