Spotlight on SHRM of Southwest Kansas: Empowering Business Leaders and HR Professionals
For more than 26 years, Sara Koehn has been involved in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a national organization dedicated to supporting HR professionals and business leaders. As an active member and leader within SHRM of Southwest Kansas, Sara has played a pivotal role in growing the chapter and expanding its impact.
One of the most significant milestones for SHRM of Southwest Kansas was becoming the first dual-member chapter in the state, meaning that all local members are also national SHRM members. “We made that transition in April of last year, and now other chapters across Kansas are following our lead,” Sara shared. The Jayhawk Chapter in Lawrence recently became a dual-member chapter, and seven more chapters across the state are working toward this designation. This accomplishment solidifies Southwest Kansas as a leader in professional development and HR advocacy.
More Than Just HR - A Resource for All Business Professionals
A common misconception is that SHRM is only for human resource professionals. However, Sara emphasized that the organization provides valuable resources for all business owners, managers, and professionals looking to improve their workplace environments.
“We want the community to know that we aren’t just for HR professionals, and they don’t need to be intimidated - we’re here to help,” Sara explained. SHRM offers networking, training, and educational opportunities that benefit anyone managing employees, navigating workplace policies, or fostering a positive work culture. Whether you run a small business, a nonprofit, or a large corporation, SHRM has tools and resources to help navigate employment laws, hiring practices, and workforce development.
Bringing Professional Development to Southwest Kansas
One of the key challenges for professionals in Southwest Kansas is access to continuing education and training. Many conferences and workshops are held in larger cities such as Wichita, Hutchinson, and Hays, making travel time and expenses a barrier for local professionals.
“Because we are so far out here, it’s not always easy to attend workshops or training events in other parts of the state,” Sara explained. “If we can bring those opportunities here—whether in person or via Zoom—we want to do that for our business community.”
SHRM of Southwest Kansas regularly hosts training sessions, guest speakers, and networking events to provide local access to important HR and business development topics. These events cover a range of issues, from compliance with labor laws to effective leadership strategies, ensuring that businesses in Southwest Kansas stay informed and competitive.
Beyond education and training, SHRM of Southwest Kansas is known for its welcoming and supportive community. “We have a lot of fun when we all get together,” Sara said. “We want people to feel comfortable and engaged.”
This sense of collaboration is what makes SHRM such a valuable network. Whether members are seasoned HR professionals or business owners new to managing employees, there is a shared goal of learning, growing, and supporting one another.
Join SHRM of Southwest Kansas
For those interested in learning more or becoming involved, SHRM of Southwest Kansas welcomes new members and encourages local businesses to take advantage of their resources and networking opportunities. Membership provides access to:
- Workshops and training sessions on employment law, leadership, and workplace policies
- Networking opportunities with HR professionals and business leaders in the region
- Resources and guidance on recruitment, retention, compliance, and employee relations
- A supportive community dedicated to professional development and workplace success
SHRM of Southwest Kansas is more than just an organization - it’s a valuable resource for the entire business community, helping professionals and businesses thrive in today’s evolving workplace.
For more information on how to get involved, visit https://shrmswks.shrm.org.