2024 In-Person LWHRA Symposium

Location: Bellevue Hilton – 300 112 Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98004

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

About the 2024 LWHRA Symposium

The world of work is evolving and HR is providing critical leadership in this evolution. The 2024 LWHRA symposium will grow your HR leadership and practices by providing you with updated tools, insights, and legal guidance. The time for change is now and organizations are looking for your guidance! Now is the time to invest in yourself and help you support organizational adaptability. 

2024 Registration

Speaker Bios

Deborah L. Levy, GBDS

Deborah Levy works with clients to solve complex employee benefits challenges. Her focus is educating her clients about new funding options, while using claims data analytics to drive targeted evidence-based solutions. Prior to joining Woodruff Sawyer, Deborah spent 17 years in employee benefits and health care consulting. In addition to working as an Employee Benefit Consultant she co-founded a telecommunication company in Seattle WA.   Deborah holds a degree in International Business Administration and is a published author.  “I love to travel, play golf, walk anywhere by the water, have dinner with friends along with writing about true crime”

At Woodruff Sawyer, our business is built around great people, fierce advocacy, and hands-on partnership with our clients to implement solutions using data and technology. Our unique approach combines an experienced service team focused on your goals with the latest population health analytics. You get a strategic roadmap for your program and actionable insights to know what’s working—all coordinated in a central platform to make your job easier.

Urs Koenig, PhD, M.S. MBA, PCC

Urs is a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander, a highly accomplished ultra-endurance champion, a widely published professor, bestselling author, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents.

He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe. His message of Radical Humility in leadership has inspired teams from across the spectrum, including Amazon, Starbucks, the Society of Human Resource Management, Vistage, the University of Melbourne, and Microsoft.

He holds a PhD in geography and a Master of Science from the University of Zürich, Switzerland, and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and holds numerous master coaching certifications.

Urs is the loving father of two teenage boys who make commanding soldiers look easy. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Liv Olson

Liv Olson is a certified executive and team effectiveness coach through the International Coaching Federation, Seattle Coach and Team Elements, respectively. She has led Talent, Culture and HR in mission-driven financial services organizations for nearly twenty years. During this period, her organization was named among Washington’s best workplaces for nine consecutive years.

Today, using intentional and flexible structure, Liv draws out the issues that will truly make the most significant difference to each team. With the desired outcome in view, a path is created leading to a meaningful, robust and more effective future together.

A curious, keen observer and skilled facilitator, she knows that each member of a team is a necessary and integral part of the whole. Liv helps leaders gain a new level of clarity and peace of mind as key results emerge. For both the team and individuals, unhelpful old patterns give way to an improved, empowered fresh reality.

Areas of focus: Facilitation, Team Coaching, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching

Brittany Grenard, SHRM-CP

Brittany Grenard, SHRM-CP is a University of Washington Graduate with more than 15 years of Human Resources experience in the Engineering and Construction industry in both the US and Canada. She holds her SHRM-CP accredited by the Society of Human Resources Management and is also a Certified Payroll Manager accredited by the National Payroll Institute. Currently, she is the Washington Area Human Resources Manager at HDR Engineering, Inc – an international Engineering and Architecture powerhouse, consistently named by Engineering News-Record as one of the top Engineering and Architecture firms in the world.  Additionally, she is an instructor at the University of Washington, teaching Workforce Planning & Analytics in their Human Resources Management Program.

Alexander-Ali Dalipi, Doctoral Student, MSHRD, PHR

For over 20 years, Alexander-Ali Dalipi has been at the forefront of Human Resources and Payroll, expertly guiding companies through all facets of HR and Payroll operations. Known for his strategic vision, Alexander-Ali has masterfully designed and implemented human resource Alexander-Ali successfully developed his reputation and brand as a leading subject matter expert in the HR Information Systems and payroll industry. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HR1Systems, he has cultivated client and vendor relationships while also developing a reputable portfolio. and payroll systems, significantly enhancing departmental efficiency and effectiveness. His leadership and innovative restructuring have consistently driven organizational success, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.

He holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University and is an EdD student in Organizational Leadership at Lehman College. Alexander-Ali is renowned for his expertise in HR Information Systems and payroll, frequently speaking at prestigious events such as the NJ Statewide Payroll Conference, DisruptHR and the LGBTQ+ Summit. His certifications include PHR, SHRM-CP, and National Payroll Compliance. Alexander-Ali is the CEO and Founder of HR1Systems, a boutique firm since 2017, providing implementation and managed services supporting small to mid-size companies. HR1Systems is a certified trusted partner.

Sophia Antonysamy, MBA(Marketing&Wealth Management), Master Life Coach, CBT Coach Practitioner

Sophia Susan Antonysamy, Founder & Coach of Purple Mindset, empowers individuals through Mindset Mastery, with experience speaking at North Creek High School and the Telangana American Telugu Association Mega Convention at Seattle Convention Center. Her program helps individuals unlock their full potential, achieve peak performance, and enhance their well-being, while also improving mental clarity and focus, boosting confidence and self-esteem, developing resilience and stress management skills, enhancing goal-setting and achievement skills, fostering a growth mindset and positivity, and improving relationships and communication skills.

S. Richard Park, Ph.D

Rick partners with executive business leaders to create a competitive advantage through people.  He has held specialized roles in assessment design and validation, workforce development, rewards, performance management, culture, and other critical people systems.

Rick’s passion for business strategy prompted him to transition into HR Executive roles supporting CEOs and other executives with global responsibilities.  He has worked in technology (Dell, Microsoft), manufacturing (Georgia-Pacific, KSB SE & Co. KGaA), and HR consulting (AON).

Today Rick leads an HR consulting firm called Talent Alignment, LLC.  He brings a practical approach to the firm’s clients by focusing on delivering a competitive advantage through people.  Rick’s ability to speak to executive leaders in business terms is much appreciated by his partners and their clients.

Rick is featured in the #1 Best Seller "When Work Works".  One business owner/entrepreneur said - "Rick's approach to engaging employees in the battle for market share is easy to understand, practical, and well-researched.” Rick earned a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology to help prepare him for a career in HR, Talent Management, and OE.

His volunteer work involves coaching incarcerated individuals and groups.  He enjoys playing guitar, cycling, announcing high school sports, and home projects.  He and his wife Lisa enjoy traveling, exploring restaurants, and spending time with their two adult children Lauren and Michael (and their dog Dempsey).

Emma Kazaryan

Emma is an employment attorney at Seyfarth Shaw and her practice is focused on helping employers with a wide range of employment-related matters, including advice and counseling; litigation; workplace trainings; investigations; and development of employee handbooks, policies, and agreements.

Loala McCann, ICF PCC, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach

Loala McCann is an Executive Coach who specializes in working with leaders to remove the invisible barriers that keep top talent from advancing, and great cultures from becoming even better.

Loala’s proven approach shines critical light on each leader’s influence on teams and culture. She empowers them to focus their leadership in more intentional ways, expanding influence and boosting results. Collectively, leaders come together to enable an optimized culture and heightened performance.

Prior to becoming an Executive Coach, Loala spent nearly 20 years in HR Leadership for mid and large-sized companies in healthcare-related fields. Her HR background includes executive coaching, leadership development, succession planning, employee relations, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. She holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University and is an ICF certified coach at the PCC level.

Nicole DeNamur, J.D., WELL AP and Faculty, LEED Green Associate, Fitwel Ambassador, EcoDistricts AP

Nicole DeNamur (she/her) is an attorney and sustainability consultant based in Seattle, WA.  Prior to launching Sustainable Strategies, Nicole practiced construction and insurance coverage law in the Seattle area for more than ten years. Her collaborative work focuses on uniting diverse groups to mitigate climate change through the built environment and creating healthier, more inclusive spaces.  Nicole is an Affiliate Instructor at the University of Washington, Department of Real Estate Studies, and also teaches in the Master's Program in Design for Human Health at Boston Architectural College.  Among other published work, Nicole authored a chapter of the award-winning book Health and Well-Being for Interior Architecture (IDEC 2018 Book Award). In 2021, Nicole was awarded Honorary Membership into the American Institute of Architects in Seattle, for her leadership on holistic sustainability, and legal stewardship of sustainable architecture and development in the Seattle community.  Nicole currently serves on the Board of Directors.  In 2022, Nicole was named Educator of the Year by the International WELL Building Institute.  And in 2023 she was named an Outstanding Voice of Pride by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Zach Adams, CEO & Chief Problem Solver

Zach Adams is the CEO and Chief Problem Solver with GENESIS Consulting Group, a Seattle-based talent optimization & business operational consulting firm. He is a professional business speaker who is excited about sharing his passion for talent optimization (TO) to bring teams of people closer together and ensure the right people are in the right seats to achieve their best results.

Zach started his career following his love for architecture, rising to Chief Operations Officer for a large national architectural and engineering firm. He was responsible for all day-to-day operations while translating strategic vision into reality. In his COO role he was exposed to the world of psychometrics. Zach understood intuitively that people are the key to unlocking an organization’s potential and with the insights of psychometrics he found his true calling as a talent optimizer.  His revelation inspired him to leave the COO role to establish and grow GENESIS Consulting Group—solving business problems with people solutions.

Lisa Fausneaucht, Professional Organizer

**Lisa, The Productive Owl**

Lisa, founder of The Productive Owl, has transformed personal challenges into a mission to help others achieve order and peace in their lives. Growing up in a household marked by chronic disorganization, Lisa experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll of a cluttered environment. Determined to forge a different path, she embarked on a journey to bring balance and harmony to her own life and now dedicates herself to guiding others through similar struggles.

With a deep understanding of the overwhelm that disorganization can bring, Lisa specializes in working with neurodivergent families and busy professionals in North King County and the Eastside. As someone with ADHD, a mom, and a partner, Lisa brings empathy and relatability to her work, ensuring her approach is always compassionate and effective.

The Productive Owl is proud to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive and non-judgmental, creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients. Lisa's mission is to not only transform physical spaces but also heal hearts and minds, empowering clients to maintain their newfound order in the long run.

Join Lisa as she shares her journey and practical insights to inspire lasting change and harmony in your own space. Together, we will reclaim your space, your peace, and your freedom, ensuring every home reflects the beauty and serenity within.

Ramya Grama, MS, Tech leadership, Sustainable Business, Product Leadership

“I am the product of the best before me, around me and within me.” – Ramya Grama

Ramya Grama, a dynamic leader driven by curiosity and a passion for transformative change. Ramya's remarkable story is a testament to the power of self-discovery, kindness, and innovation.

Ramya's philosophy is encapsulated in her belief that "Transformation is the relentless pursuit of aligning your actions to your purpose with an inclusive mindset that leads to thriving in harmony."

Ramya is an Engineer turned Entrepreneur.  She is the Executive Director of Starprise Global, a Business Transformation consulting & coaching services, enabling organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape.  With over two decades of experience, Ramya has cultivated a clientele of over 25 medium to large businesses, positively impacting the lives of over 200 professionals along the way.

She launched the UDAAN & Young Minds {Y-Mi} community to empower people from emerging to executive professionals with education, continuous interdisciplinary learning & professional growth.

As an optimist, visual thinker, engineer, and entrepreneur, Ramya possesses a unique ability to envision new possibilities and connect with people on a deeper level. Leveraging her expertise, she has helped businesses and professionals across industries such as Fintech, Aerospace, Healthcare, and Retail to transform and grow.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Ramya is the founder of SvaDhruthi Be Self-Reliant, a non-profit dedicated to empowering the vulnerable with access to health and wellness. Leading a team of volunteers, she works tirelessly to create sustainable opportunities for communities to thrive.

From a young age, Ramya found solace and inspiration in the dynamic environment surrounding her, discovering beauty in nature and observing the intricacies of human behavior. As a self-taught learner and creative thinker, she fell in love with solving impactful problems, leading with kindness, and guiding others to realize their dreams.

Barbara A. Marcouiller

Barbara A. Marcouiller is a U.S. immigration attorney representing businesses and  professionals and their families, and advising U.S. employers on I-9 compliance.  Ms. Marcouiller has nearly 30 years of experience as an immigration and I-9 attorney, starting as an associate at a Chicago firm that represented immigration matters for Northwestern University and the Chicago Bulls, among others.  She earned a master’s degree in international business and economics through the prestigious Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.  She is a frequent speaker at law conferences, including on the national level, and has also been asked to speak at conferences for international business.

Ms. Marcouiller maintains her association with PRK Livengood and Karr Tuttle Campbell, as well as HR and other companies and organizations for their clients’ immigration and I-9 needs.

Eric Rodriguez

Eric J Rodriguez's journey from a curious youngster in Ecuador to a transformative leader in the tech industry exemplifies the profound impact of technology and innovation on bridging societal divides.

Exposed to stark contrasts in wealth and opportunities after moving from Houston to Ecuador at age eleven, Eric was inspired to leverage technology as a catalyst for creating opportunities and fostering inclusive growth.

Ekonkar Kaur, MBA, PhD Candidate ((Bio taken from online since not provided))

I am a PhD candidate in the Organizational Behavior track, focusing on employee wellbeing. I’m especially interested in employee mental health; my research seeks to better understand the experience of individuals with mental health challenges and the unique barriers they may encounter in the workplace. I'm also passionate about understanding how mental health interacts with the modern/future workplace and virtual environment. In my dissertation, I seek to understand how working remotely (compared to in-person) uniquely impact individuals who experience depression. Prior to the PhD program, I worked in a variety of business and higher education roles. After receiving an MBA, I worked in marketing for both a natural foods ecommerce company and a family startup. In the field of higher education, I held advising and teaching positions at San Diego State University and the University of Oregon, respectively.

Abhijit Bhaduri

Abhijit Bhaduri is an authoritative voice on talent and leadership development. Forbes described him as "the most interesting generalist from India." The San Francisco Examiner describes him as the "foremost expert on talent and development." He has led global team at PepsiCo, Colgate and Microsoft where he was GM Global Learning and Development. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice with almost a million followers on social media. SHRM has rated him as the No 1 HR influencer on social media. He is ranked among the top ten "most sought after brand evangelists".

Abhijit Bhaduri now runs a boutique advisory firm to help organizations upskill their employees and build talent strategy for the AI Economy. He has been an executive coach to CXOs and senior experienced leaders helping them on-board into their new roles and prepare for future opportunities. He teaches at the Doctoral Program for Chief Learning Officers at the University of Pennsylvania.

Abhijit Bhaduri is the author of six books. His latest book Career 3.0 (Penguin 2023) suggests six skills that everyone will need in a world getting shaped by AI.

He has been published by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Dukes Corporate Magazine, The Economic Times, Business Line and SHRM.

Deepti Chandrashekar Moolya

With nearly 18 years of experience in HR domain across various industries, Deepti Chandrashekar Moolya leads the US & Canada region for Happiest Minds Technologies as Group Head- People Practice Americas. Her role involves developing and executing HR strategies for the organization.

Crispin Spaeth

Crispin Spaeth works with leaders and creatives who are working to make the world a better place and want to get there faster. She is a movement and performance coach and a teacher of Integrative Alexander Technique. This whole-self approach champions the beauty of our human design and its intrinsic relationship to confidence, connection, and freedom.

The theme that connects all of Crispin's work is the desire to streamline effort so that people can be most themselves and get their great ideas out into the world.  Her first career was as a choreographer of contemporary dance.
crispinspaeth.com

Debbie Loyning, COO

Debbie has a wealth of experience in the credit industry and over two decades in employment and tenant screening. Her exceptional management skills have been crucial to the company’s growth, attributed to her deep knowledge of products and services and her ability to recruit and retain top talent. Debbie works closely with the CEO and President, overseeing all aspects of the company.

An active member of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), Debbie also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA). She volunteers on multiple committees for both PBSA and NCRA, and her role as Past President of NCRA underscores her commitment and reputation in the background screening industry. She is currently a director of NCRA and plays an integral role working with regulatory entities within the background screening industry.

Gavin Bray

Gavin Bray is a Business Development Executive at Alliance 2020, with over a decade of experience in his role. He thrives on engaging with clients daily, assisting them in implementing or revamping their pre-employment background screening programs. Gavin has extensive experience in all aspects of account management and customer service and is highly regarded for his expertise.

Since 2013, Gavin has been an active member of the Lake Washington Human Resource Association (LWHRA) and currently serves on the LWHRA Executive Board as a Director at Large, where he also chairs the Partnerships Committee. His deep knowledge of best practices and innovative solutions allows him to help clients develop, deploy, and manage successful screening programs.

Prakriti Poddar

Prakriti Poddar is a pioneering force in mental health and wellbeing based in Bellevue, Washington. Drawing from more than two decades of expertise in mental health, Prakriti serves as the global head of mental health and wellbeing at Roundglass, an organization on a mission to help people everywhere live better through Wholistic Wellbeing, a way of approaching wellbeing that guides every decision and, thus, becomes a lifestyle. 

Prakriti’s diverse upbringing and background in wholistic approaches to wellbeing inform her leadership. She drives strategy and content creation for the Roundglass Living app, which provides custom neuroscience-based plans to help anyone build better habits and reach their wellbeing goals. 

Born in India and raised across the globe—from Oman to Canada and now the United States—Prakriti has always maintained a deep connection to her inner self. Her grandmother, a prolific healer, was a pivotal early influence. Consequently, Prakriti was well-versed in healing work before she could even read. 

Prakriti’s academic journey reflects her passionate advocacy for Wholistic Wellbeing. Sheholds a degree in economics from York University in Toronto and advanced her studies in neurofeedback at the EEG Institute in California. She expanded her mental health expertise with training in transpersonal regression therapy at the Tasso Institute in the Netherlands, clinical hypnotherapy at the California Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy, and past-life regression training with psychotherapist Brian Weiss, M.D. She is also a neurolinguistic programming (NLP) practitioner and certified counselor. 

In 2001 Prakriti founded Mind Over Image Consulting in Toronto to enhance traditional therapy techniques and promote healthier living. Over the years, she has tirelessly worked to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health worldwide. In India, her outreach initiatives have reached more than 70,000 people, emphasizing the critical need for accessible mental health resources, especially for women and girls. 

Prakriti also served as a trustee at the Poddar Foundation, an Indian nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and prevention programs. Her commitment to community mobilization, public speaking, and mental health leadership underscores her belief in both individual resilience and the collective power of communities. The foundation endeavored to ensure mental health insurance would become commonplace in India. 

Prakriti’s influential work continues to earn her significant recognition. She has been interviewed by global news outlets, like WION, and featured in prominent Indian media, such as The Economic Times, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Mint Lounge, The Indian Express, News 18, The Week, and The Financial Express. 

Her accolades include the Iconic Woman of the Year for Social Work by Navbharat Times, the Most Promising Woman Leader in Mental Health at the India Leadership Conclave, and the Mental Health Leader award at the India Health and Wellness Summit. Recently, she addressed the impact of meditation on mental health at the Washington state SHRM conference in Bellevue. 

Through all her endeavors, Prakriti remains dedicated to her life’s mission: empowering people everywhere to discover their limitless potential through Wholistic Wellbeing. 

LWHRA Symposium Sponsor & Exhibitor Registration

Sponsorship & Exhibitors:

Lake Washington Human Resources Association offers opportunities for businesses and organizations to promote their business through sponsorships at the 2024 symposium. Sponsorship demonstrates your company’s investment in a stronger, more connected community of Human Resource businesses and professions in the area. Engage with a high-level business audience at the symposium and gain recognition for your initiatives and achievements.

Take advantage of the 2024 LWHRA Symposium and put your name out for over 300+ HR professionals and hours of exposure. Learn all about our exhibitor opportunities when you sign up to support LWHRA!

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