June 17, 2026 | Member Luncheon

June 17, 2026 | Member Luncheon

Ravenna, OH

Join us on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 for our Member Luncheon!

About The Event: This is part of our Member Meeting Networking and Learning Series. The purpose of the meeting is to welcome new and returning members, provide updates on SHRM Portage County activities, and listen to a speaker present on an HR topic of interest to our membership.

Agenda:

• 11:15am - Registration Opens
• 11:30am - Networking & Lunch
• 11:50am - Announcements
• 12:00pm - Presentation Begins

Session Title: Beyond the Invite: Earning Influence in Executive Spaces

Session Description: HR professionals are increasingly invited into executive rooms — but an invitation alone does not guarantee influence. This session challenges participants to move beyond presence and into true strategic partnership.

Attendees will explore what it really takes to earn trust, credibility, and influence with senior leaders. Through real-world examples, practical frameworks, and reflective exercises, participants will learn how to communicate with executive impact, align HR priorities with business outcomes, and position themselves as indispensable advisors rather than functional support.

What You'll Learn

• Identify the difference between being invited and being influential in executive-level discussions.
• Apply executive-level communication strategies that align HR insights with business priorities and organizational risk.
• Strengthen credibility and trust with senior leaders by reframing HR contributions through a strategic and data-informed lens.
• Develop a personal action plan to intentionally build influence and presence in executive spaces.

Speaker Bio: Valarie A. Nash, SHRM-SCP, is the Founder and Principal Consultant of 821 Consulting LLC, a human resources consulting and leadership development firm serving public sector, nonprofit, and private organizations across Ohio and beyond. With over 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience, Valarie is known for her ability to bridge people strategy with business outcomes — especially in complex, highly regulated environments.

Valarie has served as an HR executive, interim agency director, and trusted advisor to county leadership, boards, and executive teams. Her work focuses on leadership development, organizational culture, succession planning, workforce strategy, and building HR functions that are both compliant and influential. She is especially passionate about helping HR professionals move from transactional support roles into confident, strategic advisors.

A frequent speaker and facilitator, Valarie delivers engaging, high-impact sessions that blend research, practical tools, and real-world experience. She is recognized for her candid approach, relatable storytelling, and ability to challenge leaders to think differently about accountability, influence, and leadership presence.

Valarie currently serves in leadership roles within the HR professional community and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of HR leaders. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong organizations are built when courageous conversations, strategic thinking, and people-centered leadership come together.