To join the SHRM Student Chapter of HCU, you’ll need to currently be enrolled at HCU and be a SHRM Student Member. If you have a current SHRM professional membership, you would need to change to a student membership to join the chapter. If you have questions or concerns about switching from a professional membership to a student membership, you can speak with a SHRM representative at 1-800-283-7476.
Are you taking full advantage of your opportunities in the HCU College of Business?
If you’re pursuing a HCU business degree, the Society for Human Resource Management is a great place to make connections and get opportunities.
As a business leader, SHRM membership will help you stay informed on innovative and forward-thinking practices surrounding today’s global workforce. You can benefit from SHRM membership with educational events and webinars, guest speakers, networking opportunities, resume building opportunities, connections to other HCU students in business, and much more! Learn more about what SHRM offers at www.shrm.org.
As a member of the world’s largest HR association, your affiliation with SHRM gives you access to incredible resources. Whether you are already a HR or business professional or planning on becoming one, SHRM offers various tools to aid you on your career path.
Career Fair BootCamp – September 17, 2025 (Dillion I) 5-6:30 pm
Get ready to stand out at the Career Fair! This interactive workshop will help you polish your LinkedIn and QR, sharpen your elevator pitch, and learn how to approach recruiters with confidence. Whether it’s your first career fair or your fifth, you’ll walk away with the tools to make a lasting impression.
HR Houston Mixer – September 25, 2025 (Off Campus)
Network like a pro with HR professionals from Houston’s top companies! This mixer is your chance to build connections, ask questions about the field, and get your foot in the door with potential employers. Free food, great conversations, and the start of your future career all in one night. Must sign up for SHRM Student Membership and HR Houston.
HR Panel: What Employers Are Looking For in an HR Professional – October 16, 2025 (Dillion II) 4:30-6 pm
Ever wonder what employers really want to see in candidates? Join us for an exclusive HR panel where industry leaders break down the skills, experiences, and traits they look for when hiring. Bring your questions, and leave with insider knowledge that could give you the edge in landing your dream job!
Mock Interviews (Get Interview-Ready with Real HR Pros) – November 10, 2025
(Lighthouse Lab Hinton Rm 204) 4:30-6:30 pm
Practice makes perfect! Sharpen your interview skills in a safe, supportive environment with real professionals (10 Employers) giving you feedback. Whether you’re prepping for internships or full-time roles, this is the ultimate chance to build confidence and walk into your next interview prepared and fearless!
Survivor: Game Night for All Orgs – November 19, 2025 (Dillion II) 4-6:30 pm
Join us for an unforgettable Survivor-themed game night! Student orgs from across campus will come together to take on escape-rooms, Squid Game-inspired activities, and interactive team games. Everyone plays, everyone competes, and prizes will be up for grabs. Bring your org, bring your energy, and get ready for a night of fun and surprises!
Panel: How to Market Yourself – December 4, 2025 (Dillion I) 4-6:30 pm
Your personal brand matters! Learn from professionals how to showcase your strengths, stand out in applications, and position yourself for success in today’s job market. This panel will give you the secrets to turning your story into a powerful career asset!
3 Examples of Tense Workplace Scenarios That Could Be Addressed with Civility
Workplace miscommunications and misunderstandings are common. Explore these three scenarios to learn how to diffuse tension and promote respectful communication.
Maintaining Civility When Personality Traits Collide
The workplace is full of people with diverse backgrounds and personality traits, which can lead to conflict. Experts say it’s important to remember that your co-workers are not deliberately trying to annoy you. Understand that everyone has different behaviors, habits, and norms, many of which are derived from their culture. The goal isn’t to get people to change, but to find a way to work together.
When Workplace Incivility Goes Virtual
Workplace interactions are increasingly virtual, with much of communication happening over email, Slack, and Zoom. Rude and uncivil behavior—damaging enough when it occurs in person—is now taking place online, which can make it even more insidious, according to researchers.
Your SHRM Student Membership will give you access to a wide array of valuable resources covering HR- and business-related topics, including:
Make sure you take advantage of the invaluable opportunities that are available to members of our HCU SHRM student chapter!
The SHRM Student Chapter of HCU was awarded Superior Merit by SHRM for 2024-2025 Chapter Year.
In order to join the HCU SHRM student chapter, you’ll need to currently be enrolled at HCU and be a SHRM Student Member. Students who join the SHRM student chapter will need to use their HC.edu email and pay $49 to sign up. If you have a current SHRM professional membership, you would need to change to a student membership in order to join the chapter. If you have questions or concerns about switching from a professional membership to a student membership, you can speak with a SHRM representative at 1-800-283-7476. The HCU SHRM student chapter number will be available soon. Email the chapter advisor, April Kinchen (akinchen@HC.edu), to join the chapter or for more information.
The HCU SHRM Student Chapter exists to connect students to the professional Human Resource community; to provide a place for mutual learning, networking, and support; to strengthen the link between students and professional association membership and benefits; and to provide an atmosphere of ongoing, creative learning and application related to human resource principles and practices.
September 22, 2025, October 6, 2025, October 20, 2025, November 3, 2025, November 17, 2025, December 1, 2025/Teams
Eunice Martinez is a senior at HCU, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Management and a minor in Spanish. As a legacy student at HCU, she has embraced leadership roles, including her current position as one of the Student Life interns. Eunice is passionate about human resources and plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in the field. She is excited about the new SHRM chapter on campus and cannot wait for the journey ahead, trusting in God’s guidance for this new chapter. Connect with her at martinezen@HC.edu
VACANT
Claudia “Andrea” Islas Medina is a bilingual graduate student pursuing her MBA in General Business Management at Houston Christian University. Originally from Mexico, Andrea earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University, where she was also a student-athlete on the university’s tennis team. Her leadership journey continued after graduation, serving as a tennis coach for two years. In that role, she gained valuable experience in communication, team development, and mentoring, skills that translate directly to her interest in people management and organizational growth. Now as Secretary of the SHRM Student Chapter at HCU, Andrea is committed to helping students stay informed and engaged while contributing to the professional development of the chapter. She is excited to bring her energy and organizational skills to the team and looks forward to creating meaningful opportunities for all members. Connect with her at cislasmedinaa@HC.edu.
Paola Castillo
Paola is an experienced HR professional with over eight years of expertise in performance management, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management & Leadership as an international student. She has successfully led full-cycle recruitment, training programs, and strategic HR initiatives in multinational organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company and Nestlé. She has a strong background in HR analytics, policy development, and conflict resolution and has held various HR leadership roles in corporate and educational settings. As a Graduate Assistant at Houston Christian University, she supports the Writing Center’s operations, ensuring efficiency and academic excellence. Paola is passionate about strengthening workplace culture and aligning HR strategies with business objectives. Connect with her at pcastilloa@hc.edu
Wesley Craig is a senior, majoring in Business Administration at Houston Christian University (HCU). Actively involved across the university, he serves as a university ambassador and is a proud member of organizations such as the Student Foundation, Delta Mu Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, and more. He also works for the Office of Alumni and University Relations, supporting alumni engagement and university initiatives. Through his experience, he is excited to bring his passion for the university, leadership, and business to the HCU SHRM chapter. With a heart for service and a commitment to supporting those around him, Wesley has found his calling in Human Resources. His leadership experience as the former President of his high school’s National Honor Society has helped him develop a collaborative and people-centered approach that he intends to bring to SHRM. As the Director of Communications, Wesley plans to expand the chapter’s reach across the campus and community by driving membership, engagement, and impact. He is eager to support the organization to ensure it can continue to reach new heights and provide numerous opportunities for future HR professionals. Connect with him at wcraigs@HC.edu.
Ruth Ortega is an international student originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras; currently in her junior year, pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Growing up in a family of business owners, she developed an early understanding of the business world and the importance of building organizations centered around people. Her passion for service and human development has been strengthened through her leadership roles on campus, particularly as a Resident Assistant (RA), where she has had the opportunity to support and guide her fellow Huskies. These experiences have solidified her aspiration to pursue a career in Human Resources, an area she believes is the heart of every organization and a powerful platform for creating more unified, empathetic, and resilient workplaces. Committed to the professional growth of the student community, Ruth works alongside the team to build an organization that fosters meaningful connections and makes every member feel valued and at home. Contact with her at vasquezortegarm@HC.edu
Temitope is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources management at Houston Christian University. She is a seasoned professional with extensive years of experience spanning human resources management, program and project management, business process analysis, supply chain and strategic procurement management. In the world of HR, she is experienced in strategic talent management, learning and development, talent acquisition, performance management and employee engagement. Temi holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the United Kingdom. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is certified with HRCI as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Temi is enthusiastic about building meaningful connections, promoting engagement and growing the SHRM Student Chapter at Houston Christian University. Please feel free to connect with her at tsowande@HC.edu
Dr. Kinchen is currently an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Master of Science in Human Resources Management program at Houston Christian University. She has extensive experience in higher education, including faculty positions in business, management, organizational leadership and development, and human resource management for undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr. Kinchen has held various operational leadership roles in higher education, including Faculty Advisor for the SHRM Student Virtual Chapter (600 members) at Western Governors University, Dean of Student Affairs at the Art Institute, Dean of Faculty and Campus Director at Steiner Education Group, and National Director of Career Services and Student Affairs at Westwood College/Redstone College. She is enthusiastic about the new SHRM Student Chapter at Houston Christian University and welcomes any questions you might have as Primary Faculty Advisor. Please feel free to contact her at akinchen@HC.edu
Congratulations to SHRM for receiving Bronze in the 2025 Husky Cup!
