#WISHRM24 SMILE Team Spotlight: Cici Clark

It is an honor to lead the 2024 WI SHRM State Conference SMILE Team. This year's team is made up of six amazing HR professionals who are excited to share some pre-conference sneak peeks and share their conference experiences with all.

Today, I spoke with one member of the SMILE Team, Cici Clark, about her career, SHRM volunteering, and more!

Q & A with Cici:

1. How did you get your start in HR?

I started HR in the military in 2011. I was promoted from being a Helicopter Crewchief to an HR Specialist focusing on retention, and talent development due to my leadership skills and potential.

2. This is your first year as a SMILE Team member. What are you most excited about?

First I love Wisconsin SHRM. I spoke in the conference about Veteran recruiting at the Wisconsin SHRM conference in 2018. I learned so much during my time and I met so many wonderful people that I couldn’t be more excited to see them all again. I also love the small conference scene so much more than national. I feel it is more warm and inviting.

3. Which three sessions are you most excited to attend at the 2024 WI SHRM State Conference?

Haha, only three? L4-06: The Critical Role of Compensation in the Recruitment Process, L2-02: Raising the Bar with Career Development at American Family, and Closing Keynote | You’re Mad. You’re Stressed. You Might Be A Mess.

4. What sets the WI SHRM State Conference apart from other conferences?

The lovely people! The amazing super stars that have mentored me and supported me since I met them in 2018!

5. What started your love of Star Wars?

I grew up with Star Wars. I have so much Star Wars stuff it is ridiculous. I just love the entire story of how anyone can go down a dark path, but no matter what they will be able to turn around. My favorite character is Darth Vader. His story was just awesome.

6. What are three things that should be on every conference attendee's packing list?

Comfortable shoes, ChapStick, and an iPad/table to take notes!

7. You have the farthest to travel to get to the 2024 WI SHRM State Conference. What do you do to pass the time while you travel?

I love to take naps. It makes the time fly by and read books.

Meet Cici:

Cecilia a bilingual (English/Spanish) HR maestro with a knack for unearthing top talent and boosting business brilliance, she's tackled challenges in industries from healthcare to renewable energy. With a career spanning multiple states and even a stint in the US Army, Cecilia's got a toolkit that includes everything from HR analytics to strategic change management.

At her last gig with Iacofano Group, she revamped onboarding, cut hiring time, and handled employee relations like a pro. Need someone to streamline your payroll or craft killer recruitment strategies? Cecilia's your go-to.

When she's not optimizing HR processes, Cecilia loves volunteering with SHRM and speaking at conferences. She's got mad skills in HR software and is always up for a challenge. Ready to take your HR game to the next level? Cecilia's the one you want on your team!

Follow the 2024 WI SHRM SMILE Team: https://linktr.ee/wishrmsmileteam