#WISHRM24 SMILE Team Spotlight: Shanae Doerr

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, Shanae Doerr, about her career, SHRM volunteering, and more!

Q & A with Shanae:

1. How did you get your start in HR?

My journey into HR was a gradual and insightful process. After graduating from college, right before the COVID era, I spent about a year supporting and then managing the opening of a Buffalo Wild Wings. This role was invaluable, providing me with hands-on experience in team leadership, operational management, and customer service. While I truly enjoyed this fast-paced environment, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work as the Manager of Student Accounts at Presentation College.

In this position, I found deep satisfaction in helping students navigate their financial accounts and creating a positive, supportive, and welcoming environment in higher education. These diverse career experiences helped me realize that my true passion lay in human resources, where I could make a more direct impact on people’s lives and organizational culture. This clarity brought me to Madison, where I pursued my MBA with a specialization in Strategic Human Resource Management from the Wisconsin School of Business and began my career in HR.

Now, as an HR Business Partner at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Letters & Science, I am dedicated to servant and inclusive leadership. I am committed to enhancing organizational performance and fostering inclusive work environments. The values upheld by UW-Madison resonate deeply with me, and I am excited to contribute to our mission and support our students.

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

Joining the SMILE Team represents a unique opportunity to deepen my involvement with WI SHRM. Participating in the SMILE Team allows me to give back to the HR community while also growing personally and professionally by connecting with industry leaders and peers.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of HR professionals and learn from their experiences and expertise. The SMILE Team's mission to create a welcoming and positive environment at the WI SHRM State Conference aligns perfectly with my values of inclusivity and servant leadership. I am looking forward to contributing to this mission and helping to ensure that all attendees have a memorable and enriching experience.

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

I am particularly excited about the following three sessions:

L3-03: Creating Psychological Safety and Well-being for a Stronger Workforce by Bellin Health

This session is crucial as it addresses the foundational aspect of any thriving organization: psychological safety and well-being. I am eager to learn about effective strategies to foster an environment where employees feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns without fear of retribution. Understanding the role of psychological safety in enhancing overall well-being and productivity will be incredibly valuable in my role as an HR Business Partner.

L5-05: DEI in Flux: Strategies for Achieving Meaningful Outcomes in Uncertain Times by Ellequate

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more important now than ever, especially in our constantly changing world. This session promises to provide innovative strategies for achieving significant DEI outcomes despite uncertainty. I look forward to gaining insights into practical approaches for fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace and understanding how to adapt these strategies to the unique challenges posed by today's dynamic environment.

L5-03: Courageous Culture: Empowering Open Dialogue in the Face of Risk by Assertive Way Institute

Building a culture of open dialogue is essential for organizational growth and resilience. This session will focus on empowering employees to engage in honest and courageous conversations, even when faced with risks. I am excited to learn about techniques to cultivate a courageous culture within my organization, where open communication is encouraged and valued, leading to better problem-solving and innovation.

4. Which Taylor Swift era is your favorite?

Lover! I know the album forwards and backwards. My favorite song is 'You Need to Calm Down.' This era stands out to me not only because of the catchy and heartfelt music but also because of its themes of self-love and acceptance. Taylor Swift's celebration of individuality and love in all its forms resonates deeply with me. The vibrant and colorful aesthetics of the Lover era also reflect a sense of joy and positivity which is always welcomed.

5. What advice do you have for student attendees?

I have to start by saying I highly recommend volunteering for the WI State SHRM Conference as a student, it was such an amazing opportunity and one of my favorite experiences during my time as an MBA student.

My advice for student attendees is to network ahead of the conference. Ask your human resources advisor or professor if they have any WI SHRM contacts, they could connect you with. Building these connections before the event can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the conference. Additionally, come prepared with questions and be open to learning from every interaction. Remember, this is a unique opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals and to start building your own professional network. Take advantage of every chance to engage with others, whether it’s during sessions, networking events, or casual conversations.

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

1. Chapstick - Conferences can be long and busy, and it’s important to stay comfortable and hydrated. Chapstick is a small but essential item that will help you feel your best throughout the day.

2. Sneakers/Comfy Shoes - You’ll be on your feet a lot, walking between sessions, networking, and exploring the conference venue. Comfortable shoes are a must to keep you going without any discomfort.

3. Portable charger/all the chargers - Keeping your devices charged is crucial. A portable charger ensures that your phone, tablet, or laptop is always ready, whether you’re taking notes, networking, or accessing conference materials.

7. What is your favorite 'background show' to put on while you work on something else, like packing for the 2024 WI SHRM State Conference?

When I work on something, I either have music playing or a TV show on in the background. Here are my go-to's:

TV Shows: The Bachelorette/The Bachelor, Love Island, Vampire Diaries - These shows are entertaining and provide a fun background noise that keeps me company while I focus on my tasks. They’re easy to follow without demanding too much attention, making them perfect for multitasking.

Music Playlists: 60s Mix, 1920s: The Roaring Twenties, Classic Voices in Jazz, Legendary Women of Country, and Irish Folk - These playlists offer a variety of genres and moods that keep me motivated and inspired. Whether I need something upbeat to keep my energy up or something mellow to help me concentrate, these playlists have me covered.

Meet Shanae:

Shanae recently graduated with an MBA specializing in Strategic Human Resource Management from the Wisconsin School of Business and is a SHRM-certified professional. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in international business and management from Northern State University.

Shanae is a highly motivated individual with a genuine passion for people and a strong desire to make a positive impact. As an Inclusive Introvert, Shanae understands the profound importance of inclusivity in leadership, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not only heard but valued in decision-making processes. She is guided both personally and professionally by her core values: servant and inclusive leadership, a growth mindset, and integrity.

Currently, Shanae is a proud member of the Greater Madison Area SHRM Chapter and works as an HR Business Partner on the Student Plus Team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Letters & Science.

Outside of work, Shanae is a HUGE Taylor Swift fan and a cat lover with two adorable rescue cats, Oliver and Appa. She loves staying active with group fitness classes—they keep her motivated and energized! She also finds joy in quilting, which allows her to express her creativity and unwind.

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