#WISHRM25 SMILE Team Spotlight: Anastasia Stueber

It is an honor to lead the 2025 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, Anastasia Stueber, about her career, SHRM volunteering, and more!

Q & A with Name:

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in Human Resources? Was there a moment or a mentor that sparked your interest? 

My path to HR was sparked by an early curiosity about how organizations run and a deep desire to make them work better for everyone. I didn't have a single “aha” moment, but rather a series of experiences where I found myself naturally stepping into roles that required both problem-solving and people-centered thinking. Over time, I realized my greatest energy comes from aligning operations with values, making systems more human, and helping others thrive. I’ve always been a fixer and a builder at heart; whether organizing chaos, resolving conflicts, or designing better processes. HR has given me the perfect outlet to combine my love of strategy, people, and progress into meaningful work. 

2. What’s your favorite part about being an HR professional today? Any recent trends or topics you’re especially passionate about?

What I love most about HR today is the chance to drive real change. We're not just supporting the business, we're shaping it. I'm especially passionate about using AI to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and create more equitable systems. I’m also drawn to skills-based hiring and rethinking performance management to better align talent and goals. 

3. Why did you volunteer for the 2025 WI SHRM SMILE Team? What does this experience mean to you?

I joined the 2025 WI SHRM SMILE Team because I love learning from others and sharing great ideas. It’s a fun way to connect with professionals across the state, spotlight innovative HR work, and grow my own perspective in the process. I’m excited to amplify voices and stories that inspire. 

4. How do you plan to connect with attendees through social media during the conference? Any creative ideas or strategies you're excited to try?

I plan to keep it fun, real, and engaging. I’ll share behind-the-scenes moments, highlight fellow attendees, and post quick takeaways from sessions. I'm also thinking about some playful polls or mini “HR hot takes” to spark conversation and keep the vibe lively. 

5. What’s one tip you’d give to HR professionals trying to build their presence on LinkedIn or other platforms? (Or, what's helped you the most?)

Talk like a human, not a handbook. People connect with real stories, not corporate jargon. Share what you’re learning, what you’re curious about, and give others a reason to engage, not just scroll past. Bonus tip: celebrate others often. It builds community and gets you noticed for the right reasons. 

6. Which part of the WI SHRM State Conference are you most looking forward to? (A speaker, session, activity, etc.)

It’s hard to choose, but I’m especially excited about the energy on Day 1... walking into that space and seeing so many passionate HR professionals ready to learn, connect, and grow is electric. I always look forward to the sessions that blend strategy and innovation, especially when they push us to think differently about the future of work. 

7. What’s your go-to social media platform, and why? How do you use it to stay connected professionally?

LinkedIn is my go-to platform because I’m a curious, lifelong learner. I use it to stay current on industry trends, connect with other HR and operations professionals, and engage in conversations about the future of work. It’s also where I find inspiration, share insights, and celebrate the successes of others in my network. 

8. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day in HR? Any hobbies or guilty pleasures?

After a full day of HR chaos and creativity, you can find me with a cup of tea, wrapped in a cozy blanket, watching a Hallmark movie and pretending I don’t already know how it ends. Bonus points if my kids are snuggled in too. Reading and planning my next trip also help me recharge and dream a little bigger. 

9. Share one fun fact people might not know about you.

I was featured in an Amazon best-seller about AI for my work bringing smart tech into local government HR. Not bad for a small-town, pacific northwest girl!

10. If you had to describe the SMILE Team in one word, what would it be and why?

Vibrant. This team is full of passion, color, and contagious energy. Whether we’re cheering each other on or sparking joy for attendees, there’s a genuine spark that makes every interaction meaningful. 

Meet Anastasia:

Anastasia Stueber is a transformational HR leader and community-minded administrator who blends strategy, technology, and heart to reimagine how teams work and grow. She serves as Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer for the Village of Lake Hallie and Vice President of Programming for the Chippewa Valley SHRM chapter. With expertise in process improvement, systems design, and ethical AI integration, Anastasia creates people-centered solutions that drive efficiency and equity. Featured in AI Unleashed for her innovative government work, she continues advancing the HR profession through board service and community involvement.

A working mom of three from Wisconsin, Anastasia loves exploring new destinations, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and discovering great coffee shops in new cities. Born in Washington State and having lived in Italy for three years, she brings a global perspective to her work. Her eldest daughter is a dual Italian-American citizen, and Anastasia can't wait to live vicariously through her future adventures. She admits her biggest weakness is overestimating her DIY skills after watching HGTV, but that optimism serves her well in tackling complex workplace challenges.

Follow the 2025 WI SHRM SMILE Team: https://linktr.ee/wishrmsmileteam