#WISHRM25 SMILE Team Spotlight: Sara Clark

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, Sara Clark, about her career, SHRM volunteering, and more!

Q & A with Sara:

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

I am a very empathic person and enjoy being able to help people. Being fair is a really important value for me. I really like the black and white of policies and procedures as well. I started out in Marketing, made my way through Operations and really found my niche in Human Resources. It all came together and I felt at home!

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

Being able to be there to help employees figure how to navigate through tough situations. Whether it is personal stuff or professional stuff, I love to be the connector and use resources our company has to solve problems. Mental health I think is a big topic I am passionate about and I have seen it come up a lot with my employees as well.

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

I want to be more involved with other HR professionals and again be that connector if people need resources or mentors. We all need help sometimes!

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 am willing to try anything to connect! Come talk to me!

I am going to just talk to people. Get out there and introduce myself.

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?)

Say Yes! Show up ! And then talk about it. Its ok to be afraid, but do it anyway.

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

The vibe. All of us together in one place will be so empowering! But I am also excited to hear more about the multi-generational workforce and discuss some of the opportunities and challenges we are all facing.

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

LinkedIn. It is generally pretty positive and informative, and I can skip all the drama that most social media platforms provide. I love connecting with new people on LinkedIn and being able to rally behind them and support them through transitions.

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

Right now, it is taking a walk with my new puppy, Pongo. Sometimes we share an apple and walk around the park and people watch. Either that or listening to audiobooks while I garden, and Pongo digs holes. We are obsessed with Celeb Memoirs right now.

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

I love water! Whether it is engaging in the Polar Plunge (IYKYK) or swimming with the Florida Manatees, or Caribbean Dolphins I like to try it all! I also love to Jet-ski and Kayak as well.

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

DYNAMO!

I think this captures the high energy, power and force we are bringing with our storytelling and the kind of collaborative movement that will help make this event memorable.

Meet Sara:

Sara Clark is Director of HR and Administration at Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties, where she oversees recruiting, training, benefits, and employee relations. Her unique path includes 10 years in marketing and account management for Powersports Dealerships, followed by six years climbing through Habitat roles—from Administrative Assistant to Operations Director—giving her deep insight into both storytelling and people operations.

A recent JCHRM member and enthusiastic SMILE team participant, Sara leverages her marketing background to bring fresh energy to HR initiatives. She lives in Waukesha County with her 2 children and two dogs.

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