Join us as we turn our April HHRA meeting into a special social hour—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and unwind with fellow HR professionals across our organization!

Come enjoy a casual evening of great conversation, networking, and fun! Enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages provided by Sheraton Downtown Denver, so bring your appetite and your enthusiasm. 

We can't wait to see you there!

Join HHRA with special guest speaker, Jessi Kalambayi!

Jessi Kalambayi is the Program Manager for the Ready for American Hospitality (RAH) program at the University of Denver’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. RAH is a collaboration between the African Community Center and DU, supporting refugees, immigrants, and Fritz Knoebel students since 2012. Jessi brings a deep passion for humanitarian work, international relations, and refugee support to her role. Under her leadership, RAH continues to empower foreign-born individuals through hospitality training, cultural orientation, and workforce integration in the metro Denver area. Jessi will share insights on the program’s impact, the evolving needs of refugee and migrant populations, and the future of the hospitality industry as it intersects with the current climate of refugee resettlement.

Join HHRA and Gretchen Reid to learn more about Leadership, Coaching & Mentorship!

‘Developing Your Leaders for Success in 2025’?

When your leaders possess the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to lead in our changing travel and hospitality space, you free yourself and your staff up to focus on the most important work. Discuss the market forces that are impacting our daily operations and learn how to expand leadership capabilities across all operations to support a healthy culture that elevates the employee and guest experience.

A  RSVP reminder will go out several days before the event - along with parking / valet information. 

*If anything changes with your RSVP, please update the invitation as soon as possible. Don't forget to include any guest(s) that are attending. Additional reminder, other than your first HHRA meeting, there is a drop in fee of $45 per guest. If you have any questions regarding membership/drop in fees, please reach out.

Join HHRA and Francis Wilson with Jackson Lewis P.C. to learn more about Colorado legal updates for 2025.

Mr. Wilson is an associate in the Denver, Colorado, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His primary practice involves employment litigation and preventive advice and counseling.

Francis has defended businesses against a variety of employment claims, including those involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, Equal Pay Act violations, restrictive covenant violations, and False Claims Act violations.

Please join HHRA as we celebrate the holidays and end of the year with a fun cooking challenge, which will include some good friendly competition, delicious food, and libations at the University of Denver!

We are so excited to partner with Precious Child for our Out Reach Event for November! 

HHRA will be providing assistance in their Donation Center & Empowerment Resource Center on Monday, November 18 from 3 – 5 PM.

Each volunteer will need to register online by following the step-by-step instructions. Please note: these steps must be completed no later than November 11.  

A Precious Child Volunteer Event

When: Monday, November 18 from 3 – 5 PM (2 hours)

Where: 7051 W 118th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020 – Volunteer Check in at Unit 6

Volunteer Required Attire: All volunteers are required to wear close-toed shoes to participate in volunteering.

Registration Instructions:

1.     Visit your team’s registration page - https://vhub.at/apc-hhra

2.     Sign In if you’ve volunteered with us before

OR

Create Account if you’re a new volunteer at A Precious Child

Your join code is: HHRA

3.     Once you have created your account or logged in, you will be re-directed to your groups volunteer event; click the red “Sign Up” button to register for your preferred role in our Donation Center or Empowerment Resource Center Store

If the site doesn’t redirect you just click the hyperlink in step-one to get to your team’s specific volunteer shift.

4.     Review our Volunteer Authorization, Waiver, and Release Form and accept that you understand.

5.     Congrats – your registration is complete! 

Contact: Please email Volunteer@APreciousChild.org if you have any questions or trouble registering.

A stack of pancakes can change the world”, said Snooze founder Adam Schlegel in 2006 when Snooze opened its doors. This statement became the catalyst for how we think about who we are and what we do. It has become the foundation for what it means to be a Snoozer and a Guest at any of our 72 restaurants. Throughout our 18 years of operation, Snooze has made an incredible impact in our communities, with our Guest, and on our Snoozers. This has shown up through the $1.5+ million dollars in donations we have provided to our communities each year; through countless hours being donated to non-profit organizations within a 10 mile radius of our local restaurant; though our commitment to responsibly sourced food, sustainability and carbon neutral initiatives; and, though the care and attention we provide our Snoozers through development programs, the Snooze Compass Foundation (an internal non-profit which has provided financial support to our Snoozers in time of crisis) and creating a place where all Snoozers, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender have a seat at our table.

In 2020, like other companies (especially in the restaurant industry), Snooze was impacted by COVID-19 and the subsequent need to lay off 85% of our Snoozers in response to shutdowns, COVID restrictions and the safety of our Snoozers and Guest. We then had the insurmountable task of reopening our restaurants with restrictions and a huge hit to our culture. In the months and years following, it became apparent that we had done something right. 90% of the Snoozers who were laid off returned.  Our engagement scores across the organization remained steady, consistently outperforming industry averages, and we continued to open new restaurants and provided over $1.7 million in donations back to our local communities in 2023.   So, what sets us apart?   Enter: The Culture Quotient –  (C5 + O) x I = E.  This became the secret ingredient that allowed Snooze to continue to be a leader in the industry and outperform our competition.  Join HHRA this month as we break down the equation and learn the power culture, operational excellence, and IMPACT has on your business and your employees.

Join us for our September luncheon featuring Meredith Masse who will be speaking about 'Creating Belonging in One-on-Ones'.  Meredith Masse Coaching "believes you should never feel like you need to leave a piece of yourself at the door to be successful. Not at work. Not anywhere. Showing up authentically and confidently are keys to significance."  Meredith uses "coaching and facilitation to help individual leaders and their teams make the shift from success to significance by unlocking their strengths, defining their purpose, and leaning into their values.

The Power of Propinquity: Fostering Connection and Belonging at Work

In today's hybrid and remote work environments, fostering a sense of connection and belonging among employees is more crucial than ever. This session explores the concept of "propinquity" - the psychological feeling of closeness and affinity that drives engagement, motivation, and happiness at work. Chris Good, founder of workplace consultancy +One will dive into the three pillars of building propinquity: proximity, frequency of interaction, and developing affinity among colleagues. Whether you lead a distributed workforce or are rethinking your office spaces, this session will provide valuable insights on nurturing the human connections that are vital for a thriving organizational culture. Join us to explore how prioritizing propinquity can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the meaning and importance of propinquity in today’s workplace

• Learn the three pillars for fostering connection: proximity, frequency, and affinity

• Explore strategies and best practices for designing work experiences that build propinquity and cultivate belonging

Presenter:

Christopher Good

Title: Chief Creative Officer of One Workplace and Founder of +One 

Bio: 

Christopher Good, Founder of the culture consultancy +One, and Chief Creative Officer for the workplace solutions firm One Workplace, believes in our ability to make positive change together - by design. His work is devoted to changing the way we think about and shape the human experience. He is a frequent speaker and presenter at events across the country, leading active workshops teaching the power and influence of design, human connection, and workplace culture. An award-winning interior designer and artist, Chris has worked with IDEO as a build partner for the Teachers Guild, Michelle Obama’s Better Make Room Campaign, and with the Unreasonable Group’s Project literacy lab; a business accelerator geared towards high-growth global entrepreneurs seeking to ensure universal literacy. Chris recently spoke at TEDx on the Power of Propinquity.

Take me out to the Ball Game and root, root, root, for the Rockies! 

Join us Thursday, June 20th as HHRA hosts our Mid Year Mixer at Coors Field! What: Colorado Rockies vs. LA DodgersWhen: Game starts at 1:10pm. Meet in the lobby of the Rally Hotel at 12:30pm and we will walk over together. 

If you cannot make the meeting time but still wish to join us later, please note this on your RSVP and we will leave your ticket at the Front Desk. 

Parking options will be available at the Rally Hotel or a few blocks away. We have a limited number of tickets, so please be sure to RSVP! Each ticket includes an F&B credit.

Join HHRA this month as we hear from Brian Grewe in regard to ADA accessible design!

Brian Grewe (Ph.D., University of Denver) is the Director of Disability Access Services at Arapahoe Community College. His professional work centers disability justice, access and equity and student success through the lens of Communication He has numerous publications and national presentations that center around the intersections of disability, education and ethics.  Brian actively consults on the ADA, Educational Policy and social justice issues with corporate and non-profit partners. When not advocating and promoting disability work, Brian and his family enjoy fostering dogs, going to wrestling tournaments and spending time together.

Join HHRA and uncover the secret behind ChatGPT’s powerful language capabilities and how it can help you overcome HR challenges with ease. Dive deep into real-world applications of ChatGPT, from automating tedious tasks to enhancing employee engagement and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of ChatGPT to revolutionize your HR practices. Say goodbye to time-consuming tasks and hello to a new era of efficiency and innovation. 

Join HHRA and Francis Wilson with Jackson Lewis P.C. to learn more about Colorado legal updates for 2024.

Mr. Wilson is an associate in the Denver, Colorado, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His primary practice involves employment litigation and preventive advice and counseling.

Francis has defended businesses against a variety of employment claims, including those involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, Equal Pay Act violations, restrictive covenant violations, and False Claims Act violations.

Join HHRA this month as we hear from speaker Gretchen Reid, founder of Integrated Growth as we learn about navigating through change and how to manage it within your teams.

Gretchen is passionate about helping you bring your vision to life through effective leadership and influence skills. You know your business. Gretchen specializes in helping you build your teams and organization in such a way that ensures your success. She brings more than 30 years of experience coaching leaders, creating spaces for transformational conversations, and building customized, award-winning Leadership and Talent Development Programs in the fields of healthcare, wellness, outdoor industry, hospitality, and public service. Her expertise has directly contributed to awards, including Fast Company’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Forbes America’s Best Employers List, Forbes Best Employer for Diversity, and ASTD BEST. Gretchen is a professor of HR Change Management, Leading a Culture of Innovation, and Leadership Development for DU | University College Strategic HR Masters Program.

Join us this month as we hear from Chris DeChillo, president of TriCord Consulting as we learn about emotional intelligence and the impact that it has on the teamwork environment.

Event Location: Westin Westminster
Parking: FREE

Please join HHRA as we celebrate the holidays and end of the year with a fun cooking challenge, which will include some good friendly competition, delicious food, and libations at the University of Denver!

Please join HHRA this month and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. All participants must register online at least one week in advance, by Tuesday, November 21.

You will need to register here: http://hhra.denver.volunteerhub.com/. 

Please join HHRA this month to learn about I-9 compliance and immigration.

Our speaker, Amber Blasingame, is a partner at Messner Reeves LLP, and focuses on immigration law in business, family, and humanitarian matters. Ms. Blasingame has worked in immigration law since 1995, including managing the immigration team in the US and Canada for one of the “Big 4” account firms’ multi-national consulting practice and as a licensed immigration attorney since 2011. Ms. Blasingame earned her law degree from the University of Denver, where she was a senior staff editor on the Denver University Law Review, participated in the DU asylum clinic, and received a scholastic excellence award in advanced immigration law.

Please join HHRA this month to learn about legal updates with Allison Dodd, partner at Messner Reeves LLP.

Dodd is a partner in the firm’s Litigation, Crisis Management, and Labor and Employment Groups. She has an active litigation and trial practice in a variety of areas including wage and hour, employment, foodborne illness, personal injury, premises liability, false advertising, class actions, and complex civil litigation. Ms. Dodd appears in both state and federal courts across the country for a variety of clients. 

In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Dodd counsels her clients in crisis prevention and crisis management on matters ranging from food safety and regulatory compliance to external and internal investigations and audits. She works actively to not only to prepare clients for potential crises but also to help them foresee crisis before it occurs. 

Ms. Dodd has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star annually since 2014. She is licensed to practice law in Colorado and North Dakota. 

Join HHRA this month to learn about Fostering an Inclusive Workplace.

Our speaker, Johnny Humphrey, MBA, serves as the Director of Inclusivity Services at The Center on Colfax and leads the agency’s RANGE Consulting program. RANGE Consulting provides comprehensive consulting services on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) strategies, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer) inclusion and best practices for employers within the business, nonprofit, and government sectors throughout Colorado and beyond. Johnny has more than a decade of IDEA experience and was recipient of the 2020 Inclusion@Work Award by the Center for Legal Inclusion. He currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Diversity & Inclusion Council, a member of Colorado's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, and is collaborative partner with the Corporate PRIDE Network of the Rockies (CPNR). He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing management, a master’s degree in business administration and a certification in Diversity & Inclusion. Johnny has been a proud Coloradan since 2017 and is a proud puppy parent to a 2½ year old rescue named Ada.

In lieu of summertime and travel schedules, we will not be hosting a member meeting this month.

The board is working to produce the 2023 Wage Survey and will be sending the final results to participating properties this month in time for budget preparations. Questions on the Wage Survey? Please contact Stephanie.Vancleve@du.edu.

Come join HHRA at Halcyon in Cherry Creek for Happy Hour this month. This is a great opportunity to network with other hospitality professionals and enjoy the Elevated Rooftop Bar. We’d love to see you all there! Please RSVP accordingly and feel free to bring a guest to join in on the fun.

Erin Boyle, CHOW’s Executive Director, friend, sister, wife, daughter, duck and dog momma, potter, reader, crafter, walker, aunt and chef - trained to be a chef at the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York and Denver. After almost two decades working in the industry, she transitioned to teaching and loves it.

Having watched staff, family, and friends in hospitality struggle with mental health and substance abuse as well as struggling with her own depression, anxiety, and PTSD, she found herself sick of the life she felt stuck in and found a therapist in 2013. The therapist helped to name the things she struggled with (depression and anxiety) and find coping strategies that worked for her. In 2019, Erin decided to dedicate her energy toward improving access to mental health and wellness resources for all. As E.D. for CHOW, she is focused on outreach and aims to normalize mental health conversations in the restaurant industry.

Join HHRA this April to discover “The Five Choices to Extraordinary Productivity” with our speaker, Ezequil Vasquez.

As Founder of Cortona Real Estate, LLC and Shoeslyde, LLC Ezequiel is an innovative, analytical, and results oriented professional. In his current role as Revenue Manager for the City of Arvada, Colorado, Ezequiel directs the collection, processing, and posting of all city tax revenues. Ezequiel has a passion for process improvement and implementing sustainable change. Ezequiel is skilled at identifying the root cause of issues and process hurdles. Ezequiel brings 16 years of experience in local government Finance and Accounting. In his previous positions Ezequiel has managed the collection, processing, and posting of over $4.5 Billion in property taxes annually. He has also managed investment portfolios of over $200 million. Ezequiel received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and a Master of Business Administration specializing in Financial Management from National University in San Diego. Ezequiel also holds a Public Manager Certification from the University of Colorado, a Colorado Real Estate Broker's License and a Black Belt in Lean Process Improvement from the Denver Peak Academy.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Join HHRA this month to learn about ADA with Brian Grewe (Ph.D., University of Denver), the Director of Disability Access Services at Arapahoe Community College. This is an opportunity to ask your questions and address any specific concerns or scenarios you may have in relation to ADA.

Brian’s professional work centers on disability justice, access and equity, and student success through the lens of Communication. He has numerous publications and national presentations that center around the intersections of disability, education, and ethics. Brian actively consults on the ADA, Educational Policy, and social justice issues with corporate and non-profit partners. When not advocating and promoting disability work, Brian and his family enjoy fostering dogs, going to wrestling tournaments, and spending time together.

Join HHRA and Francis Wilson with Jackson Lewis P.C. to learn more about the legal updates for 2023.

Mr. Wilson is an associate in the Denver, Colorado, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His primary practice involves employment litigation and preventive advice and counseling.

Francis has defended businesses against a variety of employment claims, including those involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, Equal Pay Act violations, restrictive covenant violations, and False Claims Act violations.

Please join HHRA as we celebrate the holidays and end of the year with a fun cooking challenge, which will include some good friendly competition, delicious food, and libations at the University of Denver!

HHRA will be volunteering with the Women’s Bean Project this month! Come join us and have some fun giving back to the local community.

Women’s Bean Project Mission: We believe all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. So we hire women experiencing chronic unemployment and work together to break down the barriers they face. Participants of our program receive full-time pay as they develop job readiness skills, discover their talents, and break the cycle of poverty. Because when you change a woman’s life, you change her family’s life.

NOTE: There are specific guidelines and rules that need to be followed in order to volunteer with Women’s Bean Project. These details are in the invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. We hope to see you ALL there!