Community Spotlight – District 4

By Natalie Jones, SHRM-CP, PHR, District 4 Director

SHRM Florida District 4 is comprised of Mid-Florida SHRM, SHRM Lake Sumter, and Nature Coast Human Resources Society. We are proud to share exciting successes and upcoming events with you!

SHRM-MidFlorida: Leading with Heart, Serving with Purpose

SHRM-MidFlorida is more than a professional organization. It is a community rooted in compassion, connection, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Led by president Vickie Krolak, SHRM-MidFlorida has continued to grow as a chapter that values service, leadership, and meaningful impact. Throughout this year, its members have come together to serve others, uplift neighbors, and invest in the future of the Human Resources profession. Every initiative reflects the heart behind the chapter’s mission and the people who make it possible.

Giving Back Where It Matters Most

Service is at the core of who SHRM-MidFlorida is. This year, the chapter proudly supported the community through meaningful, hands-on initiatives that touched lives across Central Florida. In partnership with VISTE, SHRM-MidFlorida members helped deliver Thanksgiving meals and care packages to elderly residents across Lakeland and surrounding communities. These moments were about more than meals. They were about connection, kindness, and ensuring seniors felt valued and remembered during the holiday season.

Serving Children and Families with One More Child

SHRM-MidFlorida members also volunteered with One More Child, helping prepare meals and support its mission of providing hope, care, and resources to children and families in need. Serving side by side was a powerful reminder of the impact that comes from giving time, energy, and heart.

Coming Together: Balance & Thrive Annual Conference

After a nine-year break, SHRM-MidFlorida proudly brought back its annual conference this past year with the Balance & Thrive Conference, and the response was incredible. With a strong turnout and energizing engagement from HR professionals across the region, the event reignited connection, learning, and inspiration within the HR community.

The success of Balance & Thrive served as a powerful reminder of the value of coming together to share ideas, recharge, and grow—both personally and professionally. Due to the overwhelming positive response, SHRM-MidFlorida is excited to share that the Frontline Leadership Conference will be taking place this April.

Shaping the Future of Human Resources

In addition to serving the community, SHRM-MidFlorida remains deeply committed to developing future HR leaders. This year, the chapter proudly launched the SHRM-MidFlorida HR Mentoring Program, designed to connect experienced HR professionals with HR students and emerging professionals.

This mentor/mentee initiative focuses on guidance, growth, and genuine relationships—creating a space where knowledge is shared, confidence is built, and careers are shaped.

Lake Sumter SHRM

SHRM Lake Sumter was proud to support our community through active participation in the local Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping make the holiday season brighter for those in need. Thanks to the generosity of our members and partners, the chapter collected over 300 pounds of food, benefiting families served by the Christian Care Center.

In addition, SHRM Lake Sumter continued its commitment to sustainability and community impact by supporting Got Sneakers, contributing 66 pairs of sneakers to help keep footwear out of landfills while raising funds for the SHRM Foundation.

These efforts reflect our chapter’s dedication to service, stewardship, and making a meaningful difference both locally and beyond.