Stories Worth Sharing

July 2026 Edition

As we move into July, I’ve spent the past month reflecting on what makes SHRM Florida so special. It’s not just the conferences, certifications, awards, or professional development opportunities. It’s the people.

Every day across our state, HR professionals are solving complex challenges, leading through change, supporting employees, strengthening workplace cultures, and making a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Those stories deserve to be told.

One of the greatest privileges of serving as your Communications Director and Editor is having a front-row seat to the incredible work happening across Florida. From chapter initiatives and legislative updates to workplace innovations and leadership lessons, there is no shortage of knowledge and experience within our SHRM family.

The challenge? Too often, those stories stay local.

That’s where you come in.

The SHRM Florida Newswire and SHRM Florida Review exist to amplify the voices of our members, chapters, volunteers, students, military supporters, and HR leaders. Whether you’re sharing a best practice, highlighting a successful chapter event, discussing emerging workplace trends, or reflecting on lessons learned throughout your career, your perspective has value.

And if you’re still wondering whether it’s worth taking the time to write an article, consider this:

Publishing helps establish credibility, strengthen your professional brand, expand your network, increase visibility for your chapter or organization, and position you as a thought leader within the HR community. More importantly, it gives others the opportunity to learn from your experiences.

No pressure, but your next article could be the one that inspires someone else’s breakthrough.

I’m also thrilled by the positive feedback we’ve received on our new Military Corner. Supporting our service members, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve communities remains an important focus, and we’re grateful to those who continue sharing stories and resources that strengthen military-friendly workplaces across Florida.

As we look ahead to future editions, I encourage you to think about the story only you can tell:

• What challenge have you overcome?
• What innovative practice has worked for your organization?
• What lesson did you learn the hard way, so others don’t have to?

Those are exactly the kinds of stories our readers want to hear.

So don’t keep your expertise locked away in a meeting room, buried in a PowerPoint deck, or sitting in your notes app.

Share it.

Our HR community is stronger when we learn from one another.

Article submissions are always welcome for both our monthly Newswire and quarterly SHRM Florida Review. Let’s continue telling Florida’s HR story together.

I look forward to reading your submissions and continuing to showcase the incredible talent, leadership, and innovation that make SHRM Florida shine.

Until next month,

Jessica (Jess) Holloman, SHRM-CP, PHR
SHRM Florida Communications Director
Editor, SHRM Florida Newswire & SHRM Florida Review
ESGR Liaison to SHRM Florida

BIO

Jessica (Jess) Holloman serves on the SHRM Florida State Council as the Council Communications Director. She is the ESGR Liaison to SHRM Florida, past president of SHRM Pinellas (SuncoastHR). Additionally, she has received the HR Professional of the Year Award (SHRM Florida and Fisher Phillips) and the Spirit of Patriotism Award (SHRM Florida and ESGR). In her paid gig, Jess is the Corporate Vice President, Senior HR Business Partner, Business Enablement at New York Life Insurance Company in Tampa, Florida.