HR Unboxed 2025 will focus on how HR professionals can become HR Champions. HR professionals become HR champions by championing employee well-being, fostering a positive culture, and aligning HR strategies with company goals. They stay current on industry trends, promote diversity, and advise management, creating a thriving workplace that fuels organizational success. The conference sessions and sponsor presentations will provide tools for success.

2025 Featured Topics:

Business Etiquette and Mindfulness
Empowering HR Professionals to Thrive
Workplace Safety Legislation and Trends
Supporting Team Members Dealing with Grief
Compensation Trends
Dealing with Mental Health Issues
...and MORE

2025 DIAMOND SPONSOR

2025 PLATINUM SPONSOR

our 2025 speakers

Steve Cadigan regularly speaks at conferences and major universities around the world and is regularly retained bySilicon Valley's top VCs for his talent expertise. Steve is frequently asked to appear on TV and is a regular guest on Bloomberg West and CNBC. Prior to launching his own firm, Steve worked as an HR executive for over 25 years at a wide range of top-tier companies including ESPRIT, Allianz, Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts, and capped by serving as the first CHRO for LinkedIn from 2009 through 2012. The culture that he built during his time at LinkedIn is still recognized as the gold standard today. Presently, Steve serves on the Board of Directors to three companies and sits on the Advisory Board of several others.

Crystal Brown-Tatum is a global HR practitioner, HR social media influencer and business consultant with 30+ years of corporate experience. As the Founder of Black Girl HR, she brings refreshing and unique approaches to custom HR solutions with an emphasis on engagement, retention and wellness initiatives. An Honors College graduate of the University of Houston, she was an accomplished journalist before venturing into Human Resources. She is not afraid to advocate for employees and have those difficult conversations with leadership to ensure that decisions are made with equity and fairness. Her personal mission includes shaping the next generation of HR professionals to effectively navigate the fine line between company and employee ensuring that ethics and laws are upheld.

Crystal has been awarded dozens of professional awards and accolades including: Texas Executive Women/ Woman on the Move, Blazing Star Award from the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Texas, Pink Power Mom from Bright Starts Corporation, Distinguished Achievement Award from the City of San Antonio and a Texas Senate Commendation for her community service. She is also a 18-year breast cancer survivor and has written an acclaimed memoir &rdqou;Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey through Breast Cancer.“ Overcoming cancer and returning to work equipped her with the grace and compassion employees need when coming to Human Resources for guidance and support.

Amy Gomez, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is a seasoned HR professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in HR. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business with a focus on Human Resources Management from The University of Arizona. Throughout her career, Amy has successfully supported small to medium-sized businesses across diverse industries, demonstrating her versatile expertise. As an HR Consultant, Amy is skilled in ensuring compliance, implementing best practices and streamlining processes to drive organizational success. Amy stays informed on evolving HR trends and teaches HR Test Preparation courses in addition to other courses through HR Education Network.

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide. Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff's active shooter response curriculum. In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate for the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

Arlicia Chrestotholos, CCP, is a seasoned Human Resources professional with 20 years of expertise in Compensation Administration and Total Rewards Strategy. She has worked with and consulted Fortune 500 industry leaders leading large-scale projects that drive organizational growth, workforce retention, and compensation transparency. Arlicia specializes in designing and implementing global compensation and benefits strategies, leveraging HR analytics and technology integration to optimize pay structures, incentive plans, and total rewards programs. She has led job architecture and career framework projects, aligning over 3,000+ roles globally, and played a key role in M&A compensation integration, ensuring seamless workforce transitions across multinational corporations.

Calli Adamson Bakken, SHRM-SCP, is a dynamic disruptor in the HR industry, on a mission to transform workplaces for the modern workforce. Whether she’s hosting multiple DisruptHR events, helping businesses embrace growth as a workplace strategy consultant, or co-hosting the Work Sucks podcast with Toby Kheng of Freeformers, Calli is always pushing boundaries. After unexpectedly finding her way into HR, she pivoted to HR technology, where she championed employee-centric workplaces. With a proven track record of success in two startups, Calli is now launching her consultancy, Wiggle Work, focused on turning the childcare crisis into a strategic, competitive advantage and an employer branding goldmine.

Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. Chad has worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments. He is experienced in hostage negotiations and rescue as well as active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD.

Christine Wilson, LPC, is a counselor turned coach and the creator of Think Time, the first whole brain planner designed to combine creativity and productivity in one powerful tool. With a deep passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential, Christine empowers HR professionals and leaders to foster innovation, enhance team performance, and create cultures of creativity. Drawing from her extensive background in counseling and coaching, Christine combines research-based strategies with practical tools to guide organizations toward meaningful growth. As the founder of Think Time (think-time.com), she offers a unique approach to balancing creative and analytical thinking, helping businesses achieve faster, more efficient results. Christine’s engaging style and hands-on techniques have made her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach, inspiring professionals to think outside the box and drive lasting change in the workplace.

Dustin Paschal, JD, is a founding member of Simon | Paschal PLLC, a boutique employment law firm in Frisco, Texas, where he maintains an active employment law practice. If it’s an HR related issue, Dustin likely handles it for his clients. Dustin currently serves as the Texas SHRM State Director and is a former President of DallasHR and former Chair of DallasHR’s Board of Trustees. He also previously served as a Texas SHRM District Director and Legal & Legislative Director. Dustin is passionate about education and regularly travels the state speaking on HR topics to various organizations. Dustin likes HR so much, he married an HR professional! When Dustin isn’t working, he is trying to keep up with an active six year old son or planning his next trip. If Dustin wasn’t a lawyer, he’d probably own a bar and restaurant in Colorado and spend his off days snow skiing!

Etan Bernstein is a Co-Founder and the Head of Ecosystem for the Velocity Network Foundation®, a non-profit membership organization. Velocity hosts the leading global workforce tech vendors and solution providers, deploying Velocity Network™. Together, the mission of the Foundation is to build the Internet-of-Careers®, a blockchain-based trust framework underlying the global labor market. Etan has 30+ years of experience in human resources and workforce tech as the founder and leader of multiple successful companies. In addition to his current role, leading the development and growth of Velocity's ecosystem, he is a regular speaker on innovations in workforce tech, technology and the Future of Work. He's a passionate advocate for the power of verifiable credentials to empower individuals, businesses, and educational institutions.

Julie Turney is a heart-centric people experience architect with over a decade of experience in HR. As the visionary founder of HR@Heart Consulting Inc., Julie affectionately refers to her coaching practice as the “HR Safe Space.” This innovative venture was born out of Julie's transformative journey, navigating her way through a second round of HR burnout. With a caring touch and a witty spirit, Julie has cultivated a sanctuary for healing within her firm. Today, Julie holds space for HR professionals worldwide grappling with burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and career frustration in HR. Her mission? To guide them back on the path of rediscovering their HR mojo, rekindling the passion that initially led them into this challenging yet rewarding field. Julie wears multiple hats with flair. She takes the stage as the charismatic host of the HR Sound Off Podcast Show, where she delves into the nuances of the HR world with her signature blend of empathy and wit. Moreover, she assumes the role of Lead Organizer for the DisruptHR franchise in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad, bringing together speakers from the region and other parts of the world to share their positively disruptive thoughts on improving the world of work through talent and technology.

Kim Lamontagne is a Corporate Trainer on Mental Health, International Speaker, Author, and President of Kim LaMontagne, LLC. Kim was a top performing professional who suffered in silence with depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and intense suicidal thoughts. She feared judgment, retribution, job loss, and damaging her professional integrity, if she spoke openly and acknowledged that she needed help. As a result, she remained silent and almost lost her life. A conversation with an observant leader was the turning point that changed and saved her life. At 14 years sober and healthy, she teaches leaders how to create a culture where everyone feels safe speaking openly about mental health. She has the unique ability to teach through the lens of the lived experience and the lens of the leader; has worked with clients in law enforcement, healthcare, education, legal, corporate, construction, HR, and non-profit; and is a frequent Keynote Speaker. She earned her MBA from the University of Roehampton, in London, and a Certificate in Executive Strategic Leadership Management, from the Jacob's Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies. Her mission is to share her lived experience to teach leaders how to create a safe culture where everyone is empowered to speak openly about mental health.

Mayra I. Alvarez, MHRM, is a strategic and results-driven HR executive, bringing over 18 years of experience in human resources leadership, talent management, and organizational development. With a passion for aligning HR initiatives with business objectives, she specializes in employee engagement, leadership coaching, workforce planning, and DEI. Mayra has successfully led HR teams, optimized HR operations, and fostered inclusive workplace cultures. As a bilingual HR leader (English & Spanish), she has a strong track record in compliance, performance management, and change management. She holds a Master’s in Human Resource and Labor Relations from Rutgers University and is a certified life coach dedicated to developing high-performing teams and empowering professionals at all levels.

Michael Towers is a highly sought out Empathy Expert, Counselor and Speaker. Michael empowers organizations to transform company culture and improve employee mental health. He is the go-to source for engagement and retention. Michael flexes his empathy muscles to help leaders reverse the empathy deficit in their workplace. He earned degrees in Counseling and Psychology. Michael is married to a wonderful woman and has three German Shepherds. Which by the way, are great for mental health!

Michelle Strasburger CEO of HR Rebooted, is a Human Resources Executive and a thought leader in the HR space. With over 23 years of progressive HR experience, Michelle works with organizations to help them create winning cultures of trust and psychological safety. As a fractional Chief People Officer, Michelle helps CEOs of fast-growing companies who are facing the frustrating challenges of high turnover, disengaged teams, and leadership misalignment. Michelle lives in Colebrook, NH with her husband, two boys, dogs and chickens. They enjoy being outdoors hiking, fishing, swimming ATVing and snowmobiling. Michelle is passionate about Human Resources and spends time giving back to the field and developing HR Professionals. Michelle is the founder and facilitator of The HR Rebels and a board member of Human Resources Pro.

Shannon White, LCSW-S, CPT, HWLNC, is a highly qualified mental health therapist, coach, consultant, and author, with a unique focus on optimizing mental functioning for high-performing professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs. As the founder of ReIgnite, LLC, Shannon’s mission is to help clients achieve resilience and success in every area of life by combining evidence-based holistic approaches with traditional therapeutic methods. Whether you are seeking to overcome burnout, increase your resilience, or optimize your mental health for peak performance, Shannon is the therapist, consultant, and coach you need to take your life and career to the next level.

Tommy Stephens, CPA, CITP, received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including: Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm; Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company; Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization; and Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses.