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What's Up With the Board of Directors?

    Welcome to our space featuring information from our Board.  Each month, we will highlight a different board member - their position on the board, something about them, maybe some HR tips and/or resources, and much more!  We hope you will enjoy this learning opportunity and consider joining our board when seats become available.

    If you'd like more information on joining our Board or about your fellow members who currently serve, check out our Contact Us - BOD tab on this website. 

    May 2025 - Polo (Jesus) Castillo, Diversity Chair

    My name is Polo (Jesus) Castillo. I am the Operations Specialist at the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. At the YWCA, I help support my coworkers with HR, IT, and general operation related issues so that they can provide services to our clients to the best of their ability. Our team works together to assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, as well as immigrant outreach. The YWCA is all about empowering others and celebrating diversity, both things that are very important to me personally. Which is why I was excited to take over the position of Diversity Chair at the beginning of 2025. Previously the position was held by Rebecca, the Executive Director at the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. I know that I will succeed in this position with her guidance. At the YWCA we strive to be involved in as many events in the area as possible to share our services and inform people about the resources available to them; this is something I hope to bring to the RRHRPA.

    A little about me: I am from Sterling where I was born. Prior to working in HR and IT, I worked in healthcare as a Life Enrichment Director where I got to plan out all types of fun events for my residents. I have a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and do freelance work from home. In my free time I am usually reading a book, playing video games, or cleaning up after my two cats after they knock one of my many house plants over.

    The YWCA has been here to serve the Sauk Valley for over 100 years! We provide in-house training and in-services on sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, immigrants and immigration. If you ever run into a situation of encountering someone who many need our services, we are here. If we can ever assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach and connect with us. Our 24hr hotlines 815.626.7277 and 815.288.1011.

    February 2025 - Julie Hoak, Certification Chair

    Hello!

    My name is Julie Hoak.  I am the Certification Director for RRHRPA.  I hold the SHRM Certified Professional accreditation and I encourage every member to earn the SHRM Certification.

    It certainly helped me join the HR community after earning my degree in Human Resource Management from NIU.

    Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.   HR professionals report earning salaries 14% to 15% higher than peers who have not earned the SHRM Certification.

    If you are wondering what SHRM certification you should pursue, the SHRM-CP is for individuals performing HR-related duties and 77% of applicants take the SHRM-CP exam first and then the SHRM Senior Certified Professional exam next for strategic-level HR related work.

    Joining RRHRPA and attending monthly meetings is one way to earn continuing education credits to keep your certification status.  The membership offers to you a wealth of knowledge available that is an email away when you are attempting to navigate all the new IL laws and changes in doing business.

    I am the Human Resource Manager at Sterling Federal Bank and work with a fantastic group of employees across 9 branch locations and our customers are fantastic. 

    Should you have any questions or inquiries about Certification or continuing education to retain your certification, feel free to contact me.

    2025 is going to be challenging and our RRHRPA group is here to assist you.

    Julie Hoak, SHRM-CP, Certification Director, RRHRPA

    January 2025 - Lisa Wakeley, RRHRPA President

    Hello and Happy New Year!

    As the new Chapter President, I am honored and excited for this opportunity. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Kendra Hull and the entire board for their hard work and dedication to our chapter.

    2024 was a great year! We celebrated the careers and dedication of two of our board members who were lucky enough to retire, we welcomed new board members with fresh ideas, we hosted terrific speakers with a wealth of information, and we got more involved in our community by participating in the Dixon high school career fair and Dixon City Market.  I’m confident that this year will bring even more opportunities for collaboration, growth and success.

    In 2025, we are focused on expanding our membership, offering great educational opportunities and resources, recognizing our members accomplishments.   I encourage each of you to stay involved, share your ideas, and help us shape the direction of our chapter as we move forward. On behalf of the entire board, I wish you a fantastic New Year filled with happiness, health and success!

    Lisa Wakeley, President RRHRPA