UCLA HARRT

Annual DEIB Summit Day 1 @ NASA JPL
2023-03-28 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (by invitation only), 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA, 91109
By Invitation Only. This annual event is offered as part of the UCI Paul Merage School of Business and the HARRT at UCLA DEI & Belonging Network which is a forum dedicated to providing participants with programming, research, and networking to further the effort of diversity and belonging in the workplace. If you are a DEI Senior Executive or ERG Leader in your organization and would like to attend this session as our guest, use this link to let us know.

Annual DEIB Summit Day 2 @ UCI Paul Merage School of Business
2023-03-30 11:30 - 18:00 | UCI Paul Merage School of Business (by invitation only), 4293 Pereira Dr, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States

HARRT at UCLA - WTW Annual Day of Learning
2023-05-10 08:00 - 15:00 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
Each year we welcome our HR executive members and guests to campus to join us and our partner, WTW for the highly anticipated Day of Learning. This year, the full day experience will take place on Wednesday, May 10.
Key Takeaways:

Gain insights from leading employers and academic professors on the current HR landscape and the future of the workplace
Hear proven strategies to optimize the workforce through trends and best practices for effective leadership
Network with executive peers across industry sectors from leading global organizations

Cracking the Authenticity Code
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
Virtual Event, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

Annual HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat – Rediscover the Human in HR
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-03 | Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA, 92663, United States
*Invitation-Only* We are pleased to invite you to the 2023 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat on October 1 – 3 at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach; a perfect setting to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn. This year’s theme is Rediscover The Human in HR Come join the conversation with our renowned thought leaders and your fellow CHROs to gain insight into the trends that will impact HR and enjoy the opportunity to catch up with friends and participate in some fun activities as well.

Women in HR Leadership - Sess. 1: Creating & Living Your Personal Brand
2023-11-02 12:00 - 13:00 | virtual
Virtual event. November 2, 2023 Noon – 1:00 PM PST

Women in HR Leadership Series: Sess. 2 – Meet the CHROs: Leadership Conversations (panel)
2023-11-14 11:30 - 13:00 | virtual
Virtual event. November 14, 2023 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PST

Women in HR Leadership Series: Sess. 3 Understanding Self and Others to Drive your Development
2023-12-06 11:30 - 13:00 | virtual
Virtual event. December 6, 2023 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PST

Women in HR Leadership Series: Sess. 4 – What’s next for me? Leadership Action Planning
2023-12-13 11:30 - 13:00 | virtual
Virtual event. December 13, 2023 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PST

2024 UCLA + UCI Inclusion Summit
2024-03-06 09:30 - 14:30 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
Cracking the Inclusion Code: Cultivating Change in Organizational Culture
We’ve seen the data: diverse work groups lead to better decision-making, which improves performance. But is it that simple? We need to go beyond diversity to be inclusive, but how? Cultivating organizational change requires creativity, innovation, trust, and leadership commitment. Join us to hear from change makers who are using a combination of talent, management frameworks, and technology to build an inclusive culture.

2024 UCLA + WTW Day of Learning
2024-04-30 09:00 - 15:00 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
HARRT at UCLA & WTW
11th Day of Learning
Future Forward: What’s Next for HR?

Labor market pressure is down but talent shortages remain for key roles. Healthcare costs are on the rise again. Certain tech companies face layoffs and uncertainty as AI’s impact grows. Inflation lingers as employees demand higher pay to keep up. Some sectors thrive; others struggle. It’s an election year. Burn-out is real.

Gain insights from leading employers and professors with a focus on you – the HR leader – and how you can energize your “future self”
Have an open discussion with experts on how to address wellbeing concerns for the HR team
Hear strategies employers are incorporating to deal with some of today’s most pressing people challenges while planning for the future

Network with executive peers across industry sectors from leading local and global organizations

HARRT EMBARK Series - Session 1 Learning & Development
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:00 | virtual
Join us for EMBARK, HARRT’s topic-driven professional development series designed and led by HARRT Members. Join us virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month and take a deep dive into a key topic for a group discussion. The goal of this monthly series is to provide you with opportunities to network, exchange resources, and gain insight from fellow member experiences.
Key Topics for the EMBARK series:
Learning & Development
Talent Acquisition
DEIB
Total Rewards
HR Analytics
Employee Relations and Compliance and more…

HARRT EMBARK Series Session 2 Talent Acquisition
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | CA

HARRT EMBARK Series Session 3 DEIB
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
EMBARK is HARRT’s topic-driven professional development series designed and led by HARRT Members. Join us virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month and take a deep dive into a key topic for a group discussion. The goal of this monthly series is to provide you with opportunities to network, exchange resources, and gain insight from fellow member experiences.
Session 3 of the EMBARK series featured HARRT Executive Member, April Castañeda, Chief Human Resources Officer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory – PNNL, and Accomplished DEIB Leader.
Key Takeaways:
1. Focusing on the “I” in DEIB.
2. DEIB challenges and successes.
3. Outside resources and technology being used for DEIB.
4. New DEIB initiatives for 2025.

Annual HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat
2024-11-17 - 2024-11-19 | Lido House, 3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA, 92663, United States
Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today and Beyond
*Members-Only* We are pleased to invite you to the 2024 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat on November 17 – 19 at the beautiful Lido House in Newport Beach; a perfect setting to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn. Come join the conversation with our renowned thought leaders and your fellow CHROs to gain insight into the trends that will impact HR and enjoy the opportunity to catch up with friends and participate in some fun activities as well.

HARRT EMBARK Series Session 4 HR Resilience and Burnout
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 | virtual
EMBARK is HARRT’s topic-driven professional development series designed and led by HARRT Members. Join us virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month and take a deep dive into a key topic for a group discussion. The goal of this monthly series is to provide you with opportunities to network, exchange resources, and gain insight from fellow member experiences. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.

Session 4 of the EMBARK series will feature Dr. Ilona Salmons, Psychotherapist and Leadership Consultant.
Key takeaways for this session:

What factors contribute most to stress and burnout in your profession?
What signs of burnout do you see most frequently in yourself and your colleagues?
What challenges do you face in balancing the demands of supporting employees while also managing your own well-being?
What changes would you like to see in your organization’s approach to supporting HR professionals in their unique role as first responders?

HARRT EMBARK Series: Session 5 Benefits: Aligning to Today's Employee
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | virtual
Join us for Session 5 of EMBARK, HARRT’s topic-driven professional development series designed and led by HARRT Members. The topic of our fifth installment will be Benefits: Aligning to Today’s Employee. Our facilitator is Lori Carnvale, Director, Employee Benefits & Records, RAND Corporation and our guest speaker, Hillary Cookler, UCLA Anderson PhD candidate.
The goal of EMBARK is to help you connect with colleagues and share knowledge, experiences, technology, and tips on what works and what doesn’t so you can create a network to help you thrive in your role. EMBARK meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
* In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Topics For This Session:
• How have your benefit offerings changed to reflect your current employee base?
• What technology is your organization using to administer benefits?
• How have you incorporated leaves of absence into your benefits strategy?
• How has the cost of benefits impacted your offerings?
+ Please be sure to share other associated topics or questions you want us to cover during the session in the registration process.
Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST

HARRT at UCLA Inclusive Leadership Summit
2025-02-25 10:00 - 15:00 | UCLA Extension, 1145 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
In today’s dynamic global landscape, inclusive leadership has become a critical cornerstone of organizational excellence. It focuses on creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Our Summit will explore the transformative power of inclusive leadership – examining how embracing differences, promoting psychological safety, and intentionally developing diverse talent can revolutionize workplace culture and drive sustainable success.
We look forward to you joining us on February 25th as we explore how inclusive leadership can become a powerful strategic tool for talent development, organizational resilience, and sustainable growth.

HARRT at UCLA CHRO Corporate Governance Certification Training
2025-02-28 09:00 - 2025-05-19 11:00 | Live Online and In Person
Announcing a unique University of California Collaboration designed specifically for Sr. HR Executives. HARRT at UCLA – The UCLA Human Resources Round Table, UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education, and University of California, Irvine – The Paul Merage School of Business Leadership Development Institute, are joining forces in a strategic partnership to offer a one-of-a-kind offering in Corporate Governance for Chief Human Resources Officers and Senior Human Resources Executives.
This unique 3-month program equips senior HR and Talent leaders with the competencies necessary for impactful corporate board service, focusing on essential governance, financial, and strategic skills. Participants will develop a strong foundation in fiduciary duties, regulatory frameworks, and board oversight practices, ensuring they are prepared to fulfill their responsibilities with ethical and organizational integrity. The curriculum covers advanced financial acumen, including audit and compliance insights, and delves into strategic areas like mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and risk management. Additionally, participants will engage with contemporary board issues such as ESG, digital transformation, and executive compensation, making them adept at addressing corporate governance’s evolving demands and challenges.
Why Corporate Governance for CHROs?

In 2023, only 1.1% of directors possess CHRO experience, while the remaining 98.9% do not, highlighting the limited presence of HR leaders at the board level (Harvard Law Corporate Governance)
In 2023, 65% of directors indicated that improving oversight of human capital is “important” or “very important.” (NACD)
65% of directors identified human capital as the highest priority in environmental, social, and governance in 2022. (Deloitte)

Upon successfully completing the program, you will earn a dual certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and in addition to the certification, you will receive a six month HARRT at UCLA membership.
Event Details: Live In Person and Virtual 3-Month Flexible Online Program with 90-120 minute weekly virtual sessions combined with one in-person gathering for culmination.
Dates: February, 28 – May 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM PT – 90 minutes – 120 minutes
Simulation, Certification, and Graduation: Monday, May 19 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT In Person (UCLA Anderson)
Do you have questions? Happy to discuss via email.

HARRT at UCLA | WTW Day of Learning
2025-05-06 09:00 - 15:00 | CA

HARRT Board Governance Network (HBGN) - Session 1
2025-09-10 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
*Members-Only* You’re invited to Session 1 of the HARRT Board Governance Network (HGBN) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at UCLA. As a recap, HBGN will deliver two in-person sessions, two virtual sessions, and ad hoc virtual sessions addressing current issues in 2025 -26.
Session 1 Agenda

3:00 – 3:15 PM
Welcome

3:15 – 4:15 PM
Strategies for Successful Board Placement
Whitney Chamberlain & Clint Fairweather
Board Director & Chair Consultants, Egon Zehnder

4:15 – 4:30 PM:
Refreshment & Networking Break

4:30 – 5:15 PM
Board Governance: Planning for Uncertainty
John Bremen
Chief Innovation & Acceleration Officer, C-suite and board advisor, WTW

5:15 – 6:45 PM
Activists in the Boardroom: A Case Study
Carla Hayn
Professor of Accounting; Accounting Area Chair; Ernst & Young Chair in Accounting, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Adjourn

• Sessions 2 & 3: When we meet on September 10, we will discuss your preferred topics and set the dates and times for these two virtual sessions.
• Session 4: In-person session scheduled for early May 2026.

2025 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat - Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today and Beyond
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-12 | Lido House, 3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA, 92663, United States
Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today and Beyond
*Members-Only* We are pleased to present the 2025 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat, taking place September 11-12 at the beautiful Luskin Conference Center. In addition to insightful conversations, networking opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of HR, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn among your peers. Join us in thanking our incredible speakers, sponsors, and longtime partner members without whom this event would not be possible.
As a special benefit to HARRT Retreat attendees, UC Irvine’s Leadership Development Institute has generously provided a scholarship to their Generative AI for Business Application certification program ($1650 value). To further develop your understanding of AI, this self-paced, fully on-demand digital program features a curriculum that offers both theoretical and practical knowledge in generative AI, taught by a unique blend of top academic and industry professionals. Retreat attendees can receive this special offer when they RSVP by August 1. Learn more.

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #1 - Navigating Uncertainty: The AON Framework
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
Introducing – The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity dilemmas, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as an indispensable leader in your organization.
Stacy Smithers, Chief of Staff / Head of Strategy & Administration for the CAO and Heidi Burnett, People Org. Solutions and Impact, Human Sustainability, AON, will present our first LEARNING LAB installment: NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY: THE AON FRAMEWORK. How Aon created our People Risk framework to navigate uncertainty. The foundation for examining topics such as AI, Skills, Total Rewards and workforce opportunities and risks.
Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Topics For This Session:
• What framework do you use to assess people risk at your organization?
• Is the data you use to assess people risk – historical or predictive?
• How do you reconcile decisions when there is conflicting data points?
Please be sure to share other associated topics or questions you want us to cover during the session in the registration process.
Event Details: Virtual
1. Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
2. Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
3. Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.
Please register by October 13, 2025

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #2 - Breakout Learning - AI: Leveraging Employee Conversations & Insights
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
Introducing – The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.

This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.

Ramit Varma, CEO / Co-Founder, Breakout Learning, will present our second LEARNING LAB installment: AI: Leveraging Employee Conversations and Insights. Breakout Learning uses AI to facilitate and evaluate employee discussions at scale. It’s like having a facilitator in every small group conversation you run, which means you can finally engage your entire organization in critical initiatives instead of just a select few.

Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.

*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.

Key Topics For This Session:

How do you go from employee feedback to enterprise-wide discussion?
If you could use AI to transform one aspect of your HR approach, what would create the most impact?
How do you know if your culture initiatives are resonating—or just checking boxes?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by November 17, 2025

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #3 - Fuel Yourself First: The Science of Sustainable Leadership with Jay Abbasi
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.
Jay Abbasi, CEO / Co-Founder, The Conscious Professional, will present our third LEARNING LAB installment: Fuel Yourself First: The Science of Sustainable Leadership. This virtual workshop will empower HARRT members to manage stress, sharpen focus, and elevate team performance without sacrificing well-being. The session will be interactive and engaging, inviting you to not just download information; but activate transformation. We will incorporate real-life case studies and apply strategies based on cutting-edge neuroscience and practical mindfulness techniques to help leaders drive results and foster a more dynamic, innovative, and engaged workforce.
Remember, The LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Questions For This Session:

What skills are needed by leaders to perform better in the face of chaos and uncertainty?
How can you leverage transformation using Purpose Driven Leadership?
How do you become a resilient leader in the New Year?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by January 12, 2026

HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab Session #4 - Featuring WISQ
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab (virtual)
The HARRT at UCLA Learning Lab, a monthly professional development series designed for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each session features thought leaders tackling today’s most provocative and pressing HR challenges—from AI in the workplace to equity initiatives, talent strategy innovations, and cultural transformation.
This isn’t passive learning. Come prepared to engage in substantive discussions, challenge assumptions, and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately. Over the course of an hour, you’ll expand your strategic thinking, connect with fellow HR professionals navigating similar complexities, and build a network of forward-thinking peers.
Join us to sharpen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and position yourself as a future forward leader in your organization.
Session #4 – Clayton Holz, Head of Product at WISQ, one of HARRT’s Partner Members, will present our fourth LEARNING LAB installment entitled: From Vision to Execution: Building an Agentic HR Operating Model.
The group is asked to contemplate that most AI in HR still requires constant oversight—or worse, it creates more work than it removes. What if your HR team could rely on an AI teammate that resolved complex cases, spanned systems, and delivered outcomes in minutes instead of hours? Wisq will share a unique point of view on what it takes to build an agentic HR operating model—one that blends deep HR expertise with autonomous reasoning to transform service delivery and operations. Attendees will gain practical frameworks for redesigning HR processes, aligning policies and organizational structures, and prioritizing agentic AI use cases that can operate in complex, compliance-heavy environments.
Remember, the LEARNING LAB meets virtually every 3rd Thursday of the month. We encourage you to come as you are, prepared to share with cameras and audio enabled.
*In addition to the topics below, there is an opportunity in the registration process to further enrich the conversation by sharing any other thoughts or questions you want us to address during the session.
Key Questions For This Session:

Share some examples of how AI is creating more work than it removes.
Would you feel comfortable letting AI operate without constant verification?
How do you think HR professionals’ roles and value propositions will evolve in an agentic model? Is it just as important as the technical implementation?

Event Details: Virtual

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM PST
Register: Attendees will receive a Zoom link after registering – Remember to add the meeting to your calendar.

Please register by February 16, 2026

HARRT at UCLA Leadership 26 Summit
2026-03-12 10:00 - 15:00 | UCLA Anderson School of Management

2026 HARRT at UCLA | WTW Day of Learning
2026-05-05 09:00 - 15:00 | CA
