Advancing Excellence

Vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more."
-Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Since our inception in 1992 as the Atlanta Human Resources Association (AHRA) the vision to advance the human resources profession and encourage the increase of the African American presence in all levels of the field was a bold endeavor. It was an endeavor nevertheless, continued for nearly 10 years until November 2002 when the AHRA decided to advance their efforts nationally and became an affiliate of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR).

As we begin our fifth year as part of a National Association that has local chapters throughout the United States , we have to ask ourselves, how do we become better? How do we build on the strong legacy of our predecessors?

In 2007, we are committed to continue programming for our membership to help advance the knowledge of their profession and provide them with the tools to become more dynamic human resources leaders. The programming will continue to be informative, relevant and innovative. But we also want to go outside the "four walls" of our meetings and begin to become active partners in our community.

In 2006-2007, we partnered with the Mayor of Atlanta, Workforce Development Agency and the EEOC to conduct workshops that prepare High School students to become viable employment candidates for prospective Atlanta-based employers. We have partnered with the Black College Expo to mentor and consult college students on interviewing techniques for summer internships and employment opportunities. Lastly, we have identified several colleges to build coalitions with to promote and encourage the human resources profession within academia.

Our commitment to advancing excellence extends beyond this year. We are committed to building a legacy that is sustaining for years to come. This effort includes, building a strong infrastructure, implementing policies and procedures and systems that will help streamline the business function of the organization.

It is imperative that we look in the future and determine who we will be and how we will expand the NAAAHR/Atlanta brand in 5 to 10 years. Our vision is that in five years we will begin College Chapters throughout Georgia providing our members' certification points for attending membership meetings creating a "think tank" among human resources practioners to discuss the changing HR needs of the Georgia business communities and creating NAAAHR sponsored human resources internships to help cultivate young and promising talent.

I am excited about what we're doing this year and the board of directors with whom I'm partnered. Collectively we are excited, energetic and talented professionals who are committed to a vision of sustaining excellence for today, tomorrow and the future.