WAVE YPN: Panel Perspectives - Candid Conversations with HR

Description

Join the WAVE Young Professionals Network for their June event, Panel Perspectives - Candid Conversations with HR at the Brainerd Public Library on June 18 from 11:30AM-1:00PM! This event is designed for young professionals looking for real answers to real workplace questions. A panel of experienced Human Resources professionals will share their insights and answer pre-selected questions on topics that may include: FMLA policies, maternity and paternity leave, promotions and raises, resources for personal growth and support, workplace/employee conflict, tips for improving your résumé, best practices for interviewing—whether you’re a job seeker preparing to make a strong impression, or a supervisor learning how to conduct effective and compliant interviews when hiring, and more!

After the panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to ask anonymous questions live using Poll Everywhere. Bring your questions for our panelists! Whether you're early in your career or planning your next steps, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from HR experts in a candid, supportive setting.

Full speaker list and schedule of events will be added soon!

This event is FREE for WAVE Members. Guests are $25.

Key Takeaways

• Gain insight into how HR professionals approach common workplace challenges and decisions.
• Understand key policies and practices that impact employees at all stages of their careers.
• Learn strategies to navigate career development, performance feedback, and organizational dynamics.
• Ask candid questions and receive real-world guidance from experienced HR panelists.

Meet the Panel

Amy Fischer has spent the last 19 years growing her career in Human Resources within the same organization, Crow Wing County—starting as an HR Specialist, moving into a Generalist role, and now proudly serving as the HR Manager. Her career path reflects her dedication, adaptability, and deep understanding of the people and culture that make the organization thrive.

Over the years, she’s gained hands-on experience in everything from recruitment and onboarding to risk management, labor relations, employee performance and so much more. She’s also well-versed in navigating employee discipline and helping leaders approach tough conversations with fairness and clarity.

Amy is passionate about building strong teams, creating a positive work environment, and making HR approachable for everyone. She values collaboration and sees HR as a true partner in helping both employees and the organization succeed.

Ashley Drewes, Human Resources Director, has worked in human resources for about 10 years, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and minor in Marketing from the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining PRO, she worked in insurance and workers compensation, bringing a broad knowledge base in many areas of human resources. Furthering her knowledge in the human resources field, Ashley earned her (SHRM-CP) Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional certification, as well as Mental Health First Aid responder and is also an Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner.

Ashley is responsible for managing client and employee relations through various situations, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, managing client human resources initiatives in everything from recruitment to performance management to offboarding. She also assists with policy and procedure creation and employee handbook updates. Her passion is working with and establishing relationships with her clients and their employees.

Becky Johnson is an experienced Human Resources and Benefits professional with a demonstrated history working with various industries with emphasis in manufacturing. Becky exhibits a strong team approach with a high level of integrity, organization, attention to detail and skillful communication style. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University of St, Paul in "Organizational Management and Leadership", an Associate of Arts Degree from Bemidji State University, dual certification in Human Resources with HRCI and SHRM organizations’, and is a Resident Insurance Producer of Accident & Health, Life. Her skills range from Payroll, Applicant Tracking Systems, I-9 Compliance, Recruiting, Strategic planning, FMLA, Workers Compensation, Legal Compliance, and employee benefits and claims processing. 

Becky currently volunteers as the 2024-2026 Certification Chair for MNSHRM, has been a member of the Lakes Area Human Resources Association (LAHRA) for eighteen years and has served as a volunteer with the Board of Directors for eleven of those years in various positions. Becky has a strong sense of giving back to the community and helping to facilitate and empower others to reach their highest potential.

Kris Schubert is a dedicated HR professional with a strong background in public sector leadership, serving the City of Brainerd since 1988. With a career spanning multiple roles in the City’s Administration Department, Kris brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment for municipal employees.  Kris was promoted to Human Resources Coordinator in 2007 and to Human Resources Director in 2019. 

Under Kris’s leadership, the HR department has implemented HR initiatives in talent acquisition, performance-based pay, and policy development, ensuring that city employees are equipped to serve the community effectively. Kris is known for her ability to balance compliance with a people-first approach, fostering a workplace culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

Brainerd’s HR Department currently provides HR services for the City as well as the Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. That represents approximately 145 full-time employees, 40 paid on-call firefighters, and 30 temporary/seasonal staff.

Schedule

11:30 AM - 11:40 AM // Check-in & Networking
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM // Ice-Breaker & Lunch
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM // Panel Interview
12:45 PM - 12:55 PM // Live Anonyms Questions with Poll Everywhere
12:55 PM - 1:00 PM // Event Wrap-up & Raffle Prizes

Raffle prizes:

• TBD

What is WAVE Young Professionals Network?
WAVE YPN is a NEW networking and professional development program for individuals aged 18-39 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This program is organized by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and led by a team of young individuals representing a wide variety of industries across our community.

Thank You Sponsors!
WAVE is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Become a sponsor and view sponsor benefits on our website.