Lauren Ashley (LA) is a seasoned human resources professional with experience across wellness, hospitality, nonprofit advocacy, and tech start-ups. She specializes in learning & development, employee engagement, DEIBA, and fostering a people-first culture. Passionate about inclusion and workplace well-being, she champions initiatives that support work-life balance, mental health, and professional growth through mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching programs. She has served as Sr. HR Business Partner for the Executive Leadership Council and VP of Young Professionals & Collegiate Relations for NAAAHR, where she is also a National Board Member. Lauren is an active member of SHRM and ForbesBLK.

LA holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland and multiple certifications, including CAPM, SHRM-CP, PHR, and Life Coaching & Grief Counseling. She is also a guest lecturer at Morgan State University’s MBA program.

And while this Baltimore native on the surface seems to be all business, LA also enjoys singing opera, mentoring the youth & young professionals, and is an avid traveler & foodie. Lastly, a fun & interesting fact about her is she is the great-niece of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus & the Congressional Women’s Caucus, and the first Black person to seek the presidential nomination from one of the two major parties.

Kim Lubeck is a versatile HR professional with over 10 years' experience working within the HR and People Operations, and prior experience working in recruiting and client relations in the tech space. The majority of her HR experience is within high growth start up environments, including Series B through acquisition. She has experience working in fast paced environments focusing on HR operations, employee lifecycle, performance management, designing and implementing employee programs and policies, HRIS integrations, employee relations and overall HR operations.

Kim received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Neumann University, and currently resides in Wilmington, DE with her husband, daughter and dog. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Elise Bonagura has over 10 years of human resources and business operations experience. She has extensive, hands-on experience leading HR initiatives including policy design, compensation analysis, performance management, payroll, recruiting, compliance, HRIS implementations, HR workflow development, and benefits administration.