REGISTER TODAY!
Join RI SHRM, local HR professionals, and student members from Rhode Island’s SHRM chapters for an evening of career exploration, mentorship, and networking. This interactive event will bring together students preparing to launch their careers and HR leaders from across the state to share experiences, advice, and insights into the diverse paths available within the field.
Now in its second year, this program will once again spotlight RI SHRM’s Mentoring Program—a powerful opportunity to connect seasoned professionals with the next generation of HR leaders. Whether you’re a student eager to learn or a professional looking to give back, this is your chance to engage in meaningful conversations that will help shape the future of HR in Rhode Island.
Stay tuned for more details on panelists, speakers, and discussion topics. For now—mark your calendar and plan to be part of this energizing evening.
MEET OUR PANELISTS:
Kate McDonald
HR 360 Rotational Program | Brown Brothers Harriman
Kate McDonald graduated from Providence College in May 2025 with a degree in Management, where she was an active member of Beta Gamma Sigma and the International Business Club. Throughout her time at PC, Kate developed interests in leadership, organizational culture, and employee development.
Between her junior and senior year, Kate held an internship at Brown Brothers Harriman, an international financial institution, on their Compensation team. Through this internship, she supported the firm’s Global Human Resource division using an analytical, data-driven approach to employee remuneration. After graduation, she returned to Brown Brothers Harriman to begin a two-year rotational program across Human Resources. She is currently finishing her first rotation in Total Rewards/Compensation and looks forward to gaining experience in HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, and Employee Relations.
During her senior year, Kate explored deferred MBA programs and was admitted to several business schools. Upon completing her rotational program at Brown Brothers Harriman, she will attend the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business to pursue her MBA full-time.
Kate looks forward to sharing her experiences as a junior HR professional in the financial services industry, offering advice on the MBA application process, and reflecting on how her time at Providence College shaped her career path.
Aldrec Viera Dones, SHRM-CP, CLMS
Leave Benefit Coordinator | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Aldrec Viera Dones is a Leave Benefit Coordinator at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he counsels and administers leave of absences for the Executive Branch’s 47,000 employees. This includes interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, Executive Department policies, federal/state regulations and laws, and partnering with agency-level HR service teams to ensure employees receive assistance with matters adjacent to leave of absence requests.
Prior to entering the public sector, Aldrec supported a multi-state workforce at Environmental Systems, Inc. (ESI) as the Human Resources Coordinator. At ESI, he managed end-to-end leave administration, ADA accommodations, and group benefit operations while strengthening data processes during a major HRIS transition. He also served as a First Notice of Loss Representative at Amica Mutual Insurance Company, where he specialized in property and casualty insurance claim intake and handling.
Aldrec holds a SHRM-CP certification, CLMS certification, multi-state Property and Casualty Insurance License, and a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management from Bryant University.
Krista Williams
Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition | First Advantage
Krista Williams is a seasoned Global Talent Acquisition and People leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping high-performing teams across industries including retail, financial services, technology, and healthcare. She has led large-scale transformation, data-driven hiring strategies, and talent programs for organizations such as CVS Health, FM Global, First Advantage, and Primark, building inclusive, high-trust cultures where people and business thrive together. Passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, Krista enjoys helping the next generation of HR leaders discover how purpose, agility, and authenticity can make them true difference makers.
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Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Stef Nelson at rishrmsponsorship@gmail.com..
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