PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to confidently recognize situations where internal hiring is the best approach, weigh the benefits of staffing agencies when needed, and apply practical criteria to select the right partner.
Program Overview
Hiring decisions can make or break a team. Knowing when to go it alone and when to call in reinforcements isn’t always clear. This interactive session gives employers the tools to:
- Spot six common scenarios where internal hiring is effective (and cost-efficient).
- Understand the real advantages staffing agencies bring, including speed, scalability, cost savings, and reduced hiring risk.
- Apply a step-by-step framework for evaluating and selecting a staffing partner that fits your organization’s needs.
Whether you’re an HR professional, a hiring manager, or a business leader, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to streamline your hiring process, reduce mis-hires, and make smarter staffing decisions.
This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM credits.
Thank you to our hosting sponsor!
OUR SPEAKER:
Dawn Apajee
Founder/President
Dawn Apajee is an accomplished professional who has worked in the recruitment industry for over 30 years, both in the UK and the US. After graduating from the London School of Economics, Dawn embarked on a remarkable career journey, managing one of the most profitable Temporary Staffing Divisions in London. Her expertise and dedication propelled her to the role of Sales Executive at Adecco, a leading employment agency in the United States, where she garnered national recognition as the Top Sales Executive in the country in 1999.
In 2006, drawing upon her extensive experience, Dawn founded City Personnel with a clear mission: to connect top talent with businesses in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. With three decades of experience, Dawn leads a team of professional recruiters who share her passion for building enduring and trustworthy relationships with both companies and job seekers.
Dawn's commitment to excellence and fostering meaningful connections has solidified City Personnel's reputation in the industry. She was recently recognized as Tomorrow's Women TODAY of Rhode Island’s 2025 Woman of the Year, a 2025 PBN Leaders & Achievers Honoree, and a 2024 CBIZ Women Transforming Business Awards Honoree—acknowledgments that reflect her leadership, impact, and dedication to the business community.
Beyond her business success, Dawn is a dedicated mentor and advocate for women in leadership. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, and is actively involved in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under her leadership, City Personnel has received ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Client Satisfaction Diamond Award—an honor earned by fewer than 2% of staffing agencies in the U.S. and Canada.
Her passion for giving back is rooted in her own experiences, providing support and resources to others that she didn’t have access to growing up. Whether through mentorship, community engagement, or creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, Dawn continues to uplift the next generation of leaders.
David Hopkins
Recruiting Specialist
Born and raised in Providence, David attended Pace University, where he earned his degree in Marketing. After graduation, he returned to Rhode Island with the goal of supporting his family and building a meaningful career.
David’s professional journey has taken him across multiple industries, giving him valuable insight into diverse workplace environments. This broad background ultimately led him to discover his passion for recruiting, a career path that allows him to make a direct impact by connecting talented professionals with opportunities where they can thrive.
Before joining City Personnel in 2022, David spent two years specializing as a hospitality recruiter. His approach to recruiting is rooted in the belief that successful placements create lasting benefits for both candidates and employers, fostering growth, stability, and mutual success.
In April 2024, David earned his Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) designation from the American Staffing Association, further strengthening his expertise and commitment to ethical, high-quality recruiting practices.
Keep the conversation going, join us at our upcoming programs.
RI SHRM PROGRAMS
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Stef Nelson at rishrmsponsorship@gmail.com.
