RI SHRM upcoming events

The WIN Model: A Collaborative Approach to Inclusive Hiring and Retention (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Disability inclusion is an important part of building a diverse, equitable, and high-performing workforce. The WIN (Workforce Inclusion Network) Model is an innovative approach that helps employers connect with qualified talent while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Developed from successful workforce practices and adapted for Rhode Island employers, the WIN Model brings together employers and community providers to identify workforce needs, support recruitment efforts, and ensure successful onboarding and long-term employee retention. Participants will learn how community partners can provide onsite consultation, identify workplace accommodations, deliver customized training, and offer ongoing support that benefits both employees and employers.

Whether organizations are looking to address workforce challenges, strengthen inclusion efforts, or expand their talent pipeline, this session will provide practical strategies for creating a more accessible and inclusive workplace.

Learning Objectives

Recognize the business and workforce benefits of disability-inclusive hiring practices.
Describe the key components of the WIN Model and how employers can partner with community providers to meet workforce needs.
Identify strategies for onboarding, supporting, and retaining employees with disabilities through accommodations, training, and ongoing workplace support.
Explore practical steps for expanding talent pipelines and creating more inclusive employment opportunities within their organizations.

This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM credits.

OUR SPEAKERS:

Heather Mincey

Assistant Director, Developmental Disabilities Division

State of Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Heather Mincey’s work over the past 25+ years has focused on issues of human rights and social justice. One of her current roles is to work on the advancement and transformation of employment services.

Gerard (Jay) McCay

Associate Administrator II for IDD Supported Employment Services

State of Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Jay McKay has over 24 years of service with the state, starting out as a Community Living Aide (Direct Support Staff) for BHDDH operating residential and community programs, Rhode Island Community Living and Supports (RICLAS). He became a trained/certified Employment Supports Specialist for RICLAS individuals and eventually moved into an administrative role at BHDDH, assisting licensed Supported Employment Providers.

Jennifer White
Consultant

CEO, Able Opportunities, Inc.

Jennifer White is a seasoned subject matter expert and corporate consultant, designing and implementing projects that further Employment First strategies in transition programs and community employment agencies across the US. She specializes in innovative, person-driven, technology accommodations, successful business-minded tools, and collaborative structures resulting in sustainable, successful employment outcomes.

Keep the conversation going, join us at our upcoming programs.

RI SHRM PROGRAMS

Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact us at ri.shrmsponsorship@gmail.com.

Employment Law Summit (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Presented in partnership with the Employers Association of the Northeast (EANE)

The Employment Law Summit is RI SHRM’s premier annual event for HR professionals, business leaders, and employers who want to stay ahead in today’s evolving legal landscape. This full-day experience delivers timely updates on federal and state employment laws, actionable compliance strategies, and practical guidance to help you protect your organization while supporting its continued growth.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of current, new, and emerging legislation, equipping them to navigate complex workplace challenges with greater confidence and clarity. The summit also creates meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and engage directly with some of the region’s leading legal and HR experts.

What to Expect:

Federal & State Legislative Updates: Stay informed on the latest developments impacting your workplace and what they mean for your organization.
Expert-Led Sessions: Hear from trusted legal and HR professionals who bring real-world insight and practical strategies for managing risk and maintaining compliance.
Interactive Q&A: Get answers to your most pressing questions and walk away with guidance you can apply immediately.
Networking Opportunities: Build connections with fellow professionals and expand your network within the HR and business community.

Program Highlight

HR Is Tough: The Top Issues for HR Pros in 2026

HR leaders are being asked to do more than ever, often while navigating competing priorities and increasing complexity. From advising the C-suite and managing employee relations to responding to legal changes and the impact of social and political dynamics in the workplace, the role continues to evolve in real time.

In this dynamic and candid conversation, attorneys Rachel Reingold Mandel (Associate General Counsel, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and Fran DeLuca (Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins) will break down the most pressing challenges facing HR professionals in 2026. This session will go beyond legal updates to explore practical, real-world strategies for decision-making, risk mitigation, and leadership in today’s environment.

Expect thoughtful insights, honest dialogue, and actionable takeaways you can immediately bring back to your organization. This is a featured session you won’t want to miss.

Who Should Attend:

Whether you’re an experienced HR professional or a business owner managing workplace compliance, this summit will provide the insights you need to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead.

Employers who purchase a table receive a discounted rate. For details, contact Moses Fortes at programs.rishrm@gmail.com.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, November 12th

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location:

Crowne Plaza
801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886

Cost:

Early Bird: $219
May 19 - July 3, 2026
Regular: $269
July 4 - Oct 20, 2025
Late Registration: $299
Oct 21 - Nov 9, 2025

A Growing Lineup of Industry Experts

Our speaker lineup continues to expand, with more respected legal and HR leaders joining the agenda. Check back soon for additional announcements and session details.

Mark Adams, Director of Compliance

Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE)

Mark leads EANE’s HR compliance operations, providing services to member companies and directing programs for affirmative action, background checking, and data surveys. A frequent writer and speaker throughout the region, Mark guides management-level and C-suite professionals on topical issues ranging from drug testing to FMLA to employee vs. independent contractor laws.

He is the primary editor and author of EANE’s e-alerts, keeping members in-the-know about pending legal and regulatory developments critical to the workplace. Mark is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and the Western New England College School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1992.

Francesco (Fran) DeLuca, Shareholder

Ogletree Deakins

Employers look to Fran to represent them in labor and employment disputes. He has litigated single-plaintiff discrimination and retaliation suits, wage-and-hour class and collective matters, high-stakes whistleblower cases, and unfair competition actions. He has represented clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other state and federal agencies. Regardless of the type of matter, Fran strives to develop creative strategies that mitigate risk and account for the client’s business objectives.

In addition to his litigation practice, Fran is a trusted advisor to employers across industries. He works with them to develop and update handbooks, policies, and agreements; respond to and investigate internal complaints; manage leaves of absence and accommodation requests; handle sensitive terminations; protect confidential information and trade secrets; and train their workforce on a variety of issues.

Rachel Reingold Mandel, Associate General Counsel
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Rachel is Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Employment, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Before going in-house at Dana-Farber, Rachel was in law firm practice as an employment litigator and advisor for nearly 20 years. She helps balance innovation and compliance, including through the growing use of AI tools in various aspects of employment relationships. As a law firm lawyer and now in her in-house role, Rachel utilizes her extensive experience litigating and working with a broad range of clients to provide practical guidance that is mindful of her clients’ innovation goals and compliance obligations

Sponsorship Opportunities

Annual and Event Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Contact us at rishrmsponsorship@gmail.com.