THE EVENT
Join us for the 3rd Annual Non-Profit Vendor Fair hosted by the La Crosse Area Society for Human Resource Management (LASHRM). This year’s theme, Building a Better Tomorrow, focuses on connecting Coulee Region employers, community leaders, and parents with local resources and community agencies that provide support for those who work with and care for children.
This event is designed to empower those who support kids with valuable resources and services from non-profits dedicated to making a difference in children's lives. Whether you're a parent, guardian, educator, or community leader, you'll find tools and organizations that can help you in your efforts to foster positive growth and opportunity for the younger generation.
Please note: This event is geared toward adults and is not intended for children to attend.
WHEN
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
WHERE
AGENDA
4:00 PM - VENDOR SET-UP
4:30 PM - NETWORKING & SOCIAL
5:00 PM - HOPEY HOUR [LIVE MUSIC]
6:30 PM - WELCOME PRESENTATION BY LASHRM SECRETARY, EMILY WARE & WI SHRM STATE DIRECTOR, JEFF PALKOWSKI
6:45 PM - KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BY MAYOR WASHINGTON-SPIVEY
7:15 PM - CLOSING/PRIZES/SILENT AUCTION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
And a silent auction benefiting the SHRM Foundation!
PARTNERSHIP
SPECIAL GUESTS
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Pick Up the Baton
In this inspiring keynote address, Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey will call upon community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders to “pick up the baton” and continue the vital work of building a thriving, inclusive community. Emphasizing the power of unity, Mayor Washington-Spivey will highlight the essential role of public-private partnerships in creating a city where everyone feels they belong.
With a message rooted in empowerment and collaboration, the Mayor will offer words of encouragement and heartfelt acknowledgment to those already doing the work and encouragement to those ready to join. His address will serve as both a celebration of progress and a charge to keep moving forward together, because, as he affirms, “We are stronger together.”
Meet Your Keynote Speaker
Before taking office, Mayor Washington-Spivey co-founded B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), Inc., a nonprofit organization where he served as Executive Director. Under his leadership, B.L.A.C.K., Inc. has been deeply involved in supporting La Crosse youth through programs like Ujima Circle, LOTUS, the Summer Youth Experience program, and various other initiatives.
Over the years, Washington-Spivey has been a leader in La Crosse, and the State of Wisconsin, engaging in a variety of roles that have positioned him as an effective change agent in the community. He has served as an elected member of the La Crosse School Board and is an active member of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. In addition, he serves on multiple boards and advisory committees throughout the region.
The Mayor is a proud two-time alumnus of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in student affairs administration. Shaundel also holds an associate's degree from Western Technical College. In May 2025, the Mayor was awarded a master’s degree from Viterbo University in mental health counseling and counselor education.
Awards and Honors
- 2024 University of Wisconsin La Crosse Morgan Improving the Lives of Others Alumni Award
- 2022 Most Influential Black Leaders in Wisconsin
- 2021 TRIO Achiever Award
- 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award
THERAPY DOGS
Stop by the Heart2Heart booth from 5:00-6:30 PM for some cuddles and tail wags from Nellie & Chili, the Heart2Heart ambassadors.
SHRM FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHT
Jeff Palkowski, MHRM, SHRM-SCP, PMQ, PHR, recently retired from public sector human resources after serving in multiple HR positions with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the State of Wisconsin for nearly 20 years. He has been an active member and volunteer leader with SHRM at the national, state, and local levels since 2003.
Jeff currently serves as the State Director for the Wisconsin State Council SHRM, providing support for 18 affiliate chapters and nearly 6,000 SHRM members statewide. He also serves at the national level as a member of SHRM’s North Central Regional Council and with the SHRM Foundation as their Inaugural Ambassador for Chapter and State Council Giving. He has also been a member of the SHRM Foundation Leadership Circle since 2018 and a past SHRM Annual Conference Influencer.
