Inaugural 'HR Collective' convened ASU human resources professionals to collaborate, innovate

Two hundred human resources professionals from across Arizona State University came together on Sept. 19 for the inaugural HR Collective conference — a day dedicated to collaboration, innovation and impact.

Reflecting ASU’s spirit of connection and changemaking, the event’s theme — "Influence. Innovate. Impact." — guided sessions designed to inspire meaningful change and strengthen networks across the university community.

“An event like the HR Collective matters because it brings together people who are doing vital work for the institution, creating space to learn together, strengthen networks and recommit to the mission that connects us all,” said Minu Ipe, vice chair and managing director of the University Design Institute and keynote speaker at the event. 

Ipe’s commitment to interconnectedness was evident during her session, when she asked the audio-visual techs to turn up the lights so she could see and address attendees directly. She treated the rest of the session, “Building Impact and Influence Through ASU’s Nine Leadership Dimensions,” like an interactive lecture. 

“In gatherings like this, energy, ideas and commitment are renewed, fueling the transformation that higher education and our communities so deeply need,” said Ipe. 

Sessions featured university leaders including Ipe; Kimberly Clark, deputy chief information officer at Enterprise Technology; Judith Karshmer, ASU chief wellness officer and dean and professor at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation; and May Busch, senior advisor in the Office of the President, with topics such as influencing change through coaching, creating impact through employee wellness, and utilizing AI to solve HR challenges. 

While the presenters held ASU leadership roles, they encouraged innovation and influence at any level. Busch advised attendees to “lean into the power of influence without authority,” while Clark reminded that “leadership is not a title.” 

“If you have an idea, you can make it happen by harnessing the power, imagination and resourcefulness of the community around you,” Busch added. 

This theme of distributed influence was not just about the individual; it was a rallying call for courageous collaboration — which is what HR Collective is all about. 

According to conference organizers, attendees reported that the event was relevant to their work and provided meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the university. Conference organizers noted they look forward to the next HR Collective being even bigger, with more opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate.