President’s Message – January, 2015

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Hello!

I would first like to thank YOU– our members for giving me the opportunity to serve as your next Chapter President!  I am thrilled and it will be my absolute pleasure to lead our wonderful professional association for the next two years.

Introverted leaders lead with thoughtful and quiet influence.  While this is more my comfort zone, I’d like to try my hand in becoming a more extroverted leader.  I think about the words of one of my cherished mentors in VT, “You need to learn to stretch yourself everyday”.  This is what I intend to do when leading HRLA…  My passion for the Human Resources profession began over fifteen years ago.  I deliberately chose a profession in which I not only wanted to engage my mind but my heart as well.  It was important to me that I worked in a position where I made a true difference not only for people but organizations too.  After all, employees are people first with the capacity and willingness to make great things happen not only for themselves but for the greater good.  Human capital is invaluable, unique and diverse.  Individuals can choose to put their hearts and minds to the work they mold and create everyday- when the right elements are harnessed and put into place. And this is where we, Human Resources professionals, do our best work!

I set out to earn my Bachelor degree in Human Resources Management from Florida Gulf Coast University over ten years ago.  It became clear to me that finishing with an MBA degree would only further solidify my credentials.  Therefore, I received my MBA in 2007.  I also sat for the PHR exam in the same year and received my professional certification- and the rest is recertification history  J

My work experience includes working as an HR intern, Benefits Specialist, HR Specialist, HR Manager and Senior HR Generalist.  My background includes hospital healthcare, home healthcare, emergency medical services, higher education, retail and financial services.

I was born and raised a number of years ago in Florida and since moved to Georgia, Vermont and permanently here in beautiful and diverse CT.  Eighteen years ago I married my husband, Ken, in Germany.  We have four beautiful and wonderful children- Katja, Jurgen, Stefie and Dieter.  All of whom, I am extremely proud and could not imagine life without them!

I am honored and feel privileged to become your next President!  I am looking forward to the year we have planned for you.  See you at our January event to kick off our 15^th Anniversary, “Fortifying Your Position as an Employer of Choice”.

Sincerely,

Sonja Sieling-Boumenot, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP

President, HRLA of Eastern CT

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