Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in


Upcoming events

  • Overview of Recent U.S. Immigration Policy Changes

    • Thursday, June 12, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Register


    Amanda R. Goodman

    Immigration Attorney, Ogletree Deakins

    Overview of Recent U.S. Immigration Policy Changes

    Why It Matters:
    This presentation highlights key shifts in U.S. immigration policy that directly impact global mobility, workforce planning, and compliance for U.S. employers. Topics include evolving regulations on employment-based visas, increased enforcement and worksite audits, executive orders under legal challenge, and new compliance mandates for non-citizen employees. HR leaders will gain insights into how these changes affect visa processing, I-9 verification, international hiring, employee travel, and internal compliance strategies. Staying ahead of these developments is critical to mitigating risk and maintaining operational continuity.

    Key Topics Covered:

    1. Recent Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policies
    2. Impact on Employment-Based Visas
    3. Executive Orders and Legal Challenges
    4. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
    5. DHS Non-Citizen Registration Requirement
    6. Travel Considerations and Border Policy
    7. Employee Travel and Interview Waiver Eligibility
    8. Forecasting Potential Travel Bans and Consular Closures
    9. Increased Emphasis on Enforcement
    10. Worksite Enforcement Actions

    Bio

    As a trusted advisor to multinational corporations, financial

    institutions, universities, hospitals, startups, and individuals, I bring over fifteen years of experience navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law. My expertise spans all phases of non-immigrant and immigrant visa classifications, with a proven track record of managing high-stakes, time-sensitive cases that drive results for clients across diverse industries.


    Education


    J.D., New York Law School, 2007

    B.A., St. Lawrence University, 2004


    Speeches


    Ogletree Deakins Employment Law Briefing

    “Navigating the New Administration’s Immigration Policies”


    Ogletree Deakins Webinar

    “H-1B Lottery Demystified: Tips and Tactics for Employers ”


    Ogletree Deakins Briefing

    “Headline News: Immigration Law Developments”


    Ogletree Deakins Podcast

    “Immigration in the Life Sciences: Visa Categories in Groundbreaking


    Ogletree Deakins Webinar

    “Preparing for the H-1B Lottery: USCIS Updates, Best Practices, and Tips for Success”


    Honors & Awards


    Recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for Immigration Law (2025)




    REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

    For our HR and Safety Conference

    Tuesday, September 23, 2025

    https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

    https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477


    • Recent Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policies
    • Impact on Employment-Based Visas
    • Executive Orders and Legal Challenges
    • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
    • DHS Non-Citizen Registration Requirement
    • Travel Considerations and Border Policy
    • Employee Travel and Interview Waiver Eligibility
    • Forecasting Potential Travel Bans and Consular Closures
    • Increased Emphasis on Enforcement
    • Worksite Enforcement Actions
    Show details

  • Navigating The Hard Conversations - Alise Isabell

    • Thursday, July 17, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    • 1 registrant
    Register
              

    Alise Isbell

    Navigating The Hard Conversations 

    How do you tell someone, "No," gracefully? How do we announce a change or give constructive feedback without making the situation worse? How do we coach managers to manage change with their employees? We all encounter difficult situations in the workplace. This advanced communication course blends written and interpersonal skills. Participants will learn how to present thoughts clearly, logically, appropriately and persuasively.

    Learning Objectives

    • Presents thoughts clearly, logically, appropriately and persuasively. 
    • Adjusts to the audience experience, background, and expectations; use terms, examples, and analogies that are meaningful to the audience. 
    • Ensures understanding – seeks input from audience; checks understanding; presents message in different ways to enhance understanding. 
    • Listens closely to messages and strives to grasp the meaning and importance behind them.

    Alise Isbell is an award-winning communication expert, experienced trainer, facilitator and instructional designer. She empowers clients to transform ideas into clear messages. 

    She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Business Communication. She published articles on effective communication in Nationwide Business Journals while also winning several IABC Bronze, Silver, Best in Division and Best in Show Quill Awards in Writing and Marketing Communication Strategy.

    Alise is a member of the International Association for Business Communicators, Association for Talent Development, and SHRM/HR Houston, and Women’s Energy Network. She frequently speaks at these organizations. 

    As an independent business owner, Alise provides instructional design services on any topic.  She carefully determines the current needs, defines the goals of training and creates materials to bridge the gap. Alise also delivers instructor-led training courses in person or online in five categories: written, spoken, interpersonal communication, train-the-trainer and microlearning.





    REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

    For our HR and Safety Conference

    Tuesday, September 23, 2025

    https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

    https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477


    Show details

  • Mediation How To! With Dr. Ernesto Escobedo

    • Thursday, August 21, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Register


    Dr. Ernesto Escobedo

    Former EEOC Mediator and President SA SHRM 

    Mediation - How To!

    This presentation will cover mediation strategies, dos and dont's, process, tips for success, getting past impasse, ZOPA, BATNA, and other useful tips. In his work experience, Ernesto has learned to practice the elements of Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman.

    By way of background, Ernesto served as President of San Antonio SHRM 2023 and other leadership roles.

    In his 30-year professional career at EEOC, Ernesto worked as a Federal Investigator, Mediator, and Supervisor.  Today, Ernesto provides training in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, ADA, ADEA, EPA, mediation, and conflict resolution. Also, Ernesto is an adjunct faculty at several universities in San Antonio, Texas.

    Throughout his 30 years of federal government service, Ernesto received awards and recognitions, including from the President of the United States of America, US Congress, and Federal Executive Association. Prior to EEOC, Ernesto worked for the US Air Force, Wells Fargo Banks, and Honeywell, Inc. Ernesto has a BBA with Honors in Business Management, MBA in Business Administration, a PhD in Organization and Management - Business, and JD law degree executive program. Further, he is certified, SPHR, SHRM-SCP. 


    REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

    For our HR and Safety Conference

    Tuesday, September 23, 2025

    https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

    https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477


    Show details

  • Keys to a Relevant and Effective HR Strategy

    • Thursday, September 18, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Register
            


    Keys to a Relevant and Effective HR Strategy


    Hong V Miller

    Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S Army Futures Command

    Ms. Hong Miller currently serves as the Chief Human Capital Officer for Army Futures Command in Austin, TX.  She has worked in Human Resources management across the Department of Defense for over 35 years, leading strategic human resource management, developing and implementing employment and compensation policy, conducting workforce shaping through major resource reductions and reorganizations, and delivering operational human resource functions. 

    She will share her perspective on garnering value through strategic HR management.  HR leaders must shift from the mindset of transactional service providers to strategic partners.  Operating on the principle that people are the foundation of every organization, HR’s role of strategically managing people programs is pertinent to organizational success.   





    REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

    For our HR and Safety Conference

    Tuesday, September 23, 2025

    https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

    https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477


    Show details

  • HR + Safety Conference

    • Tuesday, September 23, 2025
    • The City of San Marcos Conference Center 1001 East McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX 78666
    Register

    • HR + SAFETY CONGRESS

    SAVE YOUR SEAT! REGISTER TODAY!

    Hill Country Human Resource Management Association will be presenting the inaugural HR + Safety Congress at the City of San Marcos Conference Center on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This conference will be bringing together Human Resource Professionals, Business Owners, Safety Leaders, Risk Managers and Community Members to discuss important topics such as Safety, Mental Health, Risk Management, and Emergency Preparedness. This one-day conference aims to educate attendees on best practices in workplace safety, effective risk management strategies and how to be prepared for emergencies in the workplace.

    The HR + Safety Congress is a must-attend event for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in workplace safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness. With a focus on education and networking, this conference promises to be a valuable and informative experience for all who attend.

    Join us on September 23rd as we learn how to build a safer workplace and community together.

    https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

    WELCOME CEREMONY - Judge Ruben Becerra and Mayor Jane Hughson 

    TRAUMA IN THE WORKPLACE - Jennifer Goodson

    CRASE - CIVILIAN RESPONSE TO ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS - Jeff Jordan and Hays County SWAT Team

    WORKERS COMPENSATION 101 - Amy Rich

    INSIDER THREATS AND HOW HR CAN HELP PREVENT THEM - Kirk Burns

    HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN OSHA SITE VISIT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis

    WORKPLACE VIOLENCE -Jason Barrett, JD and Chief Barnett and Assistant Chief Hernandez of Kyle Police Department

    ACCOMMODATIONS UNDER THE ADA - Rodney Klein

    HOW TO BUILD A SAFETY CULTURE - Garrison Wynn

    VERBAL DE-ESCALATION STRATEGIES FOR THE WORKPLACE -James Bell

    FRADULENT CLAIMS - Jamie Allen

    SAFE TO SPEAK: THE POWER OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN TRANSFORMING TEAMS - Christopher Espinoza

    SUBSTANCE USE IN THE WORKPLACE: LEGAL RISKS, TESTING POLICIES, AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS - Sarah Glaser

    CRISIS MANAGEMENT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis

    SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS - Natalie C. Rougeux

    SELF DEFENSE IN THE WORKPLACE - Alyssa Davenport

    HOW TO CREATE A "PEOPLE-FIRST" EMERGENCY PLAN - Justen Noakes

    TRANSFORMING TOXIC CULTURE: HR'S SECRET TO THRIVING TEAMS - Alan Utley

    FIRESIDE PANEL DISCUSSION - Dan Reynolds and Chuck Allen 

    BURIED ALIVE: WHAT A TRENCH COLLAPSE SURVIVOR WANTS YOU TO KNOW - Joe Tantarelli

    INTEGRATING HUMAN RESOURCES IN PREPAREDNESS EXERCISES: A CORPORATE IMPERATIVE - Kevin Wilson and Carson Carroll

    AFTERNOON BREAK SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES (30 MINUTES):

    • 10-MINUTE REFRESHER: Hands Only CPR - Rachel White
    • 10-MINUTE REFRESHER: Recognizing Symptoms - Lindsay Lancaster
    • MEET THE EXHIBITORS
    • NETWORKING
    • BEVERAGE STATION
    • PLUS MORE SURPRISES COMING SOON

    POST-CONFERENCE MIXER:

    INCLUDED IN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
    REGISTER AT https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-6204585 

    SYLVER SPOON - 

    ​6700 N IH-35 New Braunfels, TX 78130 | TUESDAY, 09.23.2025 5:15 PM  (7miles south of conference location)


    Show details

  • HR + Safety Conference Mixer

    • Tuesday, September 23, 2025
    • 5:15 PM
    • Sylver Spoon 6700 N IH-35 New Braunfels, Texas 78130
    Register


    Show details

  • Creating Lasting Culture - Christopher Espinoza

    • Thursday, October 16, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Register
          


    Christopher Espinoza

    Creating Lasting Culture

    How do we create lasting culture change in our workplaces and communities? It’s not about grand initiatives or top-down mandates—it’s about the small, everyday moments that shape how we work and connect. In this discussion, we’ll explore how individual behavior change and habit formation at scale can transform teamwork, synergy, and a true culture of belonging. By focusing on the moments that matter—how we listen, give feedback, include others, and show up—we can drive meaningful, lasting change. Small shifts lead to big impact. Are you ready to be part of the movement?






    Show details

  • Employment Classification - Angela Hendrix

    • Thursday, November 13, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • McKenna Children's Museum, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels
    Register


    Angela Hendrix

    Owner of ONSI Group

    Employment Classifications






    Show details









Hill Country Human Resource Management Association is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software