What does it mean for HR leaders to bring their whole self to work when their identities are not the majority?
Being an HR leader is already challenging, but being the only one who looks like you only amplifies those challenges.

On this episode of HR Fresh Take, we’re revisiting the conversation from our June 2023 event “The Black HR Experience”, hosted by Philly SHRM and the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR),

We’ll dive into the Black experience and how that intersects with leadership roles within Human Resources and the organizations at large. We'll also discuss other areas such as allyship, psychological safety, and retaining Black talent.

We’re joined by Orien Barnes, VP of Organizational Development and Effectiveness at CHOP, Alain Doroseau, VP of Client Services at CCI Consulting, and Dr. Tanya O’Neill, Director of Organizational Development at Temple University Health System & Philly SHRM Board member.

Leading the discussion is Co-host and Producer of HR Fresh Take, Kaela Blanks.

More about Orien….

Orien Barnes serves as Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness and Development, at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Orien is responsible for enterprise-wide vision, strategy, development, and communication of best-in-class practices to address organizational effectiveness, leadership development, learning and employee experience.

Prior to joining CHOP, Orien spent 18 years at AmeriHealth Caritas in positions of increasing responsibility. Her last role at AmeriHealth was Vice President, HR Learning, Talent Management & Organizational Development, where she was responsible for developing the strategy and overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that enhance organizational performance, facilitate professional development, and build strategically necessary capabilities and competencies.

 Orien holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science from Spelman College and a master’s degree in Adult Training and Organizational Psychology from St. Joseph’s University. She believes it is an honor to serve the employees, patients, and families of CHOP. One of her favorite quotes from Robert Greenleaf captures her leadership approach – “The servant-leader is servant first…it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”

 While Orien has served in many roles in her career, her most important role is mom to her daughters, Madison and Jordyn.

More about Alain….

As Vice President, Client Services, Alain builds and maintains business relationships with leading HR executives in the Greater Philadelphia region. He has deep expertise in HR services and strategies and helps clients implement human capital management solutions that drive business performance.

 Prior to joining CCI Consulting, Alain worked for Insperity, a professional employer organization, where he provided human capital solutions and Fortune 500 HR tools to small and midsize business owners. A significant portion of his time was spent providing methods to C-suite executives so they could mitigate owner liability and risk. Additionally, Alain designed and launched successful proposals focused on retaining high potential talent and enhancing team effectiveness. He also created and delivered training and change management programs across functional areas.

 Known for his dynamic professional style and creative approach to working with clients, Alain thrives on helping businesses provide the healthiest and most bountiful workplace environment. He strives to unlock an organization’s potential through analyzing data, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and, most importantly,

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