Iowa SHRM
Conference Speakers
Join us for an enriching experience at the Iowa SHRM State Conference, where HR professionals converge to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and elevate their skills to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Human Resources.
Speaker/Presenter Application Open Now!
Keynote Conference Speakers
Register today to hear our great lineup of speakers and presenters!
List of Services
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Pre-Conference Workshop Presenter: Sarah CiavarriList Item 1
Sarah partners with senior leaders and mid-level managers in healthcare and community-based organizations to maximize their impact and build thriving teams. With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to helping leaders navigate change, foster resilience, and lead with clarity and confidence.
As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, with over 1,400 executive coaching hours, Sarah specializes in helping leaders break free from unproductive behaviors and beliefs that limit their success. She is also a sought-after, award-winning keynote speaker on resilience, burnout, and leading during disruption. She also co-hosts the weekly It All* podcast for women who are trying to do and have it all.
Sarah is the author of Finding Our Way to the TRUTH: Seven Lies Leaders Believe and How to Let Them Go and currently serves as the Curriculum Design Director and Executive Coach for the Jordan Project, a $1.25 million grant she co-authored awarded to Grand View University in Des Moines, IA.
In addition to being a Certified Facilitator of all of Dr. Brené Brown’s curricula, Sarah brings depth to her coaching and leadership development through certifications in DISC, Motivators, and EQ2 Assessments, 1,600 hours of Clinical Pastoral Education, and Board Chaplain Certification. Sarah is also trained in Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva’s research on reinvention, which helps leaders and organizations adapt to constant change by embedding constant reinvention into their DNA. She completed her Master of Divinity as a Presidential Scholar at Luther Seminary and concluded her tenure as Vice President of Spiritual Life for a senior healthcare organization based in Minneapolis, MN, leading a team of 30.
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Opening Keynote Speaker: Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCPList Item 2
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM. He was recently named one of the “300 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine and recognized on the “Virginia 500 Power List” by Virginia Business.
Mr. Taylor’s career spans more than 20 years as a lawyer and an executive, serving at IAC, Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment Group, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, among other organizations. He is a member of the United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees and serves on the corporate boards of XPO Logistics (NYSE: XPO), Flores & Associates, and Guild Education.
He previously served on the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and as chairman of the President's Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Mr. Taylor writes a weekly column in USA Today and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.
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Closing Keynote Speaker: Rachel DruckenmillerList Item 3
Rachel Druckenmiller - an award-winning thought leader and TEDx speaker - is a catalyst who helps people unleash possibilities and unmute themselves
For nearly 20 years, she's helped leaders and organizations accelerate growth and elevate engagement, purpose, and possibilities by activating character, curiosity, and confidence. As a trained facilitator and professional speaker with a background in workplace culture, health, and human behavior, Rachel brings a unique perspective and set of skills to catalyze both introspective insight and meaningful connection that lead to lasting transformation.
Recognized by Smart Meetings as a Best of the Stage Speaker in 2023 The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women of 2022, Forbes as a Next1000 honoree in 2021, Workforce Magazine as a 40 Under 40 Game Changer in 2019, and the #1 Health Promotion Professional in the U.S. by the Wellness Council of America in 2015, Rachel is a change agent whose refreshing perspective has helped her stand out as a leader in her field. Rachel has served clients ranging from 20 to 60,000 employees, including organizations like Citizens Bank, Sherwin-Williams, UnitedHealthcare, and the Federal Aviation Administration. She is also a course instructor for Simon Sinek’s virtual classroom.
In 2023, Rachel became a TEDx speaker as well as a singer-songwriter and started releasing original, message-driven music available on all streaming platforms. Rachel holds a Master's degree in Health Science and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is the host of the biweekly livestream show, UnmuteYourself.
Breakout Session Speakers
Coming Soon!