This interactive, discussion-based program explores the realities of sustaining a long-term career in Human Resources. Through a facilitated conversation with experienced HR leaders, participants will examine common professional challenges such as burnout, emotional labor, and navigating complex employee relations issues. The session will provide practical strategies for building resilience, maintaining professional effectiveness, and adapting to the evolving expectations of the HR function. Attendees will also gain insights into how to remain engaged and relevant throughout their careers while managing the demands of the profession.This program incorporates audience interaction, peer discussion, and real-world examples to support applied learning and professional development.
Learning Objectives:
Cindy Volanti, SHRM-SCP, is employed as the Human Resource Manager for the City of Prairie Village. She relocated to the Kansas City area in 2020 to continue advancing her career in human resources leadership. Cindy brings more than 25 years of experience in payroll administration, employee benefits, and HR management best practices. Prior to her current role, she served Riley County in Manhattan, Kansas, for 27 years, including 15 years as Human Resource Manager.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Business and Human Resource Management from Kansas State University and maintains the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential.
Cindy is actively engaged in the HR community. She previously served as a board member of Flinthills SHRM and is currently in her fifth year on the Johnson County SHRM board. In addition, she is a member of the Kansas SHRM State Council and is completing a three-year term as North District Director.
Mona Martin is the Corporate Director of Human Resources for HM Dunn Aerosystems, Inc., an aerospace and defense manufacturing company. Ms. Martin holds the SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications and is a member of national SHRM and SHRM Wichita. In addition to her tenure in manufacturing, Ms. Martin has served companies in the healthcare and luxury retail industries. Her community involvement and volunteer work includes serving on a variety of advisory groups and nonprofit boards. She is a human resources general practitioner with significant experience in mergers & acquisitions, risk management, compensation and benefits plan design and administration, OSHA, workers compensation, payroll, compliance, and strategic planning. Mona has taught the SHRM CP/SCP exam prep class and the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources for more than 20 years. She is a past nominee for the Wichita SHRM HR Professional of the Year award, is a member of the Wichita Business Journal’s 2022 Class of HR Professionals, recipient of the 2023 Kansas SHRM Trombold Professional Achievement and HR Professional of the Year award, and was named as one of the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in 2026. In 2019 she was a member of a Senior Leadership Roundtable led by Ivanka Trump on Child Care and Paid Family Leave and was selected to participate in the December 2019 White House Summit on Child Care and Paid Family Leave.