Letter from the President

by Barbara Abercrombie

Happy October,

I can’t believe we are already in the 4th quarter of 2026. It’s been a great year so far, and I’m looking forward to finishing the year strong. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped with our September and October events. Our team at SHRM Tulsa knocked it out of the park, and it’s just the beginning of the plans we have for the end of the year.

I’m looking forward to presenting at the end of the month on business acumen for HR professionals. I learned early in my career from a great mentor that if I didn’t understand the business I was working for, then I wouldn’t be able to do my absolute best work for our organization. I’ll talk about what you need to know, how to find that information, and how to translate it into strategic and informative HR work. I hope you will attend this virtual session. I promise to make it fun and as entertaining as possible.

We are excited about all the great things ahead for our members as we close out the year. Thank you for being such an important part of this organization!

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Program Meeting

Psychological Safety Done Right: High Quality Questions That Yield High Quality Connection
Presented by Katherine Fry

Psychological safety has become a workplace buzzword - yet many organizations struggle to create it in real, lived interactions. Policies, values statements, and “open door” messaging aren’t enough. Psychological safety is built (or broken) in everyday conversations - through the quality of questions leaders ask.

In Psychological Safety Done Right, HR professionals learn how high quality questions drive trust, openness, engagement, and meaningful connection. This program teaches why the questions we default to under pressure often shut down dialogue and how intentional, curiosity-based questions invite insight, accountability, and collaboration instead.

Through practical examples, real HR scenarios, and immediate application, participants will learn how to replace judgment-based, closed, or performative questions with high quality questions that foster psychological safety, deepen relationships, and improve outcomes across hiring, employee relations, performance management, and leadership conversations.

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HR Department of One (ish)

Come to our HR Department of One(ish) meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. This monthly session provides members of SHRM Tulsa the opportunity to share challenges, strategies, and successes unique to those working in small HR teams (no more than 2 people in HR). Facilitators Jenny Ruggs and Brittany Carolus will offer insights, best practices, and innovative ideas tailored specifically for HR teams of one.

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The HR Exchange

How Business Acumen and HR Go Hand in Hand
Presented by Barbara Abercrombie

At this virtual HR Exchange, HR professionals will learn the key tools for understanding how their business operates, what is important to the C-Suite, and how HR can better support the overall organization. Participants will learn how to align HR programs with their company’s strategic plan, business goals, and organizational needs. The session will also cover the key metrics HR professionals need to understand and be able to communicate to their C-Suite.

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Dave & Buster's Networking Event

Looking for a chance to connect with fellow HR professionals outside of the usual meetings and seminars? Join SHRM Tulsa on Thursday, October 22, from 4:30–6:30 PM at Dave & Buster’s for an evening of networking, conversation, and a little friendly fun!

Whether you're a longtime SHRM Tulsa member, new to the HR community, or simply looking to expand your professional network, this is a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and catch up with familiar faces in a relaxed setting.

We'll provide light appetizers and drinks, and everyone will have a chance to win a $25 Dave & Buster’s game card!

No formal agenda, no presentations—just great people, good conversations, and an opportunity to connect with your HR community!

SIGN UP NOW

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Welcome New Members

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest SHRM Tulsa members:

Kristen Burns - Filtrex Service Group
Rodney Carroll Jr. - Goodwill Industries of Tulsa
Molly Caseboldt - Emerson
Yvonne Collett - Rodolf & Todd
Rachelle Engel, GBA - SBGA CO LLC
Shari Graham - Asbury Church
Kristin Greene - Asbury Church
Madison Heiden - Weimann Metalcraft / Integrated Manufact
Jennifer  Jackson - Hall Estill
Heather  Mosher    
Jennifer Potts - Kindness Animal Hospital
Alex Redburn - Steel and Pipe Supply
Keri Shouse    
Debra Stockton - Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
Melinda Tipton - NGL Energy

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News

Our SHRM Certification Prep Course took place last weekend for individuals pursuing their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials. We hope everyone had a great learning experience and wish all participants the best of luck on their certification exams!

Be on the lookout for details about our next review course, coming next year!

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