This Week's Board Member Spotlight: Emily Santanelli, VP of Professional Development

Briefly describe your organization, role, and how long you have been involved

I work with my beloved clients, most of who are HR professionals to understand their unique needs and help them design forward thinking, but practical employee benefits programs. I am an employee benefits consultant with USI, and have over a decade of experience in the wellness industry and employee benefits sphere.

How many years have you been in HR? What do you enjoy about the industry?

I have worked with HR professionals and other decision makers within organizations for 10 years. What I enjoy most is the relationships I've gotten to build and how much I get to learn each day. I've gotten to see so many companies and industries, hear their stories, their goals and dreams and watch their team dynamics. While all organizations have employee benefits, each organizations articulated goals and culture are unique and while I consult, I also gain so many ideas to share with others. This career has benefitted me personally, and I feel I have gained so much from my peers and friends.

How long have you been involved with SAHRA?

1.5 years. Previously, I lived in the Midwest and was heavily involved in HR associations in that region.

How has membership with SAHRA affected you and your career?

I have been able to make so many new friendships and amazing relationships. I have found that whoever you meet in SAHRA...they are always willing to help, and even if they don't know something, they will help you find someone who does. In fact, one of the very first people I met when moving to CA was a past SAHRA president, and they helped me get plugged right in and connected to others so I would have a growing community and a place to belong.

What challenges do you believe will face the HR industry in the future?

I believe 2020 has been a huge challenge for HR, but it has also presented large opportunities. For a long time, HR has pushed for change and innovations with flexible schedules, remote work, mental health benefits, enhanced/updated communications and technology to capture more data. 2020 has revealed just how critical these elements are, and there is a risk as covid ends, that things will revert back to "business as usual". It will be important for HR to use the challenges we have faced in the last year to continue to push for the change that is needed long term. I believe we need to continue to find ways to support employees with child care, elder care, pregnancy and fertility. Additionally, DE&I, and especially the toll the pandemic has had on women, POC, and other groups who have faced incredible hardships beyond what they already have experienced...it will be imperative that HR focuses on areas of equity, justice, inclusion and community/belonging.

In your spare time, what do you do for fun?

I love cooking (and eating...too much), wine and the outdoors. My family are big hikers and we enjoy being outside whether in the forest, the mountains, at the beach or a lake.

What is one thing most of your colleagues don’t know about you?

Six years ago, my husband and I, in an effort to live more simply, bought a 125 year old farm house and three acres. With zero handy skills, we took on some major tasks. I laid wood floors, stained, sealed them, framed garage doors and built my own chicken coop. We had chickens, and a 2000 sq foot garden where we grew and preserved food. We learned so many valuable lessons...but I'm still tired from doing it!