WGU SHRM Virtual Student Chapter

Hope Clippinger, President

Hope Clippinger serves as the Western Governors University (WGU) Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Virtual Student Chapter President. In December 2024, she will also begin a role as the College Relations Director of TN SHRM State Council Board of Directors.

In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 education closures, Hope’s children celebrated Spring Break week and never returned to in-person school. It was considered the longest Spring Break ever. Since the home had become a school, Hope decided to continue her education and complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She aspires to mentor university students through business, career, and professional development.

Hope previously attended the University of Memphis (UM), where she was employed for eighteen years. Hope wore many hats as the only business professional in an engineering research department. Her responsibilities included Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Conference Planning. Hope plans to utilize her business degree and experience in higher education to pursue a master’s in management and leadership.

Although Hope is not a Human Resources major, she strongly feels that all students in the business field should be highly knowledgeable in HR facts and trends. As a returning student, single mother, disability services recipient, and caretaker for an older parent, she knows it is vital for employees to have attractive employment offerings and after-hire representation.

Hope is excited to present the new 2024 – 2025 Directors and Ambassadors and is confident the newly expanded Executive Council and agenda will excite everyone. Hope, Stephanie, Lauren, Emma, Margarita, Elizabeth, Amanda, and Shana are volunteers who have committed to the outcomes of WGU and SHRM.

Hope can be reached at hclippi@wgu.edu and https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopeclip.

Elizabeth Kittrell, Ambassador of Relationship Management

Elizabeth Kittrell is a resolute professional who demonstrates seminal leadership and boundless resilience. She is an invaluable collaborator with a remarkable ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve under pressure, and collaborate with diverse individuals. Elizabeth’s most notable strengths are her ambitious spirit, patience, and sincerity; she exhibits these qualities daily. She puts enormous love into her work and has limitless respect for her employees.

Elizabeth has 21 years of management experience and a natural talent for fostering a positive work environment and motivating employees. This has had a profound impact on team productivity. She has been fortunate enough to hold several mid-level management roles, such as Staffing and Training Manager, Service Manager, Human Resource Manager, Assistant General Manager, and General Manager.

Elizabeth leads by example and puts others before herself. Elizabeth believes everyone can succeed and ensures that her employees are given the tools to accomplish that goal.

At 38 years old, Elizabeth decided to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in management and leadership. She wants to instruct college students about Management and provide them with real-life scenarios she has encountered throughout her career to help them succeed.

Elizabeth graduated from Belhaven College with a Bachelor of Science in Management in 2009. She has been married for 15 years and has two children who are her world. Elizabeth is a huge Ole Miss fan and loves to travel in her spare time. Elizabeth has been a student member of the Society of Human Resource Management since 2023 and has completed the 2023 and 2024 Talent Accelerator and 2024 HR Career Mentor Program. Elizabeth has received two Excellence Awards from Western Governors University.

Elizabeth can be reached at ekittr1@wgu.edu and linkedin.com/in/Elizabeth-kittrell-37a2a610a. Don't hesitate to contact her if you have any questions. She would be more than happy to help in any way she can.

Emma McMullen, Director of Information Systems

Emma McMullen is an HR professional who enjoys connecting talented people with rewarding careers in higher education. She has worked in various capacities at post-secondary and medical institutions, including administrative roles, performing autopsies, and her true ambition, Human Resources. Her passion for Human Resources is driven by her desire to advocate for her fellow employees and do her part to build a positive and productive workplace. She currently serves as a Talent & Development Partner at a community college in rural East Tennessee.

Emma completed a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2019. In July of 2024, she fulfilled her dream of returning to school to school when she enrolled in her master's program at Western Governor’s University. She has enjoyed the opportunity to dive deeper into HR topics she is already proficient in and is excited to delve into unfamiliar topics. She is thrilled to serve WGU’s SHRM Student Chapter as Director of Information Systems.

Outside of office hours and homework, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors. She can be found hiking small segments of the Appalachian Trail or splashing in a creek with her two sons. She loves to travel and looks forward to her next trip, convocation in 2025.

Maggie Hernandez, Director of Corporate and Community Relations and Development

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez is an accomplished Human Resource Management professional with a strong foundation in leadership and service. Originally from Texas, Maggie now calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. She began her professional journey in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 2004 to 2008, which included a tour in Iraq in 2005. This experience shaped her resilient work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to teamwork, which she has carried into her civilian career.

Currently, Maggie is a senior at Western Governors University (WGU), where she is set to graduate in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. She is committed to furthering her education and professional credentials. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and obtain her SHRM-CP certification in 2025, underlining her dedication to continuous growth in the HR field.

Maggie is actively seeking her next opportunity in Human Resources, bringing a versatile skill set and a strong passion for people-focused work. She is open to relocation for the proper role and is eager to contribute her knowledge in a setting that aligns with her values and expertise.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Maggie is dedicated to personal growth. She enjoys listening to podcasts and reading self-development books to stay inspired and informed. An avid runner and fitness enthusiast, she appreciates the challenge and satisfaction that physical activity brings. She also loves to travel and explore new culinary experiences, embracing the joy of discovery.

Maggie’s unique blend of military experience, academic accomplishments, and commitment to self-improvement makes her a valuable asset to any organization. Her enthusiasm for HR, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose set her apart as a professional ready to make a meaningful impact.

Lauren Detter, Director of Communication

Lauren Detter is a dedicated professional who is passionate about fostering healthy workplace environments and empowering individuals. Born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Orange County, New York, she brings a unique perspective to her work. As a mother of three energetic sons, Lauren skillfully balances her family life with her career aspirations.

With years of experience in office management and human resources, Lauren has cultivated a deep understanding of the dynamics between employers and employees. She firmly believes that positive relationships are the cornerstone of a successful workplace. Her commitment to enhancing these relationships is evident in her approach to management, where she prioritizes open communication and collaboration.

In March 2024, Lauren took a significant step in her professional journey by pursuing a degree in HR Management. This decision reflects her desire to expand her knowledge and further refine her skills in a field she is deeply passionate about. Alongside her professional pursuits, Lauren enjoys coffee, exploring new cuisines, and traveling to broaden her horizons. Her love for crafting and learning new things showcases her creativity and lifelong commitment to personal growth.

Lauren's dedication to empowering others is at the heart of her mission. She strives to make a meaningful impact through mentoring colleagues or advocating for positive change in workplace culture. With her extensive background and unwavering commitment to excellence, Lauren is poised to inspire and lead in the ever-evolving human resources landscape.

Stephanie Reinhardt, Director of Member Relations

Stephanie's professional journey began in 2014 as a collector for DOT and NON-DOT drug and alcohol testing. Her dedication and hard work led her to advance to the role of scheduling coordinator. This role eventually paved the way for her to work as a compliance assistant, providing her valuable insight into the DOT pipeline sector and working closely with HR and onboarding. This diverse experience has inspired her to shift her focus towards human resources, driven by her passion to ensure the ‘human’ remains central in HR.

In her current position, Stephanie takes on a variety of tasks, many of which involve HR-related duties. She is committed to her academic growth, enrolling in WGU in 2023 to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management. She greatly values her mentor, Jennifer Lane, who is the best. They maintain regular contact, and Jennifer’s words of encouragement and laughter always provide a boost. Stephanie is also a proud member of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

Stephanie and her husband crossed paths in 2011. He embraced their daughter as his own in 2019 when he adopted her, although he was there from day one, and in 2021, they were blessed with their double-rainbow baby. In her free time, Stephanie cherishes moments with her two daughters and enjoys attending concerts with her husband. She also makes it a priority to embark on a family trip once a year, having explored destinations like Boston, Niagara Falls, Salem, Massachusetts, and soon, New Orleans will be added to their list.

She is readily available to contact and chat anytime. Excited about her involvement with the WGU SHRM Student Chapter, she looks forward to building connections and positively impacting the HR field. She can be contacted by email at Srein21@wgu.edu and remember to add her on linkedin.com/in/stephanie-reinhardt-chrs-232615wgu.

Amanda “Mandy” Clark,
Co-Ambassador of Social Media

Mandy is a passionate professional dedicated to growth in Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Aquatics, Nonprofit Programming, Management, and Recreation. As a soon-to-be graduate with a Master of Science in Human Resources Management, Mandy is eager to apply enthusiasm and academic insight professionally.

A proud alum of the University of South Alabama, Mandy holds a bachelor's degree in Community Services. She also served in the United States Navy as an Armorer. Her passion centers around talent management, employee development, and driving organizational efficiency with fresh, innovative ideas. Mandy is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture where every team member feels valued and engaged.

With a leadership style focused on boosting employee morale and humanizing the workplace, Mandy believes that genuine connections and shared passions are vital to creating thriving teams. By cultivating an environment of trust, respect, and continuous learning, she strives to unlock the potential of individuals and propel organizations toward success.

Through diverse experiences, including community engagement projects during undergraduate studies, Mandy has developed a unique skill set emphasizing empathy and social responsibility. This holistic approach to human resources underscores the importance of building solid organizational foundations rooted in compassion.

As the workplace evolves, Mandy is excited about the future and looks forward to collaborating with forward-thinking individuals and organizations. Together, they aim to create environments where innovation and human connection flourish, building a brighter and more inclusive future for all.