The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the leading voice of the HR profession.
The Athens State Student Chapter allows students to gain access to an immense information resource at the local, regional, state, and national level and to have opportunities to meet HR practitioners so as to develop personal contacts and networks. The organization also offers professional development workshops, access to HR conferences, and creates visibility for recruitment for HR internships and permanent HR opportunities.
SHRM has over 70,000 professional and student members in more than 425 professional chapters and over 300 student chapters nationwide. With the award-winning SHRM publications, you can keep current on issues and trends affecting the workforce and shaping the workplace.
As a student member, you are eligible and strongly encouraged to attend the Tennessee Valley Professional Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management monthly professional meetings. The Tennessee Valley Chapter is the Athens State University SHRM professional chapter sponsor. You will meet and interact with HR practitioners representing most of the employers in the North Alabama area. Through networking, research has shown that 60% to 70% of jobs are found by making these types of personal contacts.
Society of Human Resources Management 2025-2026 Chapter Leaders
Sharifah Abubaker – President
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My Name is Sharifah Abubakar, and I am honored to be the President of the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter, where I am dedicated to promoting professional development, leadership, and engagement among students pursuing careers in human resources. I also serve as a Head Ambassador, a Bonner Leader, and a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Professionally, I work as an HR Assistant and Office Administrator, gaining hands-on experience in human resource operations and organizational management. I aspire to become an HR Director, with a strong interest in strategic HR leadership and workforce development. I am expected to graduate with my master’s degree in Fall 2026.
Some fun facts about me: My favorite color is pink and I am a huge Alabama football fan. I am very outgoing, highly competitive, and always eager to get involved. I would love to connect with you to talk about the SHRM Student Chapter or share ways to become more active on campus.
Ashley Powers – Vice President
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Ashley Powers is a graduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources. She serves as Vice President of the ATSU SHRM Student Chapter and is actively involved on campus as an SGA officer, Alabama’s Student Retention Council, and as an Athenian Ambassador.
Outside of school, Ashley works full-time in the gaming industry, where she brings more than a decade of leadership experience into fast-paced, remote environments. She is especially passionate about workforce development and finding ways to expand remote work opportunities for students in rural communities. She also enjoys spending time volunteering with elderly residents in surrounding areas.
When she’s not working or studying, Ashley enjoys creative projects, gaming, reading, and caring for her many pets. She looks forward to continuing to support the ATSU SHRM Student Chapter while building meaningful connections that extend well beyond graduation.
Hannah Edmonds – Director SHRM Merits
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Hannah Edmonds is an undergraduate student at Athens State pursuing a degree in Business Management, with a minor in Human Resources. She is an active member of Athens State’s SHRM chapter, along with being a national member of SHRM. She earned her Associates degree at Calhoun Community College.
Originally from Poway, California, Hannah and her family moved out to Alabama in 2018. She currently lives with them on 18 acres, with three dogs and a house of her own.
Outside of school, Hannah works as a registered Pharmacy Technician. She is passionate about art, academics and advocacy. Her favorite musical is Wicked.
Kimberly Wilcox – Director of Communications
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Greetings, everyone!
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management. I have extensive experience, having served as a human resources manager for a corporate retailer for twenty-three years. My career also includes roles as a licensed property and casualty agent and office administrator for an aviation insurance company at the Walker County Bevill Field Airport.
I am proud to volunteer with the Alabama Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, where I actively support women in aviation. Additionally, I am a member of the Delta Mu Delta Chapter here at Athens State University.
On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my parrots, who always entertain me with their antics during my leisure time. I live with my husband, Jimmy, in a peaceful neighborhood in Winston County.
Lastly, I am thrilled to be one of the dedicated Directors at the Athens State SHRM Student Chapter, a national chapter of SHRM. I am committed to working collaboratively and communicating effectively with my fellow members. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact in our community and contribute positively to the SHRM Athens State University Chapter. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Zoe Kelsey – Director of Chapter Information Systems
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Zoe’ Kelsey is a graduate student at Athens State University, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Psychology in May 2025. As an active member of the human resources community, she serves as an officer for the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member.
Professionally, Zoe’ works as a Human Resource Representative at Nextek, an electronics manufacturer in Madison, Alabama. Over the past few years, she has continued to expand her expertise and deepen her passion for the evolving field of human resources, and is committed to staying curious, adaptable, and driven to help build strong, people-first workplaces.
Originally from Louisiana, Zoe’ grew up in Cullman, Alabama, and recently relocated to Madison, Alabama. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys reading, cooking, thrift shopping, and spending time with her famil
Michelle Bissell – Director of Student Relations
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Michelle Bissell is an undergraduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, with graduation expected in July 2026. In addition, to being the Director of Student relations for SHRM, Michelle is an active member for the Athenian Ambassadors and serves as the Secretary for the Student Government Association. Her professional focus is on employee onboarding and talent development, with a passion for creating positive first impressions and fostering continuous growth throughout the employee journey. She aspires to design programs that help new hires feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for long-term success. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, she enjoy gaming with her family and spending time with her cats.
Alena Vajukic Bacak – Secretary
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Alena Vajukic is a student at Athens State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. Since Spring 2024, she has been a proud member of the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member. Additionally, Alena is a member of the Athens State University chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alena moved with her husband and two teenage sons to Huntsville, AL, after completing 18 years of service at the United States Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition to her academic studies, Alena works for a government contractor in the HR Compensation department. Her professional experience includes international deployments, coordinating visa and immigration processes, and compensation analysis.
Alena is passionate about books, theatre, and travel. She enjoys watching Broadway musicals both on stage and in movie adaptations.
Alena is honored to serve ATSU SHRM in her first term as a Secretary and looks forward to a year of engaging programs, impactful events, and opportunities to learn from industry leaders.
For more information, contact:
Gary Valcana, MBA
Associate Professor of Management- Phone:256-216-5374 Phone:256-216-5374
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 214
Tina Camba, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management/HR Management- Phone:256-216-5371 Phone:256-216-5371
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 219