Society for Human Resource Management
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
Sharifah Abubaker – President
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Sharifah Abubakar is a graduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management. She serves as President of the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter, Head Ambassador for the university, and a Bonner Leader. She is passionate about leadership, community service, professional development, and creating opportunities for students to grow. With a commitment to empowering future HR professionals, Sharifah aspires to become an HR Director and make a meaningful impact through strategic leadership and employee development.
Zoe’ Kelsey – Vice President
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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 Generalist at The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) in Huntsville, 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 family.
Hannah Edmonds – Director of 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.
Heather McCrary – Director of Chapter Information Systems & Communications
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Heather McCray is currently pursuing her degree in Human Resources Management with a minor in Early Childhood Special Education at Athens State University. She serves as the Director of Communications and Chapter Information Systems for the Athens State SHRM Student Chapter. As a mom of three, parent consultant, and passionate advocate, Heather enjoys bringing people together, building relationships, and finding new ways to make a difference in her community. She believes leadership is about more than holding a title; it’s about showing up, creating opportunities, and making a positive impact on those around you.
Alena Vajukic Bacak – Director of Student Relations
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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.
Kimberly Wilcox – Secretary
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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!
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