That experience made me more thoughtful about how I approach talent. I focus on creating pathways for growth, being more inclusive in how we attract and develop people, and making sure culture isn’t something we talk about once a year but something we shape every day. It also reminded me that real impact comes from aligning people to mission and giving them the support and clarity they need to succeed.

Q:During your presidency you emphasized continuous evolution. What advice would you give to current and future SHRM San Antonio leaders about balancing respect for tradition with the need to keep growing and adapting?

One thing I learned during my presidency is that honoring tradition and embracing change are not competing priorities, they actually need each other. The traditions are what ground the chapter in its purpose and community, but growth is what keeps it relevant and meaningful.

My advice to future leaders is to stay curious and be willing to challenge “the way we’ve always done it,” while still respecting the foundation that got you there. Some of the best ideas come from being open to new voices and perspectives, especially from emerging HR professionals who see things differently.

Just as important is creating an environment of psychological safety within your board and leadership team. People need to feel comfortable speaking up, offering new ideas, and even disagreeing without fear of being dismissed. That’s where real innovation and evolution come from.

At the end of the day, it’s about listening, staying connected to your members, and being intentional about how you grow. If you keep the mission at the center and create space for people to contribute authentically, the balance between tradition and progress becomes much more natural.

Q:As an Adjunct Professor and longtime HR leader, you often say “when you make it to the top, send the elevator back down.” With HR students struggling to find internships, what can SHRM San Antonio members and leaders do to better support and mentor the next generation of HR professionals in our community?

That phrase really comes from a place of remembering how important access and opportunity were in my own journey. None of us get here alone, and students today are eager, capable, and just need someone to open a door.

For SHRM San Antonio members, it can start with small, intentional actions. Offer internships, even short-term or project-based ones. Invite students to shadow you for a day or sit in on a meeting. Make introductions. Sometimes just helping them build confidence and expand their network can make all the difference.

Mentorship is just as critical. Not in a formal, time-consuming way, but in honest conversations about what it really takes to succeed in HR, what skills matter, and where they can grow. Students don’t just need opportunities, they need guidance and encouragement.

What I’ve learned, though, is that this isn’t a one-way relationship. When we invest in students, we’re also building lifelong relationships and support networks. They rely on us early in their careers, but we can rely on them too. They bring fresh perspectives, challenge our thinking, and help us find that balance between honoring tradition and continuing to evolve.

At the end of the day, sending the elevator back down is about being intentional about access and connection. If each of us commits to lifting just one student, opening one door, or making one connection, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire HR community for years to come.

Q: You emphasized the importance of monitoring change and led several major updates to the chapter’s branding and programming. What advice would you give to current and future SHRM SA leaders about balancing tradition with the need for evolution? 

Escobedo: Future San Antonio SHRM SA leaders must continue to honor the chapter’s historical legacy of education and networking, while aggressively evolving to meet the current and future demands of a tech-multigenerational workforce.

Q: You introduced the first SHRM-CP/SCP Certification Prep Class updates during your presidency. Why was this initiative important to you, and what impact do you hope it continues to have on HR professionals in the San Antonio community?

Escobedo: As an educator, and 1st Gen, I believe in the importance of SHRM certification for human resources professionals to gain the skills that make an impact in our community and workplace at large.