Nonprofit HR’s Blog

What attracted you to Nonprofit HR?

I had always thought about going into consulting, but it wasn’t something I ever wanted to do on my own. When I was seeking a new opportunity I connected with Nonprofit HR. I was excited to continue to work and have an impact with mission-driven organizations, have challenge and variety in my work and also be surrounded by a team of other HR professionals with whom I could learn and share ideas.

What’s your favorite aspect of talent management?

I like many aspects of talent management, but I like the strategic aspect the most. I enjoy listening to the needs of an organization and its staff, considering their goals and identifying ways to achieve them through talent. I like to connect the dots to the big picture and bring about change. I also enjoy the employee relations aspect of talent management, including facilitating conversations among others. Striving to make the workplace better for others brings me satisfaction and joy.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now and why?

We have been developing our learning and development plan for staff. This plan is grounded in the firm’s competencies and career paths and encompasses feedback, training opportunities, a learning management system, stretch assignments and more. This is an exciting project in that I recognize the value it will bring to our team by providing even more opportunities for growth and development, and there are so many directions to take this. I myself enjoy learning so researching and implementing all of the aspects of such a plan. Thinking about future possibilities is exciting.

“I like to connect the dots to the big picture and bring about change… Striving to make the workplace better for others brings me satisfaction and joy.”

How do you see HR changing in the next five to ten years?

I have been in HR for over 30 years and have seen the continual evolution of our field. The events of the past several years have greatly impacted the world of work and how staff and organizations approach it. Agility, one of Nonprofit HR’s corporate values, is so essential in talent management and running an organization. Being able to pivot and provide flexibility is going to be even more the norm over the next several years. Organizations must be able to shift as crises arise or situations change, as well as provide the flexibility workers need to integrate work and life. Bureaucracy and too much process and structure will give way to greater agility in how and when work is done. Employees in many fields are now able to work from anywhere, and will continue to demand even more flexibility as they strive to have a more integrated work and personal life. Talent leaders need to build cultures and systems that support this agility and autonomy so I see HR coming up with strategies to align with these shifts.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I am a military brat. My father was in the U.S. Air Force so we moved around a lot when I was young. Having an older brother and younger sister made this easier and we had new adventures and met great friends at each place we lived. One of the most fun places we lived was in Panama in Central America.

I am married and have three wonderful children—one in college and two in high school next year. I love spending time with family and friends from throughout my life. Most of my free time the last 20 or so years has been spent with kids’ activities, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, or on the PTO, and attending sports games. We’ve also spent several fun vacations visiting national parks and are headed to the Grand Canyon next.

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid?

I didn’t really play any team sports as a child, but I did take dance from elementary school through high school, which I always enjoyed.

What’s your favorite quote?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote from Maya Angelou speaks to how we should all treat each other—with respect, empathy and kindness, building each other up rather than tearing down. I strive to live my life, lead and work with others in this manner.

Alicia Schoshinski is the Managing Director, Talent & Development at Nonprofit HR where she leads the development and execution of the firm’s talent management strategy. She partners with other leaders to implement programs and policies that drive employee engagement, retention and development. Alicia enjoys helping to bridge relationships with employees and managers and fostering a values-led culture.  See full bio.