Alise Isbell
Navigating The Hard Conversations
How do you tell someone, "No," gracefully? How do we announce a change or give constructive feedback without making the situation worse? How do we coach managers to manage change with their employees? We all encounter difficult situations in the workplace. This advanced communication course blends written and interpersonal skills. Participants will learn how to present thoughts clearly, logically, appropriately and persuasively.
Learning Objectives
Alise Isbell is an award-winning communication expert, experienced trainer, facilitator and instructional designer. She empowers clients to transform ideas into clear messages.
She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Business Communication. She published articles on effective communication in Nationwide Business Journals while also winning several IABC Bronze, Silver, Best in Division and Best in Show Quill Awards in Writing and Marketing Communication Strategy.
Alise is a member of the International Association for Business Communicators, Association for Talent Development, and SHRM/HR Houston, and Women’s Energy Network. She frequently speaks at these organizations.
As an independent business owner, Alise provides instructional design services on any topic. She carefully determines the current needs, defines the goals of training and creates materials to bridge the gap. Alise also delivers instructor-led training courses in person or online in five categories: written, spoken, interpersonal communication, train-the-trainer and microlearning.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
For our HR and Safety Conference
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com
https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477
Dr. Ernesto Escobedo
Former EEOC Mediator and President SA SHRM
Mediation - How To!
This presentation will cover mediation strategies, dos and dont's, process, tips for success, getting past impasse, ZOPA, BATNA, and other useful tips. In his work experience, Ernesto has learned to practice the elements of Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman.
By way of background, Ernesto served as President of San Antonio SHRM 2023 and other leadership roles.
In his 30-year professional career at EEOC, Ernesto worked as a Federal Investigator, Mediator, and Supervisor. Today, Ernesto provides training in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, ADA, ADEA, EPA, mediation, and conflict resolution. Also, Ernesto is an adjunct faculty at several universities in San Antonio, Texas.
Throughout his 30 years of federal government service, Ernesto received awards and recognitions, including from the President of the United States of America, US Congress, and Federal Executive Association. Prior to EEOC, Ernesto worked for the US Air Force, Wells Fargo Banks, and Honeywell, Inc. Ernesto has a BBA with Honors in Business Management, MBA in Business Administration, a PhD in Organization and Management - Business, and JD law degree executive program. Further, he is certified, SPHR, SHRM-SCP.
Keys to a Relevant and Effective HR Strategy
Hong V Miller
Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S Army Futures Command
Ms. Hong Miller currently serves as the Chief Human Capital Officer for Army Futures Command in Austin, TX. She has worked in Human Resources management across the Department of Defense for over 35 years, leading strategic human resource management, developing and implementing employment and compensation policy, conducting workforce shaping through major resource reductions and reorganizations, and delivering operational human resource functions.
She will share her perspective on garnering value through strategic HR management. HR leaders must shift from the mindset of transactional service providers to strategic partners. Operating on the principle that people are the foundation of every organization, HR’s role of strategically managing people programs is pertinent to organizational success.
HR + SAFETY CONGRESS
SAVE YOUR SEAT! REGISTER TODAY!
Hill Country Human Resource Management Association will be presenting the inaugural HR + Safety Congress at the City of San Marcos Conference Center on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This conference will be bringing together Human Resource Professionals, Business Owners, Safety Leaders, Risk Managers and Community Members to discuss important topics such as Safety, Mental Health, Risk Management, and Emergency Preparedness. This one-day conference aims to educate attendees on best practices in workplace safety, effective risk management strategies and how to be prepared for emergencies in the workplace.
The HR + Safety Congress is a must-attend event for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in workplace safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness. With a focus on education and networking, this conference promises to be a valuable and informative experience for all who attend.
Join us on September 23rd as we learn how to build a safer workplace and community together.
WELCOME CEREMONY - Judge Ruben Becerra (Hays County) and Mayor Jane Hughson (City of San Marcos)
TRAUMA IN THE WORKPLACE - Jennifer Goodson
CRASE - CIVILIAN RESPONSE TO ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS - Sergeant Jeff Jordan (Hays County Sheriff's Office) and Hays County SWAT Team
WORKERS COMPENSATION 101 - Amy Rich (Texas Department of Workers Compensation)
INSIDER THREATS AND HOW HR CAN HELP PREVENT THEM - Kirk Burns, CISO
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN OSHA SITE VISIT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis (Ogletree Deakins)
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE -Jason Barrett, JD and Chief Barnett and Assistant Chief Hernandez of Kyle Police Department
ACCOMMODATIONS UNDER THE ADA - Rodney Klein (Rodney Klein EEO Training)
HOW TO BUILD A SAFETY CULTURE - Garrison Wynn
VERBAL DE-ESCALATION STRATEGIES FOR THE WORKPLACE -James Bell (New Braunfels Police Department)
FRADULENT CLAIMS - Jamie Allen (Texas Department of Workers Compensation)
SAFE TO SPEAK: THE POWER OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN TRANSFORMING TEAMS - Christopher Espinoza (The Koi Collective)
SUBSTANCE USE IN THE WORKPLACE: LEGAL RISKS, TESTING POLICIES, AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS - Sarah Glaser
CRISIS MANAGEMENT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis (Ogletree Deakins)
SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS - Natalie C. Rougeux
SELF DEFENSE IN THE WORKPLACE - Alyssa Davenport (Hays County Sheriff's Office)
HOW TO CREATE A "PEOPLE-FIRST" EMERGENCY PLAN - Justen Noakes (BeforeDuringAfter)
TRANSFORMING TOXIC CULTURE: HR'S SECRET TO THRIVING TEAMS - Alan Utley (The Coach Next Door)
FIRESIDE PANEL DISCUSSION - Dan Reynolds and Assistant State Fire Chief Chuck Allen
BURIED ALIVE: WHAT A TRENCH COLLAPSE SURVIVOR WANTS YOU TO KNOW - Joe Tantarelli (SafeStart)
INTEGRATING HUMAN RESOURCES IN PREPAREDNESS EXERCISES: A CORPORATE IMPERATIVE - Kevin Wilson and Carson Carroll
AFTERNOON BREAK SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES (30 MINUTES):
POST-CONFERENCE MIXER:
SYLVER SPOON -
Christopher Espinoza
Creating Lasting Culture
How do we create lasting culture change in our workplaces and communities? It’s not about grand initiatives or top-down mandates—it’s about the small, everyday moments that shape how we work and connect. In this discussion, we’ll explore how individual behavior change and habit formation at scale can transform teamwork, synergy, and a true culture of belonging. By focusing on the moments that matter—how we listen, give feedback, include others, and show up—we can drive meaningful, lasting change. Small shifts lead to big impact. Are you ready to be part of the movement?
Angela Hendrix
Owner of ONSI Group
Employment Classifications
Hill Country Human Resource Management Association is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
