YSU SHRM Student Chapter hosts third annual Human Resource Mixer

Monday, November 2, 2026
A group photo of those in attendance at the third annual Human Resource Mixer

The Youngstown State University Society for Human Resource Management Student Chapter, in partnership with the Western Reserve Chapter of SHRM, hosted its third annual Human Resource Mixer on Oct. 14 at Cassese's MVR Restaurant near campus. The event brought together HR professionals, students and alumni for an evening of networking and relationship-building.

Attendees played bocce ball and joined an interactive networking activity designed to spark conversation and new connections.

“The mixer continues to be a popular and well-received event, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with HR professionals, reconnect with alumni and build relationships within the local HR community,” said Kimberly Pleva, senior lecturer in the Williamson College of Business Administration and faculty adviser for YSU SHRM. Pleva, a distinguished professor of teaching, also serves as college relations chair for the Western Reserve Chapter of SHRM.

Joseph Green, a junior majoring in sociology with a minor in business, attended the mixer for the first time this year. “I was nervous to talk to some of the professionals, but the bocce ball that we played helped ease some of the nerves,” Green said. “I also think the people who attended the event provided good information and tips on which way I should take my career.”

“As a YSU SHRM alum, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend SHRM mixers with local HR professionals and YSU students,” said Colleen Davis, human resource generalist at Mill Creek MetroParks. “The recent October mixer at MVR allowed me to speak with students to better understand their current collegiate journey and discover their plans for post-graduation.”

The mixer is one of several ways the chapter connects students with the profession. The YSU SHRM Student Chapter recently earned SHRM's Superior Merit Award for the seventh consecutive year, and the WCBA human resource management program's curriculum is aligned with SHRM's HR Curriculum Guidelines.

The event highlights the strong partnership between YSU SHRM and the Western Reserve Chapter and their shared commitment to connecting students with the HR profession. Students interested in joining YSU SHRM can contact Pleva at kmpleva@ysu.edu.