All-California Virtual Conference | Strength in Connection: Building Bridges Through Change
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST
In times of constant change, connection is our greatest strength. Join HR professionals from across California for the All CA CUPA-HR Virtual Conference, a dynamic half-day experience focused on collaboration, trust, and community in higher education HR.
This virtual conference brings together thought leaders and practitioners to explore how meaningful partnerships—across functions and across institutions—can help HR professionals navigate complexity, drive impact, and stay resilient in an evolving higher education landscape
We are excited to feature three dynamic speakers:
Kurt Dorschel, Principal | Education & Research, Huron Consulting Group
Building Bridges: Strengthening HR and Finance Partnerships
Strong HR–Finance partnerships are essential to institutional success. In this interactive session, Kurt Dorschel highlights the importance of collaboration between HR and finance in higher education, using the “trust triangle” framework—logic, empathy, and authenticity—as a foundation. Participants will explore practical strategies to build trust, including developing financial acumen, understanding institutional business drivers, and fostering transparency. The session will also spotlight key partnership opportunities such as workforce planning, compensation strategy, and benefits management, and conclude with an implementation framework and group discussion focused on actionable takeaways.
Jamee Harrington, Vice President of People, Culture, & Safety/CHRO and Chief of Staff, Rogue Community College
Nicole Englitsch, Organizational Development Manager, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Find Your Village: Building Your HR Network in Higher Education
In higher education HR, your success is shaped by the people you connect with. This engaging and interactive session explores how to build your professional “village” through networking, mentorship, and authentic relationships. You’ll hear real-world stories and practical tips from leaders who have built strong, supportive networks—and learn how connection can accelerate growth, resilience, and career satisfaction in HR.
Event Learning Objectives
By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Identify practical strategies to strengthen cross-functional partnerships, particularly between HR and finance, through trust, transparency, and shared understanding.
- Apply tools and frameworks for workforce planning, compensation strategy, and benefits management that support sustainable institutional collaboration.
- Build and expand professional networks through intentional relationship-building, mentorship, and community engagement within higher education HR.
We look forward to learning, connecting, and strengthening our community together!
