Event Details

Washington Outlook: Civics Matter, Relationships Matter, Advocacy Matters

Issues impacting the workplace remain at the forefront of the legislative and regulatory agenda for both the 117th Congress and the Biden Administration. As the White House strategizes how to best implement its priorities with slim Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, SHRM remains focused on Policy, Not Politics and stands ready to take on challenges and find opportunities to advance sound workplace policy.

During this informative presentation, Chatrane Birbal, SHRM’s Vice President of Public Policy, will provide an analysis of the workplace policies being considered and what developments can be expected in Congress and under the Biden Administration. Ms. Birbal will also provide an overview of SHRM’s policy priorities and highlight the vital role HR professionals can play in influencing the policymaking process.

As HR professionals continue to navigate a changing workplace, recognizing the impact of new workplace policies and their implications to your organization, is critical. SHRM has a clear vision and will continue to be a thought leader, resource and advocate for public policies that foster the flexibility businesses require to support and develop their workforce.

Participants will:
- Gain an understanding of the foundations of policymaking;
- Learn how HR professionals can influence workplace public policy and how these changes may affect their organizations and workforce;
- Strengthen skills to help employers navigate and advocate for critical policy issues that will create better workplaces; and
- Develop strategies to engage elected representatives on policies and programs impacting work, workers, and the workplace.

Speaker Bios: 
Chatrane Birbal, Vice President, Public Policy - SHRM
Chatrane Birbal is Vice President, Public Policy in SHRM national’s Alexandria, Va. office. In this capacity, she is actively involved in solidifying strategic partnerships and research to address policy issues on Capitol Hill that impact the workplace. In her role, Ms. Birbal lobbies Congress and develops policies and positions in support of workplace public policy issues including workplace healthcare, workforce development, workplace equity, workplace flexibly and leave, workplace immigration and employer-sponsored benefits (retirement, education assistance, unemployment insurance, among others).

Prior to joining SHRM, Ms. Birbal was the director of government relations at the Council on Foundations, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit membership association of some 2,000 grant making foundations and corporations, with assets totaling more than $282 billion. During her tenure at the Council, Ms. Birbal implemented strategies and launches programs in support of the organization’s public policy and government relations work. She lobbied Congress on tax legislation relating to charitable giving, raised the Council’s profile with Congress and other nonprofit organizations, advised members on legislative activities impacting philanthropy and planned and executed the Council’s annual legislative fly-in conference, “Foundations on the Hill.”

Chatrane obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the State University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. and received her graduate degree of public administration and public policy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

This program is pending approval for 1 SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC) and 1 HRCI recertification credit.  The use of this official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®)  criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.