Meeting/Event Information
TAHRA has regularly scheduled programs throughout the year with the exception of July and August. Programs are designed to educate on a variety of HR topics, from small employers where the HR professional wears many hats to large employers with many HR professionals. TAHRA is a SHRM Recertification Provider and an HRCI Approved Provider.
TAHRA, SHRM, and MISHRM events are listed below.
For more information on TAHRA meetings and events, including presenting to our group, please contact us at [email protected].
October 2025: TAHRA Monthly Meeting: Giving with Impact: How Employee-Focused Philanthropy Drives Engagement and Success
October 14, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Hagerty Conference Center
715 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
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DirectionsAbout Our Session:
She will emphasize the importance of how and why a company should ensure that their philanthropic dollars should be directed to their employee’s well-being and basic essential needs first before going into the broader community and how our platform's unique capabilities can help automate the process for free. By ensuring that employees' needs are met, companies can benefit from a more engaged and dedicated staff, ultimately reducing turnover and increasing productivity.
Moreover, she will examine how organizations can foster a culture of giving that extends beyond the boardroom. Real-world examples of companies successfully integrating philanthropy into their corporate culture will be shared, highlighting increased employee engagement, brand loyalty, and social impact. From empowering employees to donate to causes they care about to automatically matching donations, she will explore practical strategies for aligning philanthropic efforts with corporate values and goals. Focused on how companies can go beyond traditional corporate giving to make a tangible impact in their communities and how thoughtful giving impacts everything around them from the customer experience to the way their employees engage with the company as a whole, you are sure to leave this presentation inspired and empowered to take action!
About Our Speaker:
Abagail McKiernan is the founder of Spark in the Dark, a Michigan-based nonprofit connecting individuals in need with life-changing resources. Since 2017, Spark has empowered over 32,000 members and 15 volunteers to meet more than 100,000 needs, embodying the principle of people helping people. With a bold mission to facilitate 1 million needs in her lifetime, Abagail continues to champion community-driven solutions for direct assistance anytime, anywhere.
To help businesses amplify their social impact, Abagail co-founded HelpLink, an innovative platform revolutionizing corporate philanthropy. HelpLink enables companies to streamline giving efforts, prioritize employee needs, and foster a culture of giving that supports both local causes and workplace well-being. Her work ensures businesses can drive meaningful change while enhancing their community connections and brand reputation.
With over 12 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and nonprofit leadership, Abagail has been recognized for her dedication to social impact and innovation. She was named one of Northern Michigan’s "40 Under 40" in 2022 and has been honored as one of the region’s most influential women multiple years in a row. Under her leadership, Spark in the Dark was awarded the Better Business Bureau’s 2020 Torch of Ethics and was selected as one of 77 organizations worldwide for the 2020 Facebook Community Accelerator, receiving direct training from Meta.
Tickets
$0.00 Member Registration
$50.00 Non-Member Registration
