Inspiring HR Professionals at the 2026 tHRive Conference
The 2026 tHRive Human Resources Conference, held in Seattle, Washington, brought together 337 HR professionals and department leaders from across the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. The event’s central theme, “Let your light so shine so you can thrive,” underscored the importance of both professional expertise and spiritual growth in the field of human resources management.
Bioluminescence as a Metaphor for HR Leadership
Doug Bing, president of the Washington Conference, delivered a memorable keynote inspired by his daughter’s biology project on bioluminescence. He pointed out that just as organisms need proper nutrition to shine, HR professionals require the right spiritual and emotional fuel to thrive in their roles. Bing emphasized, “The way to thrive is to be filled with the fuel from above. Let your light so shine so you can thrive.” The focus on human resources management as both a calling and a ministry resonated deeply with attendees, reminding them to draw on their faith and values in every decision and interaction.
Spiritual Grounding and Community Building
Daily morning worship sessions set a spiritual tone for the conference. G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, and Kyoshin Ahn, executive secretary, praised HR professionals as the “quiet backbone” of their organizations. Moving testimonies, including John Freedman’s story of personal loss and support during the pandemic, highlighted the importance of compassion in human resources management. Freedman encouraged attendees to remember that “HR cannot just be about the numbers. You have to get to know the people you’re dealing with and show them Christ’s love.”
Attendees were also led in worship through music by Abishai Aiolupotea, HR director for the Washington Conference, and his daughter, Nia. These moments fostered a sense of unity and empathy, reinforcing the idea that HR professionals work with real people facing genuine challenges.
Equipping HR Leaders to Meet Modern Challenges
In addition to spiritual inspiration, the 2026 tHRive Conference offered practical guidance for navigating the complexities of human resources management. Breakout sessions tackled a range of topics, including personnel management, retirement planning, healthcare assistance, risk management, missionary opportunities, legal compliance, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on HR.
A legal panel featuring Todd McFarland, Ruben Gandia, Anna Gabriella Colon, and Bob Burrow addressed the evolving landscape of employment law. The panel discussed how AI is increasingly assisting with policy drafting, application screening, and research. However, they cautioned that risks around discrimination, privacy, and confidentiality must be managed carefully. HR professionals were reminded that, despite technological advances, human judgment remains irreplaceable in effective human resources management.
Personal Stories of Transformation and Faith
Keynote speakers Katrina Desgroseillier and Kent Hansen shared powerful stories of overcoming adversity and finding renewed purpose through faith. Desgroseillier recounted her journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and professional success, crediting her transformation to surrendering her burdens to God. Hansen spoke about rediscovering his faith after a period of emotional emptiness, which not only restored his family life but also inspired his colleagues to seek spiritual fulfillment.
Both speakers encouraged HR professionals to prioritize their personal growth and spiritual well-being, promising that doing so would help them reflect compassion and excellence in their work.
Recognizing Service and Fostering Connections
The conference concluded with a celebratory brunch, where several HR directors were recognized for their years of dedicated service. Honorees included Teresa Best, Yasmin Then, and Abishai Aiolupotea, who were celebrated for their commitment to ministry, music, and community outreach. For many attendees, especially first-timers like Rabel Ortiz, the event was also a valuable opportunity to network and build lasting professional connections.
A Lasting Impact on Human Resources Management
The 2026 tHRive Conference demonstrated that human resources management is about more than policies and procedures—it is a vital ministry focused on serving people with empathy, wisdom, and integrity. Participants left empowered to let their light shine, equipped with new insights, and connected to a supportive community of fellow HR professionals.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
