The Andy Thiede HR Certification Scholarship was recently awarded to two local HR professionals:
Jessica Burke
Jessica Burke is the HR Manager for Alpha Q, Inc., a privately-held manufacturer in Colchester with 110 employees, where she has been employed since 2018. Prior to this, she held HR roles in the healthcare, service and retail industries.
Becoming HR certified, Jessica said, will help her “continue to strive to increase my HR knowledge and education… I will gain more professional respect within my current organization along with my peers. This exam and certification is pushing me to extend my HR knowledge within the strategic HR side. I feel my ability to utilize proper HR competencies within my day to day will be more accepted by my management peers along with senior leadership.”
Jessica joined HRACC in March, 2019. As she is an HR department of one, she is appreciative of the networking opportunities with other area colleagues, and hopes to attend more chapter events as her time frees up.
She holds a BA in Business Administration and is currently working toward her MBA in HR at Southern New Hampshire University. She and her husband Joseph, are foster parents of three children, which they are passionate about, and find challenging and rewarding at the same time. When she gets some alone time, Jessica hosts a Book Club, loves to bake and enjoys a good book with a cup of coffee.
Jeanette Mondi-Birney
Jeanette Mondi-Birney is the Manager of HR and Administration at G & G Beverage Distributors, where she has been employed since 2002. G & G is a locally owned distributor with approximately 75 employees.
Jeannette began her career in the culinary arts and as with many of us, she then “fell” into HR mid-career.
She tells us, “I work for a great small company and by getting this certification, I can bring my improved skills to the table…and can open opportunities for further grow for me in HR. She also wants to impress upon her daughters Mikayla (22) and Morgan (15), the importance of continual education,
Jeanette holds a BS from Johnson & Wales University and an MBA in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of New Haven. She held management positions at Choate and Wesleyan University before entering the HR field in 2002. For relaxation, she enjoys swimming and working out, and loves to read.
Jessica and Jeanette are both scheduled to test for SHRM-CP certification in February. Jessica’s method of study was an online course offered by Letizia HR Solutions, Inc. in California. Jeanette enrolled in the classroom course at Central Connecticut State University.
About this Scholarship
Andy Thiede believes that her memberships in the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut and SHRM have significantly contributed to her career success. She has been a member of both organizations for more than 20 years, and holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. With a passion for Human Resources, and a desire to give back to the profession Andy created this scholarship in 2016 to help offset the expense of certification for a fellow HRACC member.
In 2019, she extended the requirements to include students who are studying for certification at Central Connecticut State University, through their partnership with HRACC. Andy has now awarded 7 scholarships and will continue to offer this program in 2020 (and hopefully beyond).
Heartfelt “CONGRATULATIONS” to Jeanette Mondi-Birney!
I have known Jeanette personally and professionally for many years. I’m delighted for her and know she is extremely deserving of the KL Scholarship. Throughout the years I’ve known Jeanette, I’ve admired her professionalism and genuine dedication of almost 20 years to her employer G&G Beverage Distributers.
Jeanette is someone to admire and emulate on all levels of her life, personally and professionally. She is a woman of honesty and integrity who possesses a beautiful heart and generous spirit. Most importantly, Jeanette is an exemplary example of commitment, dedication and fortitude.
Again, I extend my wholehearted “Congratulations”!
Patricia Kronen-Lilley