Nominating Someone is Easy!
Thank you for nominating a friend, peer, mentor, or colleague for a 2025 HR Star Award. There is no charge to nominate someone. You can also nominate yourself. Review the award descriptions, then fill out the nomination form.
AI Innovator
New this year, this award recognizes an HR professional who is leading the way in the responsible and strategic use of artificial intelligence within the workplace. The recipient has demonstrated how AI can enhance HR operations, improve decision-making, and elevate the employee experience—while upholding ethical standards and transparency. Whether through automation, analytics, or talent management innovation, this individual is
shaping the future of HR by integrating technology with a people-first mindset. Their work reflects not only technical vision but also a commitment to building more innovative, human-centered organizations.
Emerging HR Leader of the Year
This award recognizes a rising star in the HR field—an early-career professional (with five or fewer years of experience or under 35 years of age) who has already made a significant impact through innovative thinking, strategic insight, and strong leadership.
The recipient will have demonstrated exceptional initiative and creativity in applying HR principles to drive meaningful results. Whether they are enhancing talent strategies, improving engagement, or implementing forward-thinking programs, their contributions reflect both fresh perspective and lasting 
value. In addition to professional achievements, this leader stands out for their ability to inspire, influence, and energize those around them. The Emerging HR Leader of the Year celebrates those who are not only excelling today but are poised to lead the profession tomorrow.
HR Change Champion (leader or team) of the Year
This award recognizes an individual or team that has led their organization through transformative change with exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. Whether responding to shifts in the business environment, technology, or workforce dynamics, the recipient will have catalyzed a positive, lasting impact. Honorees will have played a pivotal role in reshaping culture, redesigning processe
s, or implementing strategic initiatives that drive meaningful business results. Celebrated for their ability to inspire and engage employees throughout the change journey, this leader or team fosters a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Their vision and courage set a new standard for excellence in HR change leadership.
HR Consultant of the Year
This award honors an exceptional HR consulting firm or independent consultant who has delivered innovative, strategic, and results-driven HR solutions. Demonstrating deep expertise and a client-centered approach, this consultant will have tackled complex HR challenges and delivered transformative outcomes in areas such as culture, talent strategy, engagement, and HR technology. Their work goes bey
ond expectations—building trusted partnerships and driving measurable business success. The HR Consultant of the Year Award celebrates those who elevate the HR profession through outstanding consulting work, proving the power of strategic HR to shape thriving, forward-thinking organizations.
Sponsored by Amazon One Medical
HR Executive of the Year - Small Company
This award honors an outstanding HR leader from a company with fewer than 99 employees who has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and innovation. This leader excels at navigating the unique challenges of a small-business environment, demonstrat
ing agility, creativity, and a hands-on approach. Their efforts will have led to measurable improvements in talent acquisition, retention, employee satisfaction, and organizational performance. Recognized not only for strategic impact but also for their ability to connect with employees at all levels, this executive ensures HR aligns closely with company values. Their leadership fosters a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that enables their organization to thrive in a competitive market.
HR Executive of the Year - Medium Company
This award recognizes an exceptional HR leader from a company with 100 to 499 employees who has made a significant impact through strategic, forward-thinking HR practices. Their leadership has elevated HR as a vital force driving business growth, organizational culture, and employee engagement.
The honoree will have demonstrated a firm grasp of the unique demands of a mid-sized organization, balancing agility and scalability. Their initiatives will have led to measurable improvements in talent management, employee development, retention, and overall organizational performance. Celebrated for both strategic vision and people-centered leadership, this executive fosters a workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and aligned with the company’s goals. S
Sponsored by High Profile Staffing
HR Executive of the Year - Large Company
This award honors a visionary HR leader from an organization with 500 or more employees whose strategic and innovative contributions have transformed the HR function into a key driver of business success. Navigating the complexities of a
Large Enterprise, this leader has fostered a resilient and adaptable culture that supports both people and performance. Their influence extends across the organization, aligning HR strategy with business goals through strong collaboration with senior leadership. Always inspiring a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement, this executive has set a new standard for HR in large organizations. Their work demonstrates the decisive role of HR in driving innovation, growth, and lasting success at scale.
Sponsored by Advancial
HR Student Leader of the Year
This award honors an exceptional student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for human resources. Through active involvement in an SHRM-affiliated student chapter, the recipient has made a meaningful impact on peers, their university, and the broader HR community. Beyond chapter involv
ement, this student exemplifies academic excellence and dedication, effectively balancing coursework with extracurricular activities. The HR Student Leader of the Year honors a rising HR professional whose passion and leadership are shaping the future of the field.
Note: Eligible nominees must be currently enrolled or have recently graduated and were enrolled full-time during the previous academic year.
HR Team of the Year
This award honors a human resources team that has demonstrated excellence in driving strategic initiatives and delivering outstanding results. Their collaborative efforts have significantly contributed to organizational success, highlighting HR’s essential role in building a high-performing, engaged, and resilient workforce. The team has effectively executed initiatives addressing key business challen
ges—such as talent management and employee engagement—leading to measurable improvements in employee satisfaction, retention, productivity, and overall performance. The HR Team of the Year celebrates those who set a new standard for HR excellence through teamwork, creativity, and a relentless commitment to delivering value.
Inclusion Leader of the Year
This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. Through vision, dedication, and action, this leader has driven meaningful change, transforming policies, practices, and culture to create a more inclusive workplace. The recipient will have successfully developed and implemented DEI initiatives with strong exec
utive support, resulting in measurable outcomes, including increased representation, enhanced employee engagement, and a culture where all individuals feel valued and empowered. Beyond strategy, this leader inspires others to embrace DEI as a shared responsibility. The Inclusion Leader of the Year sets a powerful example for the HR profession, showing how inclusive leadership can shape stronger, more equitable organizations where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Recruiting Leader of the Year
This award honors an exceptional HR professional whose leadership and innovation in talent acquisition have driven organizational success. The recipient will have consistently delivered outstanding results by attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent in a competitive landscape. This leader demonstrates deep expertise in recruitment strategy, leveraging data, technology, and creative sourcin
g methods to meet evolving workforce needs. Their work will have led to measurable improvements in key metrics, such as time-to-fill, quality of hire, and candidate experience, while aligning closely with company values and goals. Beyond strategy, the honoree will be recognized for building and leading a high-performing recruiting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Recruiting Leader of the Year celebrates those who have made a lasting impact through transformative recruiting practices and set a new standard for excellence in talent acquisition.
Recruiting Team of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of corporate or agency recruiting teams in the DFW area. Honorees will have demonstrated exceptional success in talent acquisition and made a measurable impact on their organization over the past 12 months. Judged by a panel of experts from Texas Recruiters Network, nominations are evaluated on key criteria, including innovation, use of techno
logy, candidate experience, customer satisfaction, and overall business impact. This award celebrates teams that have raised the bar in recruitment through collaboration, creativity, and results-driven performance.
Sponsored by DFW Recruiters Network
Nominate yourself, your mentor, your colleague, or a friend. Celebrate them with a 2025 HR Star Award!
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