Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s student chapter of the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) demonstrated excellence and teamwork at the 2025 CalSHRM Case Competition, with 18 students participating across three teams. The event, held at California State University, San Bernardino, challenged teams from across the state to solve real-world human resource issues in a competitive format judged by industry professionals.
Competing teams were tasked with addressing workplace incivility, developing strategic and innovative solutions to improve employee experiences and organizational culture. For Yesenia Laurie, (’25, business administration management/human resources and management) president of CPP PIHRA and team captain of “The HR Collective,” the weekend marked an unforgettable milestone in her HR journey. “This experience not only deepened my passion for human resources but also reinforced the value of collaboration, innovation and strategic problem-solving,” Laurie said. “I’m excited to carry these lessons forward.”
Laurie’s team included Azaria Johnson (’25, bachelor of science, management and human resources), Piuneh Mehdikhani (’25 bachelor of science, business administration/human resources management), Arely Juarez (’25, business administration and management) Lana Hy (’25 business administration and management) and Lucas Maresca (’25 business administration/human resources management). Together, they tackled the complex case with professionalism and creativity. “We came together like true HR professionals,” Laurie said. “Stepping into a leadership role this year was a whole new experience—and one I’ll never forget.”
In addition to The HR Collective, Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ was represented by two other teams: one featuring Summer Tauch-Hubbard (’25, business administration), Paulina Ly (’25, business administration), Rylee Duesler (’17, business administration, ’26, human resources and management), Timothy Kung (’25, business administration), Bryan Peña (’25, sociology), and Christopher Peacock (’25, business administration, human resources and management); and another that earned second place honors—Team 11—with members Sandra Pedroza (’25, business administration, human resources and management), Raymond M. (’25, business administration and management, human resources and management), Lucky Hughes, (’25, business administration), Ceasar Valadez (’25, business administration, human resources and management), Catherine Mata (’26, business administration) and Bella Escobar (’25, human resources and management). Faculty and student leadership alike praised the teams’ preparation and impact.
“Many of our students have had exceptional career opportunities because of the professional contacts they’ve made while student members,” said Cheryl Wyrick, associate dean and former longtime PIHRA advisor. “These opportunities increase when students participate in the Case Competition, where they can demonstrate to industry professionals the quality and breadth of their knowledge.”
Although Wyrick no longer actively advises the club, she credits her years of involvement with helping shape her own professional development. “I earned a HR certification because I felt that I should model the advice I was giving the student members, and it opened opportunities to me because I was no longer seen as purely an academic.” She emphasized PIHRA’s role in providing students with career-building opportunities, close peer relationships and industry networking.
Xuguang “Steve” Guo, current PIHRA advisor since 2015 and chair of the Management and Human Resources Department, echoed that sentiment. He highlighted PIHRA’s evolution from a small student club into a nationally recognized organization that consistently wins top honors from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“Witnessing our winning team present their case stands out,” Guo said. “As a professor, it's incredibly rewarding to see our students shine in front of a large audience, proposing precise solutions to the case's challenges. As one SHRM official noted, many student presentations surpassed those of HR professionals with decades of experience.”
Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PIHRA is a SHRM and PIHRA student chapter offering leadership development, networking and hands-on learning in human resources. The club has received SHRM’s prestigious Outstanding Award—its highest honor for student chapters—in 2019, 2021 and 2024.
Top 3 reasons a CPP HR student should get involved with PIRHA:
- Career-building opportunities – attending professional meetings, conferences, participating in student competitions develop students’ knowledge and social skills
- Bonding with fellow students – some of the students I knew as an advisor are still friends today and stay in touch regularly
- Developing networks with industry professionals – getting to know the people who make the hiring decisions give students a competitive advantage in the job search process
Guo noted that most CPP HR students are first-generation college attendees from underrepresented backgrounds, and PIHRA plays a vital role in fostering confidence, career readiness and a sense of community. “PIHRA offers hands-on experience in HR skills, opportunities to connect with peers and HR professionals, and enhances career readiness,” Guo said.
Students also expressed appreciation to event organizers, including SHRM’s Susie Couture, SHRM-CP, PHR, and the CSU San Bernardino campus for hosting. Laurie encouraged more students to get involved. “Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ continues to show why we have one of the strongest and most supportive HR departments out there,” she said. “Don’t hesitate to join PIHRA for these incredible opportunities!”