SHRM Northwest Connecticut is dedicated to advancing the human resources profession and fostering excellence in workplaces throughout our region. As a community of HR professionals, we support career growth, workplace innovation, and professional success through ongoing education, impactful connections, and specialized services.
We are formally known as the Northwest Connecticut Human Resources Association, aka NWCT HRA.
Board Members
Elizabeth Dolan
President, SHRM Northwest Connecticut
Elizabeth Dolan is a Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, helping growing companies across Connecticut reduce the burden of managing HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance in house. She works with leadership teams to turn HR into a strategic advantage, offering scalable solutions that improve efficiency and free up time for growth.
Elizabeth is an Ambassador for the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the West Hartford Chamber, and the President of SHRM Northwest Connecticut, a SHRM chapter as well as a SHRM member. She is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping leaders create workplaces where both people and organizations thrive.
Adilen Valentina
Director, Emerging Professionals
Adilen Valentina, SHRM-CP, CCMO, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and brings over 20 years of experience in public-sector Human Resources, workforce development, and organizational leadership. She serves as Human Resource Generalist for the Town of Bloomfield and as Director, Emerging Professionals for SHRM Northwest Connecticut, where she partners with employers and universities to strengthen the regional HR talent pipeline. As Founder & CEO of Valentina Rising Institute, she designs practical leadership and workplace development programs that help organizations build strong cultures and develop the next generation of leaders.
Cheryl Calsetta
Director, Communications
Self proclaimed technical "nerd" - Cheryl Calsetta, SHRM-CP earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Post University after obtaining her two-year degree from Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College (now known as CT State Community College, Waterbury campus). Yes...Cheryl can delightfully share that she can recall when posting a job was only via this thing we call "newspaper" - but she has enjoyed her 28 years in the HR field where her primary expertise is HR technology, strategy, operations and training. She currently works with ThinkTalent as a Talent Technology Consultant and is also a proud board member of SHRM Northwest Connecticut as Director, Communications. Outside of her HR technical passions - Cheryl is busy chasing around her two adopted senior pups, six cats, son and husband.
Sarah Alexander
Director, Membership
Sarah Alexander is the Finance & Administration Associate at the Connecticut Community Foundation, which services the catchment of 21 towns around Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills. She has nearly twenty years of experience in administration, bookkeeping, and human resources, with a strong focus on supporting small businesses. She has her SHRM-CP and holds an associate degree, staying actively connected to the field through the NWCTHRA, SHRM National and the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys exploring national parks with her family, attending gaming conventions, traveling and seeking out Connecticut’s best small restaurants, fairs, and hiking spots. She’s passionate about helping others find work/life balance and is excited to be the Director, Membership for SHRM Northwest Connecticut. She is always happy to connect over a cup of coffee or chai.
Elizabeth Thomas
Director, Certifications
Elizabeth A. Thomas, SHRM-SCP, SPHR is a Human Resources professional for the past 18 years. She is employed with OEM America a (PEO) Professional Employer Organization offering workforce management solutions by providing small to medium-sized companies reduced costs associated with Human Resource Management including Benefits, Payroll, Workman’s Compensation and Compliance, which presents opportunities to leverage a company’s ROI so that companies can return to focus on the parts in their business they really enjoy.
Elizabeth has been the NWCTHRA Certifications Director since October 2024. She is a Chapter member of SHRM Northwest Connecticut and HRACC, as well as a SHRM National Member.
In her previous career Elizabeth worked with at risk youth and young adults for more than 20 years managing residential and non-residential programs that were nurturing, trauma-informed and culturally responsive, with a focus on skill development, emotional resilience, and positive behavioral change. She is passionate about supporting individuals and helping businesses flourish.
Betsy Osowiecki
Director, Certifications
Experienced Human Resources and Operations leader with over 25 years of expertise in retail management, staffing, employee relations, payroll, and talent development. Currently serving as Human Resources and Payroll Director at Cook Willow Health and Rehab, with a strong background leading multi-site operations, recruiting top talent, improving retention, and driving business performance. Proven success managing large teams, overseeing multimillion-dollar operations, and implementing HR strategies that support organizational growth and employee engagement. SHRM-CP and a PHR certified with a commitment to leadership development and operational excellence.