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2021-2022 FWHR President
Laura Bustamante

Mrs. Laura Bustamante holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of North Texas. She joined Ag Resource Management as VP of HR in August of 2021, after working in healthcare for 14+ years. Laura oversees all aspects of the HR function at ARM, including performance management, employee relations, benefits, compensation, talent acquisition and professional development.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. Laura is married to her high school sweetheart and has three boys, Landon, Asher and Anderson, all who keep her very busy! She enjoys attending all their sporting events and is also very involved in activities within their schools. Laura is the current President for Fort Worth HR, and the Lone Star Elementary PTA, and also involved in other events throughout the community.

President-Elect
Natasha Hall

My name is Natasha Hall, and I have humbly accepted the position as President Elect for 2022/President 2023-2024 for FWHR. I have been a active FWHR member since 2016 and have served the FWHR community in various board positions as well as participate in many committees and planning groups for all of our great learning opportunities and events. Outside of FWHR, I am a HR Manager for AUI Partners a construction company in Fort Worth and have been with them for a total of 10 years. My experience and background in HR is multifaceted like many of our members, by heart I am a true generalist and thrive in an environment that I get to utilize all of my skills and knowledge. On a personal note, I am a busy mother of two boys (15 years old and a 6 years old). I love spending time with family and friends. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on HR, and also obtained my SHRM-SCP certification. I initially joined FWHR to network and meet other like-minded HR professionals, and to be honest I felt overwhelmed when I first joined probably like many of our new members, but I quickly connected with a few at various events and it was history from there! I am energized by meeting new people, making every interaction meaningful, and helping others. My wish to whomever is reading this is to become a member if you aren’t already and utilize FWHR as a resource to learn and network with our 500+ members and valued sponsors/partners. Never hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions about how FWHR can help you. Our board members are all volunteers, and we all have a passion to help others.

Treasurer
Eli Hernandez 

Eli leads the HR and organization development department for Purdy Group USA, an auto group that operates Toyota franchises throughout the state of Texas. In this role, Eli partners with company leadership to drive culture, ensure high levels of employee engagement, and challenge the organization to continuously improve. Prior to working with Purdy Group, he has worked in various industries, including: retail, staffing, and healthcare. Eli received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master of science degree in Human Resources Management from Tarleton State University.

Eli is passionate about helping people, growing organizations, and having fun while doing it.

Secretary
Allison Johnson

Allison has been a member of the FW HR Association, SHRM and World at Work for many years. She has held several board and committee positions within the community. She has over fifteen years of experience in HR and provides leadership expertise within all facets of HR including talent acquisition, HR Operations, HR Systems, Total Rewards, Mergers and Acquisitions and much more.

She is born and raised in Fort Worth and is a proud contributor and supporter of Cowtown! She wanted to join the board so she could be more involved in the Fort Worth community. She believes joining a board can offer the best networking, knowledge expansion and local support to members. 

Her suggestions to others would be " Just say "yes" to any opportunity." She knows life gets too busy but suggests you try something new and out of your comfort zone. She juggles a career and a young family but is making time to do new things and meet new people.

Fun facts include her husband is a CHRO in Fort Worth so they are an HR family (although, he's got much better stories). She received her MBA from University of Texas at Arlington and her B.S. in Social Science from Texas Wesleyan. She has several HR certifications as well. She has a 32 year old son, a 10 year old son, a seven year old son and a 4 year old daughter. Similar to you, she is a professional chaos coordinator! HR has been a perfect fit for her. She loves helping people manage their career, life goals and watching them succeed.

Co-Membership Director
Zulema Arriaga

I am currently an HR Onboarding Navigator at Texas Health Resources. I have previously worked as an HR Generalist for 5 years and Recruiter for 2 years.

After being out of FWHR for a year, I wanted to reconnect with the chapter and expand my network. What better way than by serving on the board!

My wishes for future members, potential members and returning members is to always continue to work on your growth both personally and professionally. There may be times where one takes precedence over the other and that is okay. Always remember that the people you surround yourself with are your resources, so be sure to make good connections for that "hand" when you need it!

TCU alumni Go Frogs! When I am not working, I love to spend time with family and friends. My only (4 yr old) niece takes a lot of my weekends with slumber parties and fun activities, I love being her favorite Auntie! I am also a crafty person so you can find me making paper flowers from time to time, shirts for the family and DIY ing small projects at home. My husband and I enjoy eating out, going to football games when we can (TCU and Cowboys) and spending time with our fur baby Lola.

Co-Membership Director
Michelle Loredo

Certification Director
Danielle Snailer

I have been a member of FWHR board since 2018. I am the HR Generalist at First Rate, Inc. since 2008. I'm passionate about teaching and developing employees, and want to encourage others to grow and learn in their HR profession

My wish is that you would get involved with this dedicated, fun loving group of warm professionals and know you can lean on your FWHR board members for all your needs!

I am Alumni of University of Texas at Arlington, mother of a medical student, loves making greeting cards and painting. 

Legal and Legislative Director
Julia Gannaway

Julia is a partner in the law firm of Ross | Gannaway, PLLC. Her practice is dedicated largely to employment in the public sector, and the firm represents only employers. Julia is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M with an economic degree and obtained her J.D. from the University of Houston in 1994. She is a member of the Texas City Attorney’s Association and the Texas Bar College. She also is a regular speaker for various employer organizations around Texas.

Julia wanted to join the Board to continue bringing relevant and informative speakers to the Legal Hour to assist FWHR professionals in understanding how the law affects their profession. Julia is an instructor at heart and being a part of the FWHR Board allows her to bring her employment law knowledge to the organization through different means of instruction like the Legal Minute or the Employment Law Update (ELU).

Julia wishes for members and potential members to grow in their professional development and familiarity with how the law impacts not only the workplace, but our lives!

When Julia is not giving legal advice about pay issues or conducting employer investigations, you can find her tailgating at the Aggie football game (her alma mater) with her husband or reading a new sci-fi book.

Programs Director
Dottie Muldowney

Bio to be added soon!

Conference Director
Joni Lui

Joni Lui is serving her second year as the Conferences Director, overseeing the annual Employment Law Update and Strategic Mindset Conferences. She joined the board to better serve the HR community and have the opportunity to work with many talented individuals who she can learn from. She wants to make an impactful contribution to the Board and community, while seeing FWHR grow. 

Currently, she works as a People Generalist at Whitley Penn LLP, a public accounting firm. She has obtained the following certifications; Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR), SHRM Employing Abilities @ Work, and SHRM Veteran's at Work. Her PHR certification is on the way!

Joni was born and raised in Toronto, Canada until she moved to Fort Worth in 2016. She was a former event and wedding photographer for 10 years. She enjoys traveling, contemporary art, board games, and spending time with her husband and long-haird dachsund. 

Emerging Professionals Director
Kenya Wilson

I am the incoming Director of Emerging Professionals, and this will be my first position with the board.

I currently am working in Higher Education as a Department Chair, and Human Resources Management faculty member at Tarrant County College. I developed our Human Resources Management degree programs and certificates. My relevant background includes Organizational Development, Staff and Talent Development, and Learning and Development.

After serving on the Emerging Professionals committee for the last two years, serving on the board will allow me to continue to serve emerging HR professionals, connecting them with the resources needed to help them excel in their careers.

FWHR is a great opportunity to learn and connect with a diverse group of professionals in the industry. I wish you the best as you connect and learn with the talented professionals in this organization!

I am originally from Wichita, KS and attended Wichita State University as well as Friends University. I enjoy dancing; I have taken classes from hip hop, jazz, and belly dance. I also love spending time outdoors with my two children, 13 and 5.

Sponsorship Director
Isaac Stolar

Isaac Stolar is a Retirement Plan Consultant within Gallagher’s Benefits and HR Consulting division. Isaac joined Gallagher in June 2019. He began his career in financial services with Fidelity Investments in 2012 and has since gained experience that encompasses all areas of the employee benefits industry. Prior to joining Gallagher, Isaac worked as Vice President of Retirement Business Business Development for PNC Bank.

Isaac is a graduate of Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, has completed the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) certification through Fi360 and has been a board member of Fort Worth HR since 2019. He works closely with HR leaders every day and serves on the board of FWHR to support the development and professional growth of its members. Aside from working and volunteering, Isaac enjoys Barbecuing, being outdoors with his dogs, and spending time with his wife and son.

Events Director
Leila Peeples

I am the Chief HR Officer for Medstar Mobile Healthcare – over 20 years of HR experience.

I joined FWHR to increase my network of HR professionals, I joined the FWHR board because I wanted to support the broader network of HR by providing avenues to network.

My wish for member and futures members is that you would meet new people, make connections, and gain new friendships.

I enjoy reading & diamond painting, and I am a married mother of four children.

Marketing Director
Jessica Hess

Bio to be added soon!

Community Relations Director
Jason Zantjer

I am a Senior Associate, Alera Group Texas. Over 10 years of HR Experience in the mid-market sector, currently helping our clients find the right mix of health & wellness benefits that will help attract and retain the right mix of employees.
I’m passionate about making our community better, no better place to start then here in Fort Worth.

As a former HR professional in a department of one, I wanted to make sure the next generation of HR professionals have the correct resources as the move forward in their careers. Getting plugged into this chapter is step one in that process.
I am a proud North Texas grad with Nebraska roots. I Just hit the 10 year milestone with my wife Melanie. I am a girl dad to Lyla & Ivy. I coach youth lacrosse, can’t swim well, and am a diehard Rangers fan.