Policy, People & the Future of Work: A Conversation with SHRM’s Emily M. Dickens

Mike Aitken is EVP of Membership & Communities at SHRM, following 15 years of leading SHRM’s successful advocacy programs as Vice President of Government Affairs. Mike is a leading authority on the issues important to the human resource profession and drives SHRM’s membership vision, ensuring excellent member experiences, and implementing the organization’s newly developed business strategy. He applies his proven model of engagement to shape the future of work, workers, and workplaces. He is an expert relationship-builder across diverse constituencies and stakeholders, always seeking out the “win-win” in every situation. As a member of SHRM’s executive team, Mike also plays a key role in setting the strategic direction of the organization, offering important counsel on SHRM’s educational programs and professional development opportunities. Prior to joining SHRM in 2003, he spent 14 years with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), which represents more than 23,000 HR professionals at over 1,900 higher education institutions. In 2015 and 2016, Mike served as an employer representative on the U.S. delegation to the International Labour Conference.

Emily M. Dickens is a member of the executive team at SHRM, the world’s largest human resources trade association and 4th largest trade association in the world. Emily leads government affairs, global policy, legal affairs, and the SHRM Foundation. She is a recognized expert on workplace issues with media appearances in outlets like CBS News, the Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. She has testified before Congress and the EEOC on topics such as AI, gender bias, and paid leave. Dickens serves on several boards, including the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), and has held leadership roles at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina System. She is actively involved in community service and serves as the Chair to the Board of Trustees for North Carolina Central University, on the NCNW Board of Directors, and is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Dickens holds degrees from North Carolina Central University and its School of Law.