Workplace Community Connections With Charla Stevens

Understanding Immigration in the Workplace with Shiva Karimi

Charla interviews Shiva Karimi, an immigration attorney and law firm partner at McLean Middleton. Shiva develops creative strategies for navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel, structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility, and addressing immigration compliance issues.  She creates immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, as well as other specialized foreign nationals such as athletes and entertainers, religious workers, and expats.  She represents clients across a range of industries including staffing, technology, healthcare, independent schools, and start-ups. She has developed immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, doctors and healthcare workers,  athletes and entertainers,  religious workers, and other specialized foreign nationals.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel and structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility. Shiva currently serves as Secretary of the Boston Bar Association. The discussion with Charla covers current hot-button immigration issues including enforcement, border security, and ICE raids. Shiva provides an in-depth overview of the U.S. immigration system, breaking it down into categories of non-immigrants, immigrants, and citizens, as well as other statuses like temporary protected status and asylum seekers. The conversation also touches on the challenges businesses face with ICE audits, I-9 compliance, and difficulties in hiring both skilled and unskilled foreign workers. Throughout, Shiva emphasizes the importance of understanding one's immigration status and the legal procedures employers must follow to ensure compliance and support their employees.   More on Shiva at https://www.mclane.com/people/shiva-karimi/ [https://www.mclane.com/people/shiva-karimi/]   Topics 00:44 Meet Today's Guest: Shiva Karimi 02:28 Understanding Immigration: An Overview 03:49 Non-Immigrant Visas Explained 05:32 Immigrant Visas and Green Cards 06:54 Citizenship and Other Statuses 08:33 Challenges and Legal Assistance in Immigration 09:28 Employer Concerns and ICE Encounters 17:06 Concerns About Employee Travel 17:46 Travel Documentation and Social Media Hygiene 18:55 Phone Privacy and Border Inspections 20:17 Non-Immigrant Intent and Entry Risks 21:35 Student Visa Revocations and Enhanced Vetting 25:13 I-9 Audits: What Employers Need to Know 27:32 Handling I-9 Audits and Compliance 32:11 Final Thoughts on Employer Responsibilities

Granite United Way CEO Nichole Reimer

During the past 30 years, Nichole Martin Reimer has been working to build community collaborations and solutions to improve lives. She began her nonprofit career as a Jesuit Volunteer in Texas bringing together the YMCA, Salvation Army, and local Rotary Clubs to develop mentoring and educational programs impacting youth from migrant communities and those experiencing homelessness.   Upon moving back to her native Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1998, she began a career with United Way that has spanned several United Ways and included managing a volunteer center, growing the annual campaign evolving partnerships and initiating new efforts to increase inclusion and diversity. One of Reimer’s significant contributions has been leading the efforts to bring the 211 information and referral system to NH, which connects more than 165,000 residents with resources annually.  At Granite United Way, Reimer has served as the architect of and implementing the Strategic Plan. As Chief Alignment Officer, she led fundraising efforts and worked cross functionally with the impact team to deliver more than $13 million in community support. Recently, she developed the responsive grant funding process providing nonprofits with multiple opportunities to seek funding for their most immediate needs. Charla talks with Nichole about her role and the mission of the United Way, which includes engaging businesses, individual donors, and agencies in philanthropic activities to address community needs. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges that nonprofits are currently facing, such as funding uncertainties and legal concerns. Nichole also highlights some of the innovative programs United Way is involved in, like Key Connect for housing and the 2-1-1 referral system, which connects people to essential services. The episode provides insights into the collaborative efforts among nonprofits to navigate financial and operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and volunteerism.   Topics 00:40 Meet Nichole Reimer, CEO of Granite United Way 01:38 Nichole's Journey with United Way 03:43 United Way's Role and Impact 05:18 Programs and Initiatives by United Way 14:35 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits 27:25 Future Outlook and Opportunities 33:14 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

Navigating the Job Market with Maura Mann

Charla chats with Maura Mann, president at BANKW Staffing where she oversees three of the firm’s companies, The Nagler Group, KNF&T Staffing Resources and Sales Search Partners where she is responsible for the client service strategy and execution that has resulted in award-winning growth and achievement for the companies.  She also manages the Strategic Accounts team for the BANKW.  Prior to joining BANKW Staffing in 2011, Maura held leadership roles with multiple local and international staffing and recruiting organizations where she led teams focused on accounting & finance, legal and administrative staffing. Maura is the president of the Massachusetts Staffing Association and is an advocate for the industry both locally and nationally. She was recently named to Staffing Industry Analysts Global Power 150 Women in Staffing List. Maura is a member of ProVisors and is actively involved in the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and multiple Chambers of Commerce. Maura is an alumna of Boston College.    They discuss Maura's journey from law school to recruitment, the focus and success of their locally-based staffing firms in New England, and current trends in the job market. Key topics include the challenges of hiring in a competitive market, the impact of economic uncertainty, the importance of flexibility in retaining talent, and the role of AI in recruitment. They also explore the skills gap, the cost of living, and the evolving nature of work especially in areas like consulting and part-time roles. Maura provides invaluable advice for job seekers and insights on how organizations can optimize their hiring processes.   Topics 00:43 Meet Maura Mann: Superstar Recruiter 01:15 The Journey into Recruiting 02:48 Focus on New England: Localized Staffing 04:47 Current Trends in Staffing 10:13 Advice for Job Seekers 12:18 Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Hiring 17:34 The Skills Gap and Workforce Challenges 25:59 The Role of AI in Recruitment 32:22 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Kathleen Reardon of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits

Charla talks with Kathleen Reardon, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits. They discuss how the organization supports over 900 members, encompassing a diverse range of nonprofits from grassroots groups to large institutions. Reardon highlights their work in offering educational programs, policy advocacy, and events like New Hampshire Gives. The conversation details how nonprofits navigate financial challenges, state and federal policy impacts, and risks like funding cuts and executive orders. Reardon also emphasizes the importance of public support through volunteering and donations.   Topics 01:10 Overview of NH Center for Nonprofits 02:05 Advocacy and Policy Work 03:25 Diverse Membership of NH Nonprofits 04:43 Impact of Nonprofits in New Hampshire 07:13 Kathleen's Journey to Nonprofit Leadership 09:22 Current Challenges for Nonprofits 17:32 New Hampshire Gives: A Day of Giving 19:35 Charitable Gaming and Nonprofit Funding 23:09 Potential Risks and State Budget Concerns 26:14 Executive Orders and Federal Challenges 29:49 Resources and Support for NH Nonprofits 31:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sam Eaton of MindAbility Consulting

Sam Eaton is the founder of MindAbility, a business coaching firm - helping HR and Fractional HR pros build businesses that let them live life on their own terms. It all started nearly 25 years ago when she dove into HR consultancy, helping a firm grow from $650K to a jaw-dropping $4.3 million. Fast forward to now, Sam’s built a squad of 6 coaches who support founders every step of the way—from the zero clients phase to scaling up big-time. In the last 5 years alone, Sam and her team have guided over 175 founders to grow their businesses into 6, 7, and 8-figure powerhouses. She’s also a keynote speaker, best-selling author of The Trouble With Pink Wheelbarrows, and the host of MindAbility Matters, a weekly show celebrating the best and brightest in the HR community. Sam’s mission? To show HR consultants how to grow, thrive, and make business work on their terms—without the overwhelm.   Topics 00:43 Meet Sam Eaton: Business Coach for HR Consultants 01:52 The Rise of HR Consultants 04:14 Mind Ability Consulting: Services and Philosophy 06:42 Global Reach and Client Success Stories 10:23 Challenges and Opportunities in HR Consulting 25:41 Future of Work: AI and Technological Advances 29:22 Conclusion and Contact Information