Class of 2026
There’s only so much you can learn about Human Resources from inside a classroom. Last week, I joined my MBA classmates on a two-day trek to Chicago, where we saw HR come to life through real workplaces, real challenges, and real conversations. From global companies to nonprofit institutions, each visit offered a unique lens into how HR shapes culture, drives strategy, and supports people at every level. Along the way, we met leaders and Wisconsin alumni who were honest, passionate, and deeply committed to the value of human-centered work—and their stories left a lasting impression.
PepsiCo Visit
After arriving in Chicago on an unexpectedly warm and sunny Thursday afternoon, our group headed straight to PepsiCo’s headquarters in the iconic Old Chicago Main Post Office building. Stepping into the entryway, I was immediately drawn to its historic charm—from the ornate patterned tiles to the soaring vaulted ceilings. As we waited, my classmate David Wilson jokingly grabbed a Diet Coke from the convenience store inside, prompting our Center Director, Tanya Hubanks, to kindly suggest he save it for later. The moment sparked laughter among our group (David’s goal), setting a lighthearted tone before our meeting with PepsiCo’s HR representatives.
When the elevator doors opened onto PepsiCo’s floor, we stepped into a space that contrasted sharply with the entryway below—bright lighting, vibrant pops of color, and brand-inspired décor immediately signaled that PepsiCo’s workspace was designed to reflect the energy and identity of its most iconic brands. After a warm welcome from Hailey Latouf, our group was introduced to Idris Hilliard, Senior HR Director, and Jodi Nemethy, Human Resources Manager, who shared insights into their career paths and the impact of strategic HR at PepsiCo.
Jodi had built her career within PepsiCo, while Idris brought experience from multiple firms before joining the company. Their different paths highlighted how HR professionals can grow through deep institutional knowledge or by gaining diverse industry perspectives. During their presentation, they described HR’s role at PepsiCo through four key pillars: being culture enhancers, constructive disruptors, tenacious prioritizers, and talent catalysts. This strategic framing reinforced that HR at PepsiCo isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about leading change, driving innovation, shaping culture, and ensuring the business and its people grow together.
To conclude our visit, we were given a tour of the vibrant office space, which featured a Cap’N Crunch-inspired hallway, a Quaker-sponsored employee kitchen, and a Gatorade-branded area complete with the iconic “G” statue that athletes sign when they join the brand. Before heading out, we were offered a choice of the many beverages that PepsiCo has to offer, which was a refreshing (literally) and fun way to end the visit.
Maggiano’s Dinner
After settling into our hotel, our group made our way to dinner at a Chicago classic—Maggiano’s Little Italy. We were joined by four Wisconsin School of Business alumni: Matt Huston, Katie Caffrey, Michelle Cruz, and Masuma Zulfakar. The conversation and laughter were as plentiful as the food, with dish after dish arriving at our table—savory appetizers, hearty entrées, and delicious desserts.
Hearing about the career paths of our alumni was inspiring, and I especially enjoyed reconnecting with Katie Caffrey. Less than a year ago, I met Katie during On, Wisconsin Weekend, a welcome event for incoming MBA students. She was an invaluable resource before I started the program—I asked her about everything from coursework and internships to where to find the best coffee in Madison. Over dinner, it was great to catch up, hear about her experience in the Leadership Development Program at Bank of America, and reflect on my own journey as an MBA student.
The night was a testament to what makes the Wisconsin alumni network so special—a community of people who are always willing to share experiences, offer career advice, and support each other. Their encouragement is genuine and unwavering. I walked away from dinner feeling grateful for the connections, the conversation, and of course, the incredible food.
Coeur Mining
The next morning, our group ate a quick breakfast and made our way to The Loop—Chicago’s business district—to visit Coeur Mining. After settling into a conference room lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, we were introduced to Emilie Schouten, Chief Human Resources Officer and Wisconsin IRRI alum, and Dan Pearson, Director of Talent Acquisition and Development.
Emilie brought a joyful, infectious energy that had our group laughing within minutes. As a fellow Business Badger, she spoke fondly of her time in the MBA program at Wisconsin and shared her career journey since graduation, including how she eventually stepped into the CHRO role at Coeur. Throughout the conversation, three key takeaways from Emilie stood out to me:
- Take risks. Emilie turned down a strong offer from her summer internship to pursue a different opportunity—one that promised more autonomy, broader experience, and greater potential for growth.
- Work for someone who values what you do. She stressed the importance of having a manager who respects and understands HR. Without that alignment, the role becomes frustrating—and unsustainable.
- Make HR a strategic priority. HR only thrives when leadership views it as essential to business success. Without that support, strategic initiatives lose momentum, and the function becomes reactive rather than proactive.
We were also joined by Mitchell Krebs, Chief Executive Officer at Coeur. It was immediately clear that his working relationship with Emilie was grounded in mutual respect and trust. Mitchell shared how, in 2013, he made the decision to move Coeur’s headquarters from Idaho to Chicago to help reset and reshape the company’s culture—something he believed was necessary for long-term success. He also spoke candidly about his own evolution as a leader. One of his biggest lessons was learning to step back from being “the doer” and start trusting his team.
As he spoke, I found myself thinking about Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, a book I’ve been reading that explores the power of vulnerability in leadership. Brown emphasizes that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the courage to lead with authenticity and build trust through everyday actions. She writes how strong leaders foster cultures rooted in accountability and courage. Listening to Mitchell, I was struck by how closely his leadership approach mirrored Brown’s ideas.
Hearing from Emilie and Mitchell showed me what it truly looks like when HR is both strategic and deeply human. Their stories brought to life the kind of leadership that builds trust, empowers teams, and shapes culture from the top down. I left Coeur Mining feeling energized, inspired, and more certain than ever about the kind of HR leader I hope to become.
Lyric Opera House
After leaving Coeur Mining, we headed straight to the iconic Lyric Opera of Chicago. This visit offered a completely different lens into the world of HR—one rooted in the nonprofit sector and shaped by the complexities of a unionized workforce.
We heard from a panel of HR professionals, including Jennifer Boyd, Vice President of People and Culture, who shared how she’s working to transform HR at Lyric. She discussed the challenges of managing multiple union contracts, overseeing a payroll system with staggered pay schedules, and implementing strategic initiatives within a unique organizational structure. Camilla Fernandez, Talent Management Associate, added valuable insight into recruiting for such a wide range of roles—from creative and production staff to operations and support functions.
We ended our visit with a quick tour of the Opera House led by UW alum Jon Siner. It was a great opportunity to see how HR supports an organization where creativity, logistics, and labor law all intersect. I left Lyric with deep admiration for their HR team—adaptable, intentional, and clearly committed to supporting a mission-driven organization. Their work ensures that every person—from stagehands to soloists—feels supported, valued, and seen.
River’s Restaurant
To conclude our trek, our group headed to lunch at River’s Restaurant—an inviting spot overlooking the Chicago River. We were joined by several Wisconsin alumni: Rebekah Reese, Ben Burney, Andrea Bechtel, and special guest Serena Huang. Each brought a unique perspective and career path, offering meaningful advice on navigating HR in today’s world.
Over lunch, we had the opportunity to ask questions, share stories, and continue building the kind of connections that make the Wisconsin MBA experience so valuable. It was the perfect setting to reflect on everything we had learned during the trek—from corporate strategy to nonprofit challenges, from leadership lessons to personal growth.
The trek gave me far more than just a behind-the-scenes look at HR—it gave me perspective. I witnessed how strategic HR adapts across industries, how strong leadership shapes culture, and how Wisconsin alumni show up with authenticity and heart. From the insights shared in conference rooms to the laughter shared over meals, I left the Windy City feeling more grounded in my goals and more energized about the impact I want to make. A huge thank you to our Center leaders, Tanya Hubanks and Mahina Adams, for organizing such an intentional and inspiring experience—I’m incredibly grateful and already looking forward to next year’s trek!