Lauren Lewis, Partner, StaffBuffalo

1.          Briefly describe your organization and position:

I am one of the Partners at StaffBuffalo and HRBuffalo!  StaffBuffalo provides full-service Recruitment and Outsourced Talent Acquisition Services, while HRBuffalo provides comprehensive Human Resources support so that businesses can maximize their operations and run efficiently and effectively!  StaffBuffalo was founded in 2015!

2.          What do you enjoy most about HR?

I have always loved working with people!  Through working in the HR space, I love being able to working with local businesses to help them hire great people, and connecting businesses with our HRBuffalo team so that they can help set up and improve their human resources function!  There are so many amazing companies in WNY, so I feel privileged that I get to learn about them, work closely with them, and help them grow!!

3.          How long have you been involved with the BNHRA?

I have been on the BNHRA Board for 5 years!  I started as the Networking Chair in 2017, moved into the President role in 2020, and currently I am in the Past-President role!

4.          In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun? 

I love to spend time with my family, I love running and walking in my Elmwood Village neighborhood, cheering on the Bills, and I love to travel!  Over the past few years, I have been learning to golf, and have found that I love to do too!  I have always been an athlete, so learning golf has been a challenge and a lot of fun!

5.          What is your favorite thing about Buffalo?

I love our Buffalo community!  We are so lucky to live in an area where you can make great connections and maximize the connections!  So many people here truly want to help each other!  I, also, love all that this region has to offer:  great restaurants, professional sports teams, theatre, arts, four seasons, access to outdoor recreation, ease of getting to Canada, and so much more!

6.          What has been the biggest influence on your career path? 

After working for 10 years for large, international corporations I learned that you really have to advocate for yourself and your career.  You have to do what is best for you to achieve your goals, and not sit around and wait for someone in your company to help with your professional development or for a promotion.  It is important to always make sure that you are connecting with others in your company to learn from them, network with them, and to help your professional development and growth!  Doing this outside of your company is very important too!  This will help your career and get you to where you want to be!  It is, also, important to take a risk!  You never want to look back and think “I wish I did that!”  The worst that can happen is that you learn from the experience!

7.          Advice for those entering the HR industry:  

Connect with as many people as you can to learn the industry and make sure to always stay on top of everything that is changing in an industry that is constantly evolving!  Also, remember, HR is a people industry, so make sure that you remember the people are at the heart of everything that you do!