The student-run Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) chapter at USC was recognized with the 2025-2026 SHRM Superior Merit Award. Under the direction of recent Master of Science in Human Resource Management graduate Jose Valencia-Alvarez, the chapter grew and flourished into an organization that expands opportunities for its members and builds community within the field. Their excellence was also recognized earlier in the year when they garnered first place at the SHRM California HR Student Case Competition, Graduate Division.
“The members of our SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of HR leaders, and their passion, talent, and commitment are vital to the future of our profession,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President & CEO, SHRM. “The accomplishments of our USC student chapter reflect the innovation, leadership and dedication that will shape tomorrow’s workplaces. I applaud their success and ability to drive innovative programming, professional development and a deeper interest in HR.”
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.
Winning first place at the SHRM HR Student Case Competition, from left to right: Chloe King, Jose Valencia-Alvarez, Twinkle Mehta
USC HRMA chapter president Jose Valencia-Alvarez and vice president Twinkle Mehta brought momentum and fresh ideas to the organization. “Our HRMA Chapter was founded in 2020, so it’s a relatively young chapter.” shares Valencia-Alvarez. “I’d say this is our best year yet. When I became president, we started as a team of five executive board members and by the end of the year we expanded our membership to 12 seats, hosted over 20 meetings including guest speakers, workshops, panel events and even held our first-ever cross-university collaboration event with Cal Poly Pomona, CSUSB, and UCLA.” Mehta helped shape this growth, explaining, “When we first connected, we had this vision — we want to organize, we want to bring a structure, and translate that vision into reality.”
SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
The USC Human Resources Management Association is open to all USC students to join and attend events.
Learn more about the USC HRMA and how to get involved.