By Clare Moore, Brightmine Communications Manager
Brightmine has announced the winners of its first HR Scholarship program.
Launched earlier this year, the Brightmine HR Scholarship was created to support and empower the next generation of HR leaders looking to further develop their knowledge and expertise.
Brightmine HR Scholarship 2025 winners list
The following is a complete list of the Brightmine HR scholarship 2025 winners in alphabetical order:
- Annette Cobos
- Bailey Cummins
- Sydney Fisher
- Nicole Kohers,
- Julia Martinez
- Arin McHugh
- Eliza Morgan
- Teresa Morgan
- Paula Nolan
- Medha Patil
Each of the winners receives a grant of $1,000 and access to our industry-leading compliance tool, the Brightmine HR & Compliance Center, for the duration of their studies.
Judging panel
The judging panel was made up of several senior Brightmine individuals alongside guest judge, Sheila Thomas, MS-HR Collaborative Innovative HR Executive.
Amanda Czepiel, U.S. Country Lead and Head of Content at Brightmine and a judge of the awards said:
“Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, as your submission stood out among a highly competitive pool of applicants, indicating your commitment to the field of Human Resources.
“The Brightmine HR Scholarship is not just an award; it is a recognition of your academic skill and understanding of the future of HR, as well as a steppingstone towards furthering your expertise in the field. This scholarship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of HR professionals like yourselves, empowering you to deepen your knowledge, expand your potential, and advance in both academic and professional realms.
“As you embark on this exciting journey supported by the Brightmine HR Scholarship, we wish you all the success in your future endeavors. May this opportunity serve as a catalyst for tremendous growth, opening doors to new horizons and possibilities in your career.
“While judging these essays, one aspect that truly impressed me was the diverse range of perspectives each applicant brought to their writing but the consistency in the idea that HR is constantly evolving – in technology, in regulation, and how and where employees work. It was inspiring to see how each essay uniquely showcased a passion for HR and a drive to make meaningful contributions to the field.”
– Amanda Czepiel, U.S. Country Lead and Head of Content, Brightmine
Brightmine HR Scholarship application process
To be considered for a scholarship, each candidate demonstrated a level of academic achievement, submitted a 750–1000-word essay on how they see the role of HR changing in the next three to five years and a two-minute video on what inspired them to pursue a career in HR.
Shared perspectives
Across all the essays reviewed, several common themes emerged that reflect shared perspectives on the future of human resources (HR) over the next three to five years:
- HR is undergoing a major transformation—from a reactive, administrative function to a strategic, proactive force in business. Essays highlighted HR’s growing role in decision-making, culture shaping, and organizational development.
- AI is emerging as a powerful tool for automating routine tasks, though ethical concerns and the need for human oversight remain critical. Data-driven decision-making is becoming essential, with HR professionals expected to embrace analytics to gain executive influence.
- Priorities like employee well-being, DEIB, and flexible work are reshaping workplace culture, especially under Gen Z’s influence. Meanwhile, remote work is here to stay, and continuous learning is vital for HR to lead through change and disruption.
Personal journeys into HR
Many applicants shared personal stories in their video submissions, revealing how experiences with either poor or inspiring HR practices motivated their career choice. A strong theme was a desire to help others and foster inclusive, positive workplace cultures. For many, the scholarship represents both financial relief and recognition of their resilience as they balance work, family, and education.
Clare Moore
Communications Manager, Brightmine
Clare has over 20 years’ experience supporting B2B organisations with their communications strategies.
Clare is CIPR qualified and holds a level 5 CIPD qualification in Human Resource Management.
Specialising in the business compliance space and a self-confessed HR nerd, Clare has worked with both professional services and technology companies to educate and inform professionals on the latest developments within HR, employment law and payroll.
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