Welcome to the HES Industrial-Organizational Psychology Student Society
Purpose
The Industrial-Organizational Psychology Student Society (IOPSS) aims to provide a formal and collaborative space for developing and sharing best practices and learning about doing business in different countries, cultures, or fields. The education at Harvard Extension School is substantial, but the first-hand experiences of professionals working in various countries can provide additional benefits that require more time. The ability to comprehend other nations' dynamics and subtleties is advantageous for I/O professionals and business people. As our student body comprises individuals worldwide, we have decided to utilize this network to foster positive connections and facilitate learning. We live in a global economy, and connecting with fellow business professionals will allow us to practice what we preach in our occupations and use the material we are learning in our courses.
Vision, Mission & Shared Values
Our vision is to positively and globally impact business and society.
Our mission is to provide high-quality education to all who seek it and to promote professional development, support continued learning, and create opportunities for HES students in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Management, and Business. We aim to connect individuals and improve their organizations by sharing multicultural business perspectives.
Our values include people, integrity, community, connection, learning, and adaptability. Our student society welcomes all students, past, present, and future, and members of the general public who wish to improve the environment. We also welcome students from other fields of study who want to learn more and contribute to society.
IOPSS Board 2023-2024
President & Founder - Heather Fife
Heather is the President of the IOP Student Society. Her responsibilities include establishing the vision, goals, and objectives for Student Society activities and events. Heather has been building businesses since 1998, starting her career in private equity and eventually becoming the COO of an international firm. In 2009, she entered the field of dermatology in Las Vegas and established the standard for dermatology practices in the area.
She is pursuing her passion for improving the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology by establishing a consulting practice to help executives create a more mindful work environment.
Vice President & Founding Member- Lauren Jerozolim
Lauren Jerozolim is the Vice President and supports the President's duties.
With over a decade of experience, Lauren has established multiple businesses from scratch. She is a co-founder and board member of Azami Global, a prominent international organization that provides intellectual property services. Before Azami, Lauren served as CEO of The PCT Network for six years. She holds a Master's degree in education, which she practiced for seven years before transitioning into business. She is pursuing an ALM in IO Psychology and is committed to helping organizations thrive through a people-focused approach. In addition to her professional pursuits, Lauren is a devoted mother of five and enjoys travelling with her family.
Director of Social Media Platform & Founding Member- Milan Babu
Milan is crucial in developing and implementing strategies to enhance society's visibility through various channels. Milan ensures that the content accurately reflects the mission, vision, and values of HES IOPSS. He also assists the Director of Event Management and other Executive Board members in establishing successful advertising strategies for the society's events and activities.
Milan has over 25 years of international experience in event management, fundraising, program coordination, and volunteering on community organization boards. Currently, she works in budgeting for the New York State government. Milan believes that pursuing an ALM in IO Psychology would provide a strong foundation for her doctoral program and complement her previous degrees in engineering and MBA. At the program's midpoint, she anticipates networking and gaining knowledge from the more experienced professionals in the field.
Director of Digitization & Founding Member- Kathrin Hoelzel
Kathrin is the Director of Digitization at HES IOPSS. Her responsibilities include laying the foundation for the new digital agenda for IOP research. She bridges the gap between scientific research and its application to the workplace by building an interdisciplinary network of I/O practice, science, and the business world. Kathrin oversees and provides technical support for all Society activities and communications.
Kathrin is an executive with high methodological competencies in digitization, change management, organizational development, and strategic leadership. She has a proven track record of working in various industries and countries and possesses excellent digital literacy due to her pronounced IT affinity and agility. Currently, she is halfway through the I/O Psychology ALM program. In her free time, Kathrin enjoys sports, traveling, and photography.
Director Operations & Finance and Founding Member - Vegas Ho
Vegas is the Director of Operations & Finance for HES IOPSS. In this role, Vegas oversees the financial and operational aspects of the Society to ensure that we have the necessary resources and processes to achieve our goals. Vegas works closely with other directors and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that support the digital paradigm shift and promote cutting-edge technology to drive organizational excellence. In addition, she establishes connections with industry partners to form a new interdisciplinary network of I/O practice, science, and business to support and contribute to the future of the IOP field. Vegas is an experienced talent, culture, and organizational development professional recognized for her strong commercial understanding and commitment to meaningful work. She is enthusiastic about empowering individuals and companies to achieve their full potential through targeted development initiatives. With over 12 years of experience, she has established a successful track record in building global solid talent foundations for high-growth companies. She is the founder of Roots & Ripples, a boutique talent consultancy offering expert advice, training, and coaching services to individuals and startups worldwide.
Director Event Management & Partnership Development - Claire Beich
As an accomplished professional and dedicated board member, my commitment lies at the intersection of mental health wellness and organizational excellence. Having a seat on the board in event management and partnership development has been no less than fulfilling and incredible. Armed with a completed Master's from Harvard, Extension Studies, I am passionate about guiding organizations through mental well-being, fostering engagement, and aligning recruitment and retention strategies with a culture centered around holistic health. As Director of Event Management & Partnership Development, I bring a unique skill set to craft tailored solutions, ensuring versatile approaches to our events, and we can connect in the most productive and fun way possible. Join us on this journey of shared success, where we actively shape the narrative of workplaces that excel in safety and prioritize the well-being of each individual. I could not be happier to have been a part of such a wonderful and skilled team of individuals who brought such extraordinary talents to the table.
Director of Member Development - Sarah Leonard
Sarah is the Director of Member Development. In her duties, she is the liaison between the HES IOPSS Board and its members, responding to member inquiries, maintaining membership, and encouraging communication and collaborate to enhance the members’ experience and elevate HES IOPSS and the field of I/O.
Sarah Leonard currently works in the legal field, with experience in leading multiple large-scale global projects and initiatives. Sarah has been honored with several awards for her contributions to enhancing culture and promoting collaboration at her current organization. She is heavily involved in her community, and has volunteer led several non-profits in her local Washington, D.C. area, focusing on elevating and empowering women. Sarah believes strongly in supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, in all areas of her life. Due to a recent event and change in medical status, she focuses on raising awareness of diverse abilities to create pathways for everyone to thrive.
