One of the longest running student organizations at CGU
With 11+ years of connection to the CGU community, Org Talks is a speaker series of presentations, panels, and meetings designed to promote dialogue between students, researchers, and practitioners. Discussions cover topics in organizational behavior, industrial and organizational psychology, positive organizational psychology, and evaluation.
Anyone with an interest is welcome— speakers include academics and practitioners, alumni, and visiting psychologists. This student organization typically meets once a month during the semester.
Org Talks is led by current CGU students. Contact these leaders directly with questions or event suggestions.
2024-2025 Leadership
- Aaron Robbins (aaron.robbins@cgu.edu)
- Delia Bani (delia.bani-shoraka@cgu.edu)
- Victoria Do (victoria.do@cgu.edu)
2024-2025 Event Schedule
Performance Management in Practice: Real-World Insights with Breanna Gutierrez
Thursday, April 24th
12:00pm – 1:00pm PST
Burkle 12 and Zoom
Breanna Gutierrez is the Senior Manager of Talent Development at Niagara Bottling, where she drives talent strategies and development programs for almost 10,000 employees. With more than a decade at Niagara, she’s played a key role in building impactful programs that support career growth — from internships to leadership development and everything in between.
Breanna earned her Master of Science in Human Resources Design from Claremont Graduate University in 2015. She believes in a human-first approach to development, fostering meaningful connections, and integrating mindfulness into her work and interactions. Breanna is passionate about creating experiences that help people thrive in their roles and careers. Outside of work, she’s often practicing yoga, hiking local trails, or spending time with family and friends.
The Power of Leaning In and Crafting Opportunities with Lawrence Chan
Thursday, February 6th
12:00pm – 1:00pm PST
Burkle 16 and Zoom
In his primary role, Lawrence Chan, PhD is a Research Scientist Supervisor for the California Department of Public Health where he currently oversees a team of researchers and epidemiologists supporting data analytics and research operations throughout the State of California. He is also a data analytics consultant who has worked with many organizations, ranging from technology to professional services industries. Lawrence is also a faculty member at Chapman University and Cal Poly Pomona where he teaches a broad range of courses from psychology, management, statistics, and research methods at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Prior to his current role, Lawrence was a Research Data Scientist at the Orange County Health Care Agency. He has also taught at several other universities in Southern California including Woodbury University in Burbank and Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. Lawrence earned his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate.
How NASA’s Multidisciplinary Mars Teams Make Extraordinary Missions Possible with Thomas Chan
Tuesday, October 1st
12:00pm – 1:00pm PST
Burkle 12 and Zoom
Dr. Thomas Chan, began his journey just like you—as a student at CGU—where he earned his PhD in Positive Developmental Psychology in 2016. He is now an Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of the Health Equity Research and Education Center at California State University Northridge. Dr. Chan’s research centers on harnessing cutting-edge technologies and human-machine teaming to optimize system performance and enhance quality of life. His work has received funding from organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health and Medicine, the Department of Defense, and NASA.
Faculty Panel
Tuesday, September 10th
11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Burkle 12 and Zoom*
Join us for an enlightening and informative experience at the upcoming Org Talks- DBOS Faculty Panel! Are you a new student eager to embark on your academic journey? This is your chance to connect with seasoned professors who are experts in their respective fields. Our distinguished panel will be ready to tackle your questions, whether they pertain to program specifics, course insights, or advice on navigating the world of business and organizational studies. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and kick-start your academic journey!
2023-2024 Event Schedule
From Classroom to Consultancy: Skills and Knowledge For Organizational Design and Transformation Consulting with Jason Beck
Monday, April 8th
11:30 am – 12:30 pm PST
Burkle 12 and Zoom
Jason Beck received his PhD in Positive Organizational Psychology in Fall 2021. His research primarily involved how mindfulness and the quality of attention affect leaders and how they connect to their followers, develop leadership skills, and have meaningful work. Specifically, his dissertation examined how mindfulness helps leaders transform emotional intensity in meaningful experiences. Jason is passionate about developing what it means to “be human” in the workplace. See Jason speak at the 2021 CGU graduation commencement about the pursuit of the meaningful life over the happy life.
Jason is an Organizational Design and Transformation Partner at The Ready, a future-of-work consultancy committed to changing how the world works—from business as usual to brave new work. Furthermore, his consulting style blends together interpersonal communication skills, co-created adaptive strategy, and navigating the inner landscape of the mind to unlock clarity and insights.
In person attendance recommended, but if wanting to join virtually, send an email to:
aaron.robbins@cgu.edu
A Dive Into Organizational Development in Human Resources with Nicole Katz
Wednesday, March 27th
12:00pm – 1:00pm pm PST
Burkle 12 and Zoom
Nicole Katz is a dedicated Human Resources professional with over 8 years of experience in the public sector and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Behavior and Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University. Since obtaining her Master’s in 2016, Nicole has worked at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization and council of governments, which aims to convene local governments and agencies to address regional transportation, land use, and other issues of mutual concern in the Southern California region. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in transforming SCAG’s HR division from a transactional unit of two to a strategic business partner over the years through various agency-wide initiatives such as spearheading the launch of a learning management system, implementing a hybrid work environment, and developing other strategic talent management processes. In her current role as a Principal Human Resources Analyst, Nicole leads the Learning and Organizational Development team and has a track record of designing and implementing programs that foster a culture of learning and enhance the employee experience at SCAG.
In person attendance recommended, but if wanting to join virtually, send an email to:
aaron.robbins@cgu.edu
A Dive Into the Intersection of Different Cultures and Retail Work with Brian Juarez
Monday, February 26th
11:30 am – 12:30 pm PST
Burkle 12 and Zoom
Brian is a CGU alumni from the Positive Organizational Psychology and Evaluation Program. He served as a leadership coach during his time at CGU, helping others develop their leadership abilities. He is currently working as a Human Resource Generalist at Marukai Corporation USA. When he is not at work, he is an advisor for the Youth and Government program at the YMCA, helping teens learn how to write bills and advocate for systemic change. To further his commitment to helping others, he serves his city as a City Clerk and supports community events however possible.
In person attendance recommended, but if wanting to join virtually, send an email to:
aaron.robbins@cgu.edu
Thesis Proposal Presentations
Thursday, November 30th
11:45 am – 1:00 pm PST
Burkle 16 and Zoom
Directed Research (OB and Pos Psych) students will be presenting their thesis proposals for the last Org Talks event of the 2023 fall semester. This is a great opportunity to hear about some very interesting research studies in Org Behavior and Positive Psychology at CGU. First-year students are encouraged to attend in order to gain insight into the thesis process from their peers. Food and drinks will be provided.
In person attendance recommended, but if wanting to join virtually, send an email to:
aaron.robbins@cgu.edu
Developing Mixed Method Training Programs with Adam Wyand
Tuesday, November 7th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PST
Burkle 16 and Zoom
Adam Wyand has amassed a diverse background, spanning multiple roles across the Nonprofit, Education, Technology, and Manufacturing industries. He earned his M.A. in Organizational Behavior & Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University in 2017. His experience includes a track record of spearheading impactful training programs, integrating innovative technology solutions, and fostering a culture of learning. He currently serves as the Training Development Manager at Raymond West, one of Amazon’s largest vendors in the United States. Whether it’s designing eLearning courses or piloting Augmented Reality headsets, Adam incorporates a variety of training methods to enhance learning in an evolving workplace.
The Impact of HR in an Organization with Lisseth Zouhbi
Tuesday, OCTOBER 10th
12:00 Pm – 1:00 pm
Burkle 16 and Zoom
As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Child Care Resource Center, Lisseth Zouhbi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources. Lisseth has demonstrated a proven track record of success in developing and implementing HR strategies that align with the company’s objectives and goals. Joining CCRC in 2022, Lisseth manages talent acquisition, total rewards including payroll, organizational and performance management, recognition programs, compliance, training and organizational development, workplace policy, DEI and employee relations for over 1,000 employees.
Faculty Panel
Tuesday, September 12th
11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Burkle 14 and Zoom*
Join us for an enlightening and informative experience at the upcoming Org Talks- DBOS Faculty Panel! Are you a new student eager to embark on your academic journey? This is your chance to connect with seasoned professors who are experts in their respective fields. Our distinguished panel will be ready to tackle your questions, whether they pertain to program specifics, course insights, or advice on navigating the world of business and organizational studies. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and kick-start your academic journey!
2022-2023 Event Schedule
Strategies for Building Employee Engagement in the New Normal with Kimberly Allain
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023
11:30 Am – 12:30 pm
Burkle 14 and zoom*
Kimberly Allain is a respected and trusted business leader with extensive experience in
human resources, currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for California State University at Cal Poly Pomona. Kimberly is an expert in modernizing engagement strategies and has transformed her team into a customer-focused and people-first culture, achieving institutional satisfaction scores of 95%. She is a skilled business and people strategist who has developed a modernization strategy for the future of work and has improved efficiency by 22% by integrating technology solutions and predictive analytics. She has also been successful in establishing a data-driven approach to effecting change and influencing culture. Kimberly has a Master of Arts in organizational leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She is a member of Chief, the Society for Human Resources Management, and the Association of Training and Development.
*email aaron.robbins@cgu.edu for zoom link
Rounding Out Your Experience as an Applied Psychologist with Jeremy Watson (recording)
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
11:00 Am – 12:00 pm
Burkle 14
Jeremy Watson, PhD, has more than 17 years of experience in the areas of industrial/organizational, consumer, and clinical psychology. He has developed expertise in leadership development, talent management, and individual and organizational assessment. In his role as a Senior Consultant at Vaya, Jeremy focuses on executive talent selection, succession planning, and coaching leaders to reach their full potential.
Jeremy received his PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He holds a certification as a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Executive Coach. He also earned a MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. He resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his husband, son, and two dogs.
The Power of Strengths and Finding Your Professional Sweet Spot with Eileen Coskey Fracchia (recording)
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023
12:00 Pm – 1:00 pm
Burkle 14
Org Talks is excited to feature Author, Executive Coach, Public Speaker and Professor, Eileen Coskey Fracchia for our March event. Eileen is the Founder and CEO of El Camino Group, LLC, providing strength-based leadership and professional development services. She is passionate about creating more inclusive, appreciative, and productive work environments, and specializes in helping individuals, teams and organizations identify their strengths and reach their full potential. Eileen is known for her expertise in strategic and organizational effectiveness planning, executive and professional coaching, and the development of customized learning solutions. Her clients come from a variety of industries in both the profit and non-profit sectors, including Facebook, Coca-Cola, and Lionsgate/Starz. Eileen has also served as a member of Loyola Marymount University’s EMBA teaching faculty and is a Founding Fellow, Strategic Advisor, of the Institute of Coaching, a Harvard McLean Medical School Affiliate. She holds an MS in Executive Leadership and is certified through the International Coach Federation (ICF). Eileen is a published co-author of The Great LeadHERship Awakening, released March 13, 2023.
View The Great LeadHERship Awakening here.
Thesis Proposal Presentations
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
11:45 am – 1:30 pm
Burkle 14
Directed Research (OB and Pos Psych) students will be presenting their thesis proposals for the first Org Talks event of the 2022-2023 year. This is a great opportunity to hear about some very interesting research studies in Org Behavior and Positive Psychology at CGU. First-year students are encouraged to attend in order to gain insight into the thesis process from their peers. Food and drinks will be provided.
In person attendance recommended, but if wanting to join virtually, send an email to aaron.robbins@cgu.edu.
Past Events