Chason Forehand

HR-4U INC.

My story consists of years of physical and mental abuse, drug addiction, homelessness, shame, self-loathing, incarceration and suicidal ideation.

I thought I was worthless.

I was offered a gift by someone in the culinary field that wanted to pay it forward, as it had been paid forward to them.  This set me on a path to get clean and see how I could pay it forward.

Forty-four percent (44%) of the U.S. makes below a living wage.
  
Poverty is on the rise.

Food Insecurity is at an all-time high.

How do we address these socioeconomic challenges with actionable change that breaks the cycles?

On the Advocacy side, we lock arms with End Workplace Abuse, Workplace Fairness, over 115 partners in 8 countries, to stand firm that people matter over everything else.  We are currently charging in the NY/NJ/CT area to help pass the Psychological Safety Act.

Our boots on the ground is our Transformation Kitchen(™️) program which builds strong communities of mentally and physically healthy humans that leave their addictions, violence, incarceration and past decisions behind to move forward in a positive way.  

With our Director of Student Wellness, Sarah O'Brien, we make sure those moving through our program are set up to thrive, not survive.

We are much more than a culinary training facility; we are a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Our first #TK is in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, working in tandem with Rayo de Sol to build a legacy of economic change.

Our next one will be in NY and we will be making more announcements soon.

If you would like to know more about our programs and how to get involved reach out here:
https://linktr.ee/chasonforehand

Founder

The Outlier Project

A dedicated professional development and growth community.  A special focus of The Outlier Project is to develop leaders who believe that companies and individuals alike succeed or fail based on the quality of the teams they build and the relationships they invest in.  We call this having a “People Over Everything” mindset.

Proud Audacious Member

Success Champion Networking (SCN)

The Success Champions Network is a B2B networking platform designed to connect like-minded businesses for genuine conversations, introductions, and growth opportunities. 

It aims to foster collaborations and substantial business growth through a community of professionals who adhere to the Success Champion's Code. Members gain access to actionable insights, immediate knowledge for business growth, and exclusive training programs. 

The network is not just about networking; it's about building a community, expanding business opportunities, and accessing practical knowledge to help members take their businesses to the next level.

Hospitality Table Member

Transform

The Transform Community is a dynamic network of professionals and leaders dedicated to enhancing their professional journeys through a dedicated online member experience. 

Members can leverage the collective wisdom of the community, engage in discussion forums, and access specialized groups. The community also offers real-time chats and a membership directory, providing rich resources and events to keep members connected and inspired.

U.S. Member

HR Consultations

I am the Founder and creator of a company designed to help small to medium sized Not-For-Profit, and Social Good organizations receive sound, expert advice, technical system assistance, and services without sales pressure and upselling. Our team has created a robust portfolio of helping many organizations thrive in tough economic times and a global pandemic.  We support our clients in every aspect of HR, developing policies, procedures, technical advice, developing programs and platforms to enhance their needs and put them on an empowered path of self-reliance.

Founder / Fractional HR

Spartan/LifeLab

As a senior leader of the organization, I was tasked with developing strategies for retaining the best talent, including how we recruited, engaged. and communicated with staff members across three countries and in multiple US states.  

My teams and I built the entire HR stack, award winning Safety Protocols for our warehouses, and all of the policies and procedures for the company.  We also developed, created, and marketed natural, food grade, nutrient-based supplements, and personal care products which were manufactured and distributed in the US.  

Our incredible marketing and Sales teams worked in tandem to double our YoY numbers in every division category, opening pathways to new markets, while solidifying relationships with Amazon, Walmart, Sally's Beauty, and others.  We developed strategies to increase our market space in traditional brick-n-mortar, B2B and B2C capacities while challenging ourselves for "what's next".

Our Warehouse teams went over 2 years without a single accident, maintained cGMP standards, and received excellent ratings from the FDA, Health Department, and other agencies, while shipping 100% on time to our partners each week.  This won us two coveted awards where we all shared the victory.

Director Of Operations

Founder of hr-4u.org▪︎Breaking down employment barriers▪︎People over Everything▪︎Neurodiversity Inclusion▪︎Disabilty Equality▪︎Military Ready

I believe in the power of people.

When we collaborate and work together we can move mountains, build communities, and conquer socioeconomic issues plaguing our cities.

Everyone should have a safe space to call home.

Everyone should have consistent access to nutritious food.

Everyone deserves to make a living wage.

I believe there is a way that companies and their teams can thrive.

At HR-4U INC, we are known for empowering change-driven companies and their leaders to advocate for and uplift their employees with living wages, worth, and wellbeing. 

Using a specialized grassroots approach, we empower change-driven leaders to stand up, speak out, and take action. This approach includes strategically collaborating with other nonprofits to shine a light on leaders who prioritize people first. 

This collaborative spirit stems from over 40 years of honing my “people-first” passion and experience in the Culinary, Human Resources and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion spaces. 

We are thrilled to announce that HR-4U has achieved the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar for the fourth year in a row. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to our unwavering commitment and relentless dedication.

Our newest program, Transformation Kitchen™, is designed to provide participants skilled training, a strong sense of community, wellness checkups, healthy meals and living wage careers.

Find out how you can get involved to create positive change in your community.

We are a charitable 501c3 Nonprofit, incorporated as hr-4u inc., in Delaware.  We're on a mission to remove the roadblocks that create barriers to finding living-wage employment for all communities. 

How we affect change:

We create meaningful relationships with employers, of all sizes, that are already exhibiting equitable hiring behaviors, creating meaningful diversity measures, and align with our mission.  We also look for individuals that are coaching leader behaviors towards people over everything.

We shine a light on the successful behaviors of our Employer-Partners & Leader-Partners through social media avenues, video recordings, speaking engagements and other venues.  By shining this light on positive behaviors, we create change for all to see and witness.  As our partnerships grow, the intensity of our light will grow, creating organic change while supporting fantastic leaders that are changing the world.

🌈 Desiree Goldey   🌈

ZRG Partners, LLC

Director of Marketing, Embedded Recruiting & Interim Solutions

Evidently Me

Contributed to the design and development of the Evidently Me platform, focusing on improving talent representation, particularly in technical industries. Collaborated directly with the co-founders and with other industry experts to provide feedback, help refine offerings, and ensure platform usability aligned with current industry needs, preparing it for commercial launch.

Design Advisory Member- Voluntary

Do Better Consulting

•	Established Do Better Consulting in 2020, identifying a critical gap in talent acquisition strategies through extensive market research and networking. Successfully attracted and managed over 20 major clients, revolutionizing their hiring practices with a focus on diversity. 
•	Achieved a 15% increase in diversity hires for our clients, significantly enhanced candidate pipelines, and reduced time-to-fill positions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new hiring strategies.
•	Spearheaded comprehensive training programs, rewrote job descriptions, and developed end-to-end recruiting processes and sourcing strategies, tailoring each to enhance DEIB in client organizations. These initiatives led to a measurable increase in diverse candidate recruitment and streamlined hiring processes, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive talent acquisition. 
•	Formulated partnerships with educational institutions and various platforms to bolster our clients' diversity hiring goals, integrating these collaborations into the core of our consulting services.
•	Conducted thorough audits of clients' existing hiring processes, followed by targeted training and the implementation of resource-rich, newly devised recruiting strategies.

ZRG Embedded Recruiting/RPO

•	Spearheaded talent operations and culture initiatives to drive company-wide talent and DEIB efforts, resulting in measurable process, inclusivity, and employee satisfaction improvements.
•	Established a process for measuring project success including recruiter metrics, sourcing metrics and pipeline management.
•	Researched, implemented, and maintained current internal ATS.
•	Developed and executed innovative hiring processes with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These efforts led to a 20% increase in top-tier candidate engagement and a notable reduction in systemic biases.
•	Streamlined HR processes to optimize candidate and employee experiences, leading to a 30% improvement in organizational efficiency and a 25% increase in employee engagement metrics.
•	Conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis and developed an integrated marketing strategy, encompassing social media, email, and branding. This strategy resulted in a 40% increase in online engagement and a 15% growth in brand recognition.
•	Implemented a series of employee engagement initiatives, including social hours, speaker series, and holiday events, which contributed to a 35% increase in overall employee satisfaction and a 20% decrease in annual turnover.
•	Forged key collaborations with external organizations for systems, tools, and marketing efforts resulting in a complete package being offered to our prospective and current clients.
•	Designed and delivered training programs on talent and DEIB topics, equipping leaders, and staff with the tools to create strategic plans and processes.
•	Designed, delivered, and implemented a four-year DEIB strategic plan that included actionable items and metrics.
•	Leveraged analytics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities, guiding data-backed decisions that consistently improved talent operations and cultural initiatives.

Director, Talent Operations & Culture

•	Transformed employee retention rates, elevating them from 43% to 75% within a single year.
•	Pioneered a performance review process that remains integral to our operations.
•	Innovated and executed a recruitment marketing strategy, amplifying website and social media traffic by 35%.
•	Orchestrated comprehensive individual and team training initiatives, encompassing both outsourced and in-house programs.
•	Evaluated and established a technology stack to be used across various industries and clients.
•	Strategized and executed regular employee performance evaluations, fostering continuous growth.
•	Led skills gap analyses, pinpointing opportunities for skill development and enhancement.
•	Spearheaded engaging diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs and solutions.
•	Established and nurtured client relationships for our RPO services, ensuring exceptional partnerships.
•	Diligently monitored and reported turnover rates, enabling proactive retention strategies.
•	Formulated policies that bolster internal promotions, fostering employee advancement.
•	Constructed insightful organizational charts, delineating roles and responsibilities, and set up resource planning for the future.
•	Fostered career-pathing dialogues with high-potential employees and their team leaders, fostering growth trajectories.
•	Conducted comprehensive benchmark research on compensation and benefits, ensuring competitive remuneration.
•	Seamlessly facilitated the onboarding of new hires, ensuring a smooth integration process.

Talent Operations Manager, DEIB Team Lead

Hub Recruiting is talent acquisition for the modern world. We offer experience, honesty and incredible innovation. Hub Recruiting has become a leader in providing exceptional HR, technology, and finance consultants. We effectively increase our clients’ quality of hire while reducing cost per hire.

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

PEAK Technical Staffing USA

On-Site Staffing Manager

•	Relocated to Austin from Philadelphia to serve as an on-site recruiter/manager for one of Peak’s largest accounts.
•	Independently secured three new enterprise-level accounts in Austin over a one-year period, driving new sales growth.
•	Successfully managed a substantial account comprising four business units within the Austin area.
•	Attained the top position as recruiter/manager within the company on three separate occasions in less than a year.
•	Held the second position in recruiting/sales revenue across the organization.
•	Oversaw a $1.5 million account, ensuring all placements met the company's requirements.
•	Aiming to achieve $3.5 million in sales/recruiting revenue for the year 2020.
•	Led a team of four recruiters, demonstrating excellence in performance management, task assignment, and progress monitoring.
•	Formulated innovative recruiting strategies utilizing diverse tools to pinpoint qualified candidates.
•	Evaluated candidates' strengths relative to clients' specific demands, ensuring precise matches.
•	Mastered the art of negotiating wages, terms, and employment conditions, fostering candidate commitment.
•	Skillfully managed contract employees during their assignments, adeptly addressing and resolving any contractor-related issues.
•	Collaborated closely with Account Managers to identify top-tier accounts, targeted skill sets, and pivotal market segments while comprehending clients' staffing needs.

On-Site Staffing Manager/Account Manager

PEAK Technical Staffing USA is dedicated to staffing the Technical needs of our clients on a contract temporary and direct placement basis. We offer challenging assignments that are on the cutting edge of technology and present excellent opportunities for career growth.

As a Staffing Manager, I:

•	Develop recruiting strategies designed to identify qualified candidates through various recruiting tools 
•	Evaluate candidates’ strengths compared with clients’ requirements 
•	Negotiate wages, terms and conditions of employment with candidates, and gain commitment from candidates for current and future job requirements 
•	Manage contract employees while on assignment: assess and investigate contractor related problems 
•	Work with Account Managers to identify top accounts, target skill sets, key market segments, and to assess clients’ staffing requirements

Staffing Manager

PEAK Technical Staffing USA is dedicated to staffing the Technical needs of our clients on a contract temporary and direct placement basis. We offer challenging assignments that are on the cutting edge of technology and present excellent opportunities for career growth.

As a Recruiter, I:
•	Source candidates in order to build a pipeline for open positions 
•	Complete training on recruiting strategies to place qualified engineers into appropriate 
opportunities 
•	Discuss money, and terms & conditions with candidates
•	Build relationships with industry contacts to provide customer service, gain industry knowledge, 
and get referrals as well as sales leads

Recruiter II

PEAK Technical Staffing USA is dedicated to staffing the Technical needs of our clients on a contract temporary and direct placement basis. We offer challenging assignments that are on the cutting edge of technology and present excellent opportunities for career growth.

 As a Recruiter, I:
•	Source candidates in order to build a pipeline for open positions 
•	Complete training on recruiting strategies to place qualified engineers into appropriate 
         opportunities 
•	Discuss money, and terms & conditions with candidates
•	Build relationships with industry contacts to provide customer service, gain industry knowledge, 
       and get referrals as well as sales leads

Recruiter I

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE)

•	•	Steered a team of 30+ agents across 10 store locations, demonstrating effective leadership and management skills.
•	Orchestrated end-to-end talent operations by recruiting, interviewing, and supervising a workforce of 200+ during peak employment periods.
•	Crafted dynamic multimedia presentations to enhance company and role comprehension during recruitment efforts.
•	Masterminded budgeting, payroll, scheduling, training, and monthly sales training meetings alongside equipment maintenance.
•	Pioneered a novel goal management process through Salesforce, streamlining field team administration and fostering efficiency.
•	Collaborated closely with the Marketing Director, contributing to creative strategies, media execution, and ROI evaluation.
•	Innovated employee evaluation procedures, catalyzing significant performance enhancements, a 40% surge in lead generation, and customer base expansion.
•	Engineered a remarkable 45% revenue upswing through strategic brand realignment, revolutionary recruitment methodologies, and revamped agent scripts, driving store success.

Regional Marketing Manager

Passanante's Home Food Service

•	Amplified the company's visibility and cultivated a positive company image while serving as a temporary consultant, overseeing tradeshow and event management across all market segments.
•	Pioneered and nurtured robust connections with event vendors, labor organizations, and relevant media partners.
•	Handled payroll, scheduling, travel arrangements, and lead collection duties.
•	Collaborated with marketing, sales, and creative teams to formulate and execute the trade show and events strategy punctually and aligned with objectives.
•	Orchestrated tradeshow and event platforms, associated visuals, and promotional initiatives to reinforce Passanante's mission and strategic direction.
•	Supervised vendor relationships with hotels, convention centers, exhibit houses, and affiliated entities for shows and events.
•	Guaranteed prompt completion and production of vital deliverables, encompassing tradeshow communications and supporting materials.

Trade Show Manager

Six Points Foods

•	Spearheaded the strategic planning and execution of dynamic sales, marketing, and product development initiatives across multiple units within restaurant chains.
•	Cultivated and managed a robust client portfolio exceeding $3 million in value.
•	Pioneered a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for kosher food products, driving market penetration and growth.
•	Executed visionary plans encompassing new business ventures, distribution channels, impactful social media campaigns, brand elevation, and entry into emerging markets.
•	Orchestrated and guided a high-performing sales team of nine, consistently achieving sales targets aligned with profit and loss objectives.
•	Led the recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of a diverse workforce of 60+ employees.
•	Innovated by conceptualizing and implementing an advanced POS system to enhance operational efficiency.
•	Championed the implementation of refined multi-unit management processes, resulting in an impressive 36% growth trajectory.
•	Handpicked, trained, and organized a skilled management team, fostering in-service techniques that elevated customer satisfaction to new heights.
•	Skillfully managed all facets of events within the catering division and restaurants, including meticulous scheduling, strategic planning, vendor collaborations, and flawless execution.

Director of Sales and Marketing

•	Carefully developed a lucrative annual food and beverage marketing plan and strict budget to maximize profits.
•	Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
•	Strategically developed effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs.
•	Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
•	Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
•	Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.

Sales Manager

Welcome! I’m Desiree, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in talent, sales, and marketing. As the Director of Marketing and Culture for ZRG Embedded Recruiting and Interim Solutions, I combine my expertise and passion for human resources, talent, and building inclusive workplaces to develop marketing strategies, content, and tactical plans.

At ZRG Embedded Recruiting, we provide flexible talent solutions to help our clients grow without unnecessary overhead.

At ZRG Interim Solutions, we extend this impact by delivering on-demand, flexible leadership and talent solutions. Our Interim team bridges gaps, providing experienced professionals to navigate transitions and execute critical initiatives with precision.

My Expertise Includes:

Strategic Marketing: Developing employer brands and campaigns that position ZRG—and our clients—as leaders in the talent space.
DEIB Advocacy: Crafting inclusive messaging to attract and retain diverse talent.
Human Resources: Extensive experience with driving strategy and transformation.
Leadership and Culture: Driving initiatives that transform internal cultures and foster belonging.

Over two decades of experience in talent, sales, and marketing have given me a unique perspective on storytelling, building trust, and achieving results. In addition to my work at ZRG, I’m a speaker and thought leader on leadership, workplace empathy, and DEIB strategies.

Let’s Collaborate:

Explore ZRG Embedded and Interim Solutions: Let’s discuss how we can meet your talent needs.
Elevate DEIB in your organization: Let’s work together to create a culture of belonging.
Planning an event? I’m available to speak and share insights on talent, culture, and inclusion.

Follow my tagline #DoBetterPeople for bold perspectives on DEIB, leadership, and talent solutions or just follow me here: https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/discovery-see-all/?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=desireegoldey

⭐ Disclaimer: All opinions are mine, not those of my employers. Respectful dialogue is welcome, but agreement is optional.

Talent Operations & Marketing Manager, DEIB Team Lead

Currently managing all recruiting-related activities, equipping recruiters with the most effective tools to approach the hiring process, tracking recruiting metrics to identify the best strategies and areas of improvement, and forecasting future talent needs and ensuring recruiting teams are able to meet those goals.  Also responsible for leading the company's diversity and inclusion efforts.

Hub Recruiting is talent acquisition for the modern world. We offer experience, honesty and incredible innovation. Hub Recruiting has become a leader in providing exceptional HR, technology, and finance consultants. We effectively increase our clients’ quality of hire while reducing cost per hire.

There’s something electric in the air right now.

As a Black woman who’s seen the path twist, turn, and pivot, this moment feels ripe. Every day I’m inspired by women I know doing the building, the growing, the leading: 

Brianna Doe 
Rocki Howard 
Leah Vernon   
Tiffany Castagno 
Netta Jenkins 
Felicia Smith, ACC... just naming a few.

Here’s what the numbers say:
• Black/African‑American women own ≈ 𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, representing roughly 𝟭𝟰 % 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻‑𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 in the U.S.  
• Between 2019 and 2024, the number of firms owned by Black women grew by over 𝟱𝟬 %, despite systemic headwinds. 
• Women overall are founding almost 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 now—about 𝟰𝟵 % 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, up from ~29 % in 2019.  

We’re doing it. We’re showing up. We’re creating.

But this isn’t just about business. It’s about community and influence. Because building alone is invisible. Community is powerful. And the work we do as leaders, founders, creatives isn’t just for us—it’s for the ones coming behind, the ones left out, the ones who saw us and thought: If she can, I can.

So, if you’re reading this and you’re ready, you’re qualified. If you’re ready to build, not just a business, but a brand. Not just a brand, but a movement.

This is our moment. Reach for it. Build it. Elevate together.

💡 And one more: I’ll keep striving, keep doing, keep pushing because the world we want doesn’t wait. We build it.

Strategic Talent & Culture Leader | Builder of High-Performance Teams & Scalable Systems | Speaker, Author & Podcast Host

I’ve had a migraine for the last two days. 

And yes, I know someone will say, “It’s just a headache.” 

It’s not. Slurred speech. Blurry vision. Sensitivity to light. The world is twisting around you. It all sucks. And yes, people have told me they think I wasn’t making sense. I think I am, but the words that come out make sense to no one else.

According to experts, migraines are a complex neurological disorder, not just “bad headaches.” They often come with nausea, altered speech, light and sound sensitivity, and they can last hours or days.  One neurologist described them as the “second‑leading cause of disability in young adult and adult women.”  

Here’s what this means for work and leadership (I hate to do it but I have to):
• If your team shows up shaky, oddly quiet, or “off”, it might 𝘯𝘰𝘵 be a lack of effort.
• If your colleague drops out at the last minute or tasks slide, it might 𝘯𝘰𝘵 be laziness.
• Leadership isn’t just about bounce‑back resilience. It’s about space, support, and understanding when life’s invisible storms hit.

My boss has been incredible through this. With medication, I now only get the heavy ones once a month, but those “small” ones still hit. And yes, even I, who works a 14-hour day type, did 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 yesterday. Because I couldn’t. Not because I wouldn’t.

If you lead a team: 
✅ Ask 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 how someone is, not just how their tasks are. 
✅ Normalize “I need a minute” instead of watching for excuses. 
✅ Make space for wellness the way you make space for strategy.

If you’re working while navigating something silently: 
🧭 You’re not failing. 
🧭 You’re still showing up. 
🧭 And yes, your worth isn’t measured by your output when your brain is on fire.

If you’ve got resources for migraine support (or other invisible health issues) at work, please drop them in the comments. Let’s build workplaces where people are seen, even when they can’t “show up” in the usual way.

https://lnkd.in/gmABQBtJ

#DoBetterPeople

A lot is weighing on people right now. 

The job market is rough. Layoffs are still happening, quietly and constantly. Folks are losing access to SNAP benefits, struggling with housing costs, and fighting for basic stability.

And behind all of that? People are still trying to show up to work, perform, lead, and smile through it all.

So if you’re in a position of power, do not look away. Be the kind of leader who asks how people are doing and means it. Be the colleague who shares a job post or a resource, not just a heart emoji. Be the friend who checks in even when things get quiet.

💡 If you’ve got job leads, food or housing resources, emergency grants—drop them in the comments. Let’s turn passive empathy into action.

We’re all navigating this world in real time. And while we can’t fix everything, we can show up better.

Happy Friday, and take care!

#DoBetterPeople

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The Battle

Chason Forehand

🌈 Desiree Goldey 🌈

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The Battle

Chason Forehand

🌈 Desiree Goldey 🌈

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}🌈 Desiree Goldey 🌈's LinkedIn Performance

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