HCU SHRM Chapter Wins 2nd Place at State Competition

Houston, Texas, April 23, 2026 - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Student Chapter at Houston Christian University (HCU) celebrated a 2nd Place win at the 2026 SHRM Texas Student Conference & Competition, held April 10-11, 2026.

The recognition highlights the strength and impact of the HCU SHRM Chapter as a leading student organization dedicated to developing future human resource professionals. Competing against 16 top SHRM student chapters from across Texas, "The Igniters," comprised of graduate HCU SHRM Chapter team members, Saria Zaheer, Temitope Sowande, Eunice Martinez, Worrel Lee and Roberto Turcios Escobar, garnered the 2nd place win through collaboration, analytical thinking and professionalism.

The competition challenged undergraduate and graduate teams to evaluate a real-world human resources case, develop a strategic solution and present their recommendations to a panel of industry professionals, shared Dr. April Kinchen, Assistant Professor of Human Resources and Faculty Advisor of the Chapter.

"This is a huge win for Houston Christian University and the SHRM Student Chapter of HCU," said Dr. Kinchen.

This year's timeline added an extra level of intensity, as teams were given just two weeks to analyze the case, build a strategy, and prepare their final presentations. Despite the compressed schedule, the HCU team delivered a thoughtful and impactful solution.

Through constant communication, late-night preparation sessions and a shared commitment to excellence, chapter members showcased their ability to apply academic knowledge to practical HR challenges-an essential skill for career readiness. Their success was further strengthened by a strong sense of trust, accountability and adaptability within the team.

"This achievement represents the commitment, resilience and drive that each member brought into the experience. It was not just about the final result, but about how we came together, pushed one another and delivered under pressure. The experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, preparation and the ability to perform under pressure, and we are proud to have represented Houston Christian University at such a high level," said Andi Soliman, President of the SHRM Student Chapter and Team Captain of The Igniters.

Beyond the competition, participation in the annual Texas SHRM conference provides chapter members with valuable opportunities for networking, professional development and engagement with HR practitioners. These experiences reinforce the chapter's mission to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

The HCU SHRM Chapter continues to play a vital role in equipping students with the skills, connections and confidence needed to succeed in the evolving field of human resources.

For more information, visit the Houston Christian University SHRM Student Chapter webpage.

Photo caption: Dr. April Kinchen, Assistant Professor of Human Resources and Faculty Advisor of the Chapter (center) and members of the HCU SHRM Student Chapter, l-r, Saria Zaheer, Caroline Killinger, Andy Soliman, Hilda Rangel, Roberto Turcios Escobar, Worrel Lee, Ruth Ortega Vasquez and Eunice Martinez.

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About Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation's largest metropolitan centers, HCU's culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.