2025-2026
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Meet The Team
Chapter President
Nikki Ingle
Hi everyone, I'm Nikki! I'm a senior studying Human Resource Management and Management & Leadership. I joined HRMA last year after transferring from PCC because I was looking to feel more connected to PSU’s HR community. I decided to run for president because, after experiencing what it was like to be part of HRMA (working on projects, volunteering, networking, and receiving scholarships), I felt passionate about ensuring this opportunity continues to be available to as many students as possible.
Chapter Secretary
Brianna Merida
​2025-2026
Treasurer
Tibor Nelson
Hello, I am Tibor Nelson. I am a Finance major, which led me to joining HRMA as the Chapter Treasurer. My primary reason for joining is that I believe there's a lot of opportunity and growth to be had HRMA, even if I'm not really connected to HR.
Vice President of Internal Communication
Loren Nelson
I'm a part-time student who lives and works out of Eugene, OR. I attend PSU remotely, and I wanted a way to feel more connected to my fellow future HR leaders. I enjoy helping others find opportunities to better themselves through training, development, and new experiences. Informing everyone of upcoming events, jobs, and internships through our newsletter is another way I can fulfill that.
Vice President of Programs
Yaquelin Pedro-Lopez
Hello! My name is Yaquelin Pedro-Lopez. I use She/Her Pronouns. I am currently a Junior majoring in Human Resource Management. I joined PSU’s HRMA to build a community and network with fellow students entering the Human Resources field. My goal is to learn more about the HR profession and enhance my skills. As the incoming VP of Programs, I am excited to share my knowledge and skills, aiming to reach my full potential in creating engaging and educational events. Outside of school, I enjoy plant shopping, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Vice President of External Relations
Sophia Mecklem
Hi, my name is Nikki Ingle. I’m a Junior at PSU pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management and Management & Leadership. I joined PSU HRMA because I was looking to find community with fellow HR students and gain more insight into the HR field.
In the short time I’ve been with the club, I’ve had access to so many unique opportunities and valuable real-world experience. It’s also been great to spend time with people who share the same interests and career aspirations.
In my free time, I like to practice cooking. I’m at the beginning of my cooking journey, but it’s exciting to feel myself developing a new skill. I also love arts and crafts projects. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it lets me turn my brain off for an hour or two.
Vice President of Marketing & Visibility
Isabella Cannelos
Hi, I’m Bella (she/her), a junior at PSU majoring in Business with a concentration in Human Resources Management and a minor in Leadership Management. I’m especially interested in employee relations and hope to attend law school in the future. For now, I’m focused on gaining hands-on experience in HR while building my skills through networking and campus involvement. I chose this position to step outside my comfort zone—while website work and social media are new to me, I wanted to challenge myself in a supportive environment and learn something new.
Vice President of Fundraising
Jasmine Rakow
​My name is Jasmine and I am a senior at Portland State University with a major in business administration and a concentration in human resources. I also as a full-time recruiter in the home healthcare sector. I decided to join HRMA for a few different reasons. First, I wanted to be more connected and involved on PSU campus. Being a part-time, remote learner can feel very disconnected and I wanted to give myself more opportunities to meet other students and faculty. I also joined PSU HRMA because I wanted opportunities to network and meet others in the HR field. I'm still in the beginning of my HR career and I am always looking for ways to grow and help give myself more direction in the field, as well as learn from those that are experiencing the work first-hand. Lastly, I wanted an opportunity to give back to the community and students at PSU. As the VP of Fundraising, I'm excited to help raise money for the group that can go towards helping current and future students at PSU HRMA attend HR events, conferences, and other opportunities that can help them grow as individuals and HR professionals.
Vice President of Recruiting
Tariq Sakawedin
2025-2026
Director of Information Systems
Ryan Matthews
Hi, my name is Ryan Matthews (He/Him). I am a Senior at PSU pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a Business Administration minor. I joined PSU HRMA because I wanted to get more involved with an organization like HRMA, filled with dedicated people, be able to network with various likeminded students and faculty, as well as to learn more about web management with organizational structuring. I enjoy how the organization encourages people to come and learn more about what HRMA does without necessarily being remotely involved in HR related courses. I have lots of interests, but my hobbies mainly are working on my personal website, playing and making 3D games, trying new restaurants, and baking.
Director of DEI
Joy Omon
2025-2026
Director of Member Acquisitions
Kate Ialovenko
Hi! My name is Kate (Ekaterina) Ialovenko. I am a second-year MBA student. Before graduate school, I worked as a Tech recruiter for several years. I decided to join HRMA to share my interest in HR with others and help build a community. When I was choosing the role, I decided to continue doing what I really like - connecting people with opportunities.
Director of Merit Award
Soran Yonas
2025-2026
College Relations Committe Member
Kaylee Brunette
​2025-2026
College Relations Committe Member
Melissa Dietz
2025-2026
Chapter Advisors
Chapter Advisor
Jeffrey Nelson
Jeffrey Nelson, works on the Employee and Labor Relations team at Portland State University, consulting to leaders, employees, union representatives, and the community to create an engaged, productive and equitable workplace. Prior to PSU, Jeffrey oversaw about a third of HR Operations for New Seasons Market, leading a team of HR Business Partners in six stores and the central production kitchen, and serving over 1500 employees in the Portland area.
Jeffrey is active on the Portland Human Resource Association Board of Directors, where he has served as one of two Directors of College Relations and as Chapter Advisor to the PSU HRMA since 2022.
Chapter Advisor
Patricio Olivas
Patricio Olivas is a People & Culture leader specializing in HR technology, compliance, and compensation for the Portland Trail Blazers. He drives operational excellence through innovative systems, data-driven insights, and collaborative partnerships across cross-functional teams.
Chapter Advisor
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Melissa Dietz - SHRM - CP
After over 10 years in the HR profession, it’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the community that helped shape my own journey. I completed the HR Management Certificate at Portland State University in 2017, so serving as an advisor for HRMA truly feels like coming full circle. This role allows me to connect with emerging HR professionals, share what I’ve learned, and continue growing alongside a passionate, driven group. I strongly believe in the power of mentorship and professional development, and I’m honored to support the next generation of HR leaders through this role.