NEPA SHRM Welcomes Back Portia Watkins!

Learn more about NEPA SHRM's renewing member, Portia Watkins...

What are your favorite hobbies?

International travel, theater, reading a good mystery novel, and spending time with family and friends.

Why did you choose a career in Human Resources? 

I chose a career in HR because I am passionate about connecting people, purpose, and performance. Throughout my career, I’ve been energized by the opportunity to partner with leaders, develop talent pipelines, and build meaningful bridges between employers, educators, and the community. HR allows me to influence both business strategy and individual growth — creating workplaces where people feel valued, prepared, and empowered to succeed.

What is your current job / career?

Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Gemini Bakery Solutions​.

What is your greatest personal accomplishment?

Being named a 2025 Lehigh Valley Business Icon Honoree—an honor that reflects my commitment to leadership, community engagement, and advancing the HR profession.

How long have you been a member of NEPA SHRM?

This renewal marks my second year as a NEPA SHRM chapter member.

Why did you choose to renew your NEPA SHRM membership?

As a prior member, I recently reconnected with Christine Jensen at the PA State Council of SHRM Annual Conference. That experience reminded me of the chapter’s impact and influence, the strong collaboration among its members, meaningful community connections, and the accessible, high-quality professional development it offers.