Posted on April 9, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA earned top honors at the Texas SHRM Student Conference and Case Competition, taking home first place in the statewide case competition and winning the People’s Choice Award for their engaging tabling display.
UTSA Alvarez SHRM Team Members
This year’s case challenged teams to address the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into HR practices at a fictional university resistant to change. Team members were Natasha Blussick, Sophia Chapman, Ashley Escobar, Ana Galan and Camila Gonzalez. The UTSA team rose to the occasion, developing a detailed strategy focused on ethical AI implementation, transparent communication and stakeholder engagement.
“Our students put in countless hours of research, strategic planning and preparation,” said Heather Staples, associate professor of practice in management and SHRM faculty advisor. “What set them apart wasn’t just their knowledge; it was their ability to deliver a clear, compelling and data-driven solution with confidence and teamwork.”
The team competed against universities including Texas A&M and UT-Dallas, with students from both undergraduate and graduate levels participating. Their winning presentation featured a structured AI rollout plan, including employee training, stakeholder town halls and a phased implementation timeline. 
“Our success stemmed from the diverse strengths of each team member,” said Galan, a MBA student and experienced case competition participant. “We combined analytical depth, real-world HR insight and creativity to create a strategy that was both innovative and realistic. We trusted each other’s ideas and leaned into our strengths.”
For Escobar, the experience offered valuable hands-on learning. “We designed an approach that addressed AI’s benefits, concerns like ethics and privacy and ways to ensure a smooth transition. I know I’ll carry the skills I gained, like strategic thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, far beyond my time at UTSA,” she said.
Team member Camila Gonzalez emphasized the group’s strong connection and preparation. “Our success wasn’t just about the case; it was about the chemistry and confidence we had as a team,” she shared.
In addition to their competition win, the team was awarded the People’s Choice Award for their vibrant table display, which highlighted SHRM at UTSA’s student engagement and professional development efforts.
“This achievement showcases the talent, leadership and collaboration within our student chapter,” Staples added. “It also reinforces the power of experiential learning in preparing students for real-world HR challenges.”
Held annually by SHRM Texas, the conference brings together HR students from across the state for a weekend of professional development, networking and strategic competition.
— Rebekah Alegria
