Mara Palmer

Site Keynote Speaker | HR Consultant | Workplace Culture Strategist
Transform Workplace Culture,
One Human at a Time
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Workforce Solutions with Proven HR Strategies
Mara equips your organization with strategies to build stronger, people-centered workplaces.

✓ Strategic HR Consulting
✓ Leadership Trainings
✓ Policy + Compliance Audits
✓ Employee Handbook Creation
✓ Culture Assessments


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Meet Mara: Human-Centered Strategist, Speaker & Culture Builder
Hi, I'm Mara – I Help Leaders Build Workplaces That Actually Work for People

I'm the founder of The ElevateHR Project and the creator of the Strengths-Driven Engagement & Belonging (SDEB) Model.

I bring a fresh, human-first approach to HR by combining the science of positive psychology with real-world compliance strategy.

With over 18 years in HR, payroll, and compliance, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. My keynotes are packed with real stories, practical tools, and mindset shifts that help leaders move beyond “checkbox culture” to build workplaces rooted in empathy, trust, and alignment.

I speak from both experience and the heart. After being laid off without compassion, I made it my mission to help organizations lead differently—where policies support people, not just processes.

I’m a working mom, lead SHRM volunteer at both the national and regional levels, former PASCOHR board member, and currently finishing my Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

If you're ready to elevate how your team works and how your people feel, let's talk.


Do you have a workplace people want to stay in?
Mara brings real-world HR wisdom, humor, and insights to help you create a culture that attracts, retains, and empowers.

H R  M A G I C

Why Partner with Mara?

18+ years in HR, payroll & compliance

Proven expertise grounded in nearly two decades of hands-on HR, payroll, and compliance leadership.

Practical, emotionally resonant insights

Audiences walk away with real strategies, not just ideas, shaped by experience and empathy.

Volunteer leader at SHRM National & Regional levels

Recognized HR leader actively shaping industry standards through national and regional SHRM leadership.

Certified PHRca, Master’s in I/O Psych. (in progress)

Certified HR professional with advancing expertise in human behavior & organizational psychology.

Dynamic, humorous, and relatable storytelling

Mara captivates audiences with engaging stories that make complex concepts memorable and actionable.

Planning Your Next Event?

Download Mara’s Speaker Kit to explore how she helps organizations move from policies to people-first cultures

See How Leaders Like You

Are Leading with More Purpose and People-First Impact

— Graham Carson, Owner, Graham Carson Electric

“Working with Mara and The ElevateHR Project was a game changer for my business. As a small electrical contractor, I knew I needed to get serious about policies—but what I didn’t realize was how much culture mattered too. Mara didn’t just build us a compliant, California-specific employee handbook—she helped me define expectations, reinforce accountability, and set the tone for how we treat each other and our clients.
She made the process simple, but more importantly, meaningful. The result is a stronger, more united crew—and I finally feel confident knowing I’ve got the structure and support to lead my team the right way.”

— Eric Baker, Owner, PARS Lighting Products Company

“When I took over PARS, I inherited a legacy business with great products—but no real compliance structure in place. California’s employment laws can be overwhelming, and I quickly realized I needed help navigating it all the right way. Mara and The ElevateHR Project stepped in and helped me rebuild our entire HR foundation from the ground up.
She didn’t just focus on compliance—she helped me prepare for growth by putting the right hiring processes, employee policies, and culture-building strategies in place. With Mara’s guidance, I now feel equipped to lead a business that’s not only compliant, but ready to thrive. I trust her and The ElevateHR Project completely.”

Signature Keynote: From Compliance to Culture

Building Workplaces That Work for People

In this keynote, Mara redefines HR and risk management by showing how compliance can actually build a stronger culture. Through real stories and research on psychological safety, she teaches leaders how to turn policies into purpose—and build trust instead of fear.

Whether you're in HR, a business owner, or an executive, you’ll leave with practical tools to protect your people, boost engagement, and lead with integrity. This isn’t just a talk—it’s a new way to lead.


Breakout Sessions

✓ Strengths-Driven Engagement & Belonging (SDEB)
✓ Psychological Safety at Work
✓ DEI Beyond the Checkbox
✓ Compliance-Minded Leadership for Small Businesses
✓ HR in Real Life: Building Culture When You’re Wearing All the Hats

Still Have Questions?

Here are some common answers to help you feel confident about connecting with Mara.
Yes, Mara specializes in small teams and real-life workplace challenges.
Absolutely not—expect inspiration, story, and strategy.
Nope—flexible for all event sizes & venues.

When People Thrive, Results Follow.

Let Mara help you turn uncertainty into strategy and build a workplace culture that works for everyone.
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Transforming Workplaces - One Human at a Time

Get In Touch

Email:
[email protected]
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