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What I Learned From 3 Mini Event Presentations Introduction  

Introduction  

My name is Monifa Robinson, a fourth-year student at the University of Technology pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. With a major in Human Resources and a minor in Production and Operations Management, I have had the privilege of being an active member of the Logistics team for the Human Resources Management/Artificial Intelligence System Management (HRM/AISM) Seminar.

Participation in this seminar was a requirement for my degree, but beyond its academic necessity, it has been an enriching experience that has significantly contributed to both my professional and personal development. The insights gained, challenges overcome, and collaborative efforts invested throughout the seminar have refined my understanding of Human Resources Management and expanded my perspective on the integration of Artificial Intelligence within business operations.

This portfolio serves as a reflective account of my journey throughout the seminar for the academic year 2025. It documents my growth, achievements, and contributions to the seminar while highlighting my engagement in various activities. Key components of this portfolio include: A detailed outline of three key insights gained from attending different mini-events in Semester 2. A written analysis including two previously held beliefs and two newly acquired insights. A record of five significant contributions made to my seminar committee demonstrating my dedication and active involvement. A collection of images showcasing my participation and support of Seminar 2 activities, capturing key moments of involvement.

This portfolio stands as a testament to my professional growth, dedication, and collaborative efforts throughout the seminar. By actively engaging in seminar activities and committee responsibilities, I have honed essential skills in teamwork, leadership, and strategic planning—valuable assets for my future career in Human Resources Management. As I advance toward graduation, this portfolio serves as both a record of my accomplishments and a foundation for my continued development in the field.





What I Learned From 3 Mini Event Presentations 

Through observing the presentation by the Professionalism Committee on understanding mental illness, I gained valuable insights into how mental health should be perceived as what is happening to me rather than what is wrong with me. The discussion emphasized that mental illness results from a blend of biological, psychological, and social factors, including genetics, childhood experiences, stress, and social isolation. A particularly eye-opening moment was learning how stigma prevents many individuals from seeking help, despite mental health disorders affecting one in four people worldwide. Moving forward, I will be more mindful in supporting mental wellness—not just for myself but for those around me—by fostering conversations that prioritize understanding rather than judgment.

The Secretariat Committee’s mini-event on employee engagement and recognition taught me the importance of valuing colleagues beyond monetary incentives. The speaker highlighted how appreciation, recognition, and a strong team-oriented mindset create a thriving workplace culture. A company succeeds when employees share core values and feel genuinely appreciated for their contributions, not just through financial rewards but also through meaningful benefits and support. This perspective has reshaped the way I view teamwork and leadership, and I plan to implement these lessons by actively acknowledging the efforts of those around me, ensuring they feel valued and motivated.

The Magazine Committee’s presentation on Love, Experience & Expertise reinforced the power of dance as a tool for self-expression and confidence. The speaker, with years of experience in Latin dance, shared her mission of creating a safe space for women to rediscover their softer, more vulnerable sides without fear of judgment. This session reminded me how essential it is for individuals—especially women—to embrace self-love and personal freedom. The ability to express oneself through movement, free from criticism, is a beautiful way to strengthen confidence and build a supportive community. Inspired by this, I aim to cultivate more opportunities for self-expression and empowerment in my own life and for those around me.



Significant Contributions made to the Committee during Seminar 2  

 

Significant Contributions made to the Committee during Seminar 2

Participation and Support for Seminar Activities

Seminar Main Event – ICandy

  • Assisted with logistics by making calls to gather information on the cost of permits required for the event.
  • Played a key role in setting up the venue by contributing to the decoration process.
  • Provided on-site support by working at the ticket booth and fulfilling custodian duties to ensure smooth operations.

Charity Event – Yadel’s Home for Girls

  • Actively participated in the event by assisting in the loading and unloading of donated items onto and off the bus.
  • Helped facilitate the transportation and organization of goods to ensure the efficient distribution of resources to the home.

Seminar Day Attendance – Main Conference

  • Attended the seminar’s main conference, engaging in reflections on the journey throughout the semester.

 

Fire Side Chat 

Presentation 1: Importance of Role-Based Access Control – Renae Roper 

Renae Roper’s presentation addressed the critical need for data security, particularly in professional environments. She discussed role-based access control, explaining how restricting access based on job roles reduces the likelihood of data breaches. She shared alarming examples of employees leaking sensitive information on the dark web after being fired, reinforcing the necessity of strict offboarding policies. Organizations must ensure that former employees no longer have access to confidential data, including passwords and system controls. She also highlighted Jamaica’s implementation of the Data Protection Act, which imposes criminal and financial penalties for data security breaches, demonstrating the seriousness of safeguarding digital assets.

A crucial lesson from Roper’s discussion was the importance of proactively securing data by establishing clear policies for access control and offboarding. Another significant takeaway was the growing risk of cybersecurity threats within organizations, particularly when security measures are neglected. Her insights underscored the fact that effective cybersecurity is not just about technology but also about policies and awareness.  

Things I already knew:

  •  Data security is essential for protecting business operations.  
  • Former employees can pose security risks if offboarding is not handled properly.  

New things I learned: 

  • Role-based access control significantly reduces the risk of insider threats.  
  • Jamaica’s Data Protection Act enforces strict penalties for data breaches.  

 


Securing the Future: Data Protection and Cybersecurity in Human Resource Management  

Presentation 2: The Role of HR in Data Security – Kihana Kutchan  

Kihana Kutchan’s presentation focused on the critical role HR professionals play in securing sensitive data. She emphasized that HR departments handle vast amounts of confidential employee and company information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. She explained that when data breaches occur, HR databases are often the most vulnerable due to the extensive personal and financial details they store. She outlined several cybersecurity risks, including phishing attacks, which are increasingly used to manipulate HR personnel into revealing credentials or downloading malicious software. She stressed that protecting HR data is essential in preventing identity theft, fraud, and reputational damage to businesses.


A key takeaway from Kutchan’s talk was that HR professionals need to be proactive in implementing cybersecurity measures. She highlighted the importance of encrypting sensitive information, enforcing strong authentication protocols, and ensuring access controls prevent unauthorized individuals from retrieving critical data. Another major lesson was that cybersecurity is not just an IT responsibility but a shared effort across departments, particularly in HR. She encouraged HR professionals to receive proper training and remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing cyber threats.


  • Things I already knew: 
  • HR departments store highly confidential employee data.  
  • Cybersecurity is necessary to protect company and personal information.  


  • New things I learned:
  • HR databases are among the most targeted in cyberattacks.  
  • Phishing scams are commonly used to compromise HR systems.  

 


Participation/ Support in Seminar Activities