Tue, Feb 17
|Online Collaborative Café
Beyond the Buzz: AI in the Workplace
AI is everywhere, but what does it actually look like at work? During this Collaborative Café, we’ll explore real-world use cases, realistic limitations, and how organizations are introducing AI in ways that support people and protect the business.
Time & Location
Feb 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
Online Collaborative Café
About the event
AI is everywhere. But what does it actually look like in day-to-day work?
Beyond the Buzz: AI in the Workplace is a Collaborative Café designed for HR leaders and business decision-makers who want practical clarity, not hype. Together with peers and AI practitioners, we’ll explore real-world use cases, realistic limitations, and how organizations are successfully introducing AI in ways that support people, protect the business, and drive results.
This session will focus on how AI shows up in everyday operations, where it truly saves time and money, and how leaders can build AI literacy and confidence across their teams. We’ll also tackle the questions we hear most often, including job security concerns, data protection, over-reliance on tools, and HR’s role in guiding responsible adoption.
You’ll leave with grounded insights, shared language you can bring back to leadership, and practical take-homes to help your organization move forward with intention.
Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or trying to build buy-in at the executive level, this conversation is designed to meet you where you are.
Event Line-Up
Learn more about our experts by clicking the dropdowns below!
Jordan Poortenga
VP of Analytics and AI
Mutually Human
As the VP of Analytics and AI at Mutually Human, I bring deep expertise in transforming complex data into meaningful, actionable strategies that fuel business growth. With a strong foundation in data consulting, I’ve led high-performing teams and guided organizations through transformative analytics initiatives—delivering measurable impact through innovative solutions and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. I’m passionate about helping companies unlock the full value of their data to make smarter, faster decisions. Let’s connect—I’d love to explore how your organization can deliver data-drive success.
Caleb Colp
Chief of Staff
HR Collaborative
Caleb Colp serves as Chief of Staff at HR Collaborative, where he helps drive strategic alignment and operational excellence across the organization. In this pivotal role, Caleb works closely with senior leadership to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, enhance internal processes, and ensure every team is aligned with the firm’s mission of making work better.
Sarah Zevalkink
HR Consultant
HR Collaborative
Sarah brings a strategic, people-centered perspective to the conversation, shaped by more than a decade of HR leadership experience in nonprofit, public-facing, and mission-driven organizations. She helps organizations strengthen alignment, elevate culture, and build workplaces where people can truly thrive—especially during periods of growth or change.
Sarah has led and transformed people operations at institutions including the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, John Ball Zoo, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. She is known for building strong HR foundations from the ground up, improving communication and accountability systems, and guiding executive teams through cultural realignment with clarity and care.
With a background in organizational design, leadership coaching, and change management, Sarah blends business strategy with human-centered practices—helping leaders listen more effectively, respond with intention, and create cultures where feedback leads to action. At this Collaborative Café, she brings insight into how listening supports alignment, strengthens trust, and drives outcomes that matter to both employees and leadership.
Matt Jemilo
Director of Talent Placement
HR Collaborative
As Director of Talent Placement at HR Collaborative, Matt Jemilo connects exceptional HR talent with organizations that need their expertise. A strategic recruiter and relationship builder, Matt plays a pivotal role in creating seamless matches that drive both organizational success and employee fulfillment. Since joining HR Collaborative, Matt has contributed to expanding the firm’s HR Talent Community, ensuring a diverse and highly qualified candidate pool.
Schedule
5 minutesWelcome
35 minutesPanel Discussion