

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
Meet Our Experts
Jodan Poortenga, VP of Analytics and AI | Mutually Human

Jordan Poortenga is the Vice President of Analytics and AI at Mutually Human, where he helps organizations turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive smarter business decisions.
With a background in data consulting and experience leading high-performing analytics teams, Jordan has guided organizations through meaningful AI and analytics transformations, delivering real, measurable impact. His work bridges strategy and execution, helping leaders move beyond experimentation to practical, people-centered AI solutions.
Jordan brings a grounded, real-world perspective to AI adoption, focused on how businesses can responsibly leverage emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to support growth, efficiency, and better decision-making.
Caleb Colp, Chief of Staff | HR Collaborative

With a background spanning finance, systems architecture, data management, and technology consulting, Caleb brings a unique ability to translate complex systems into streamlined, people-centered solutions. Before stepping into his current role, he led data and systems initiatives across Kinexus Group and most recently served as Finance Manager. He has also helped build and scale a technology consulting firm that was successfully sold in 2022.
Caleb brings a practical, strategic lens to AI conversations, grounded in real-world implementation and thoughtful change management.
Sarah Zevalkink, HR Consultant | HR Collaborative

Sarah has led people operations and cultural transformation efforts at organizations including Grand Rapids Downtown Market, John Ball Zoo, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. She is known for helping leadership teams navigate growth and change with clarity, improving communication and accountability systems, and grounding strategy in human-centered practices.
In conversations around AI and the workplace, Sarah brings a people-first lens, helping leaders think through how technology impacts culture, trust, roles, and engagement.
Matt Jemilo, Director of Talent Placement | HR Collaborative

As the MC for this Collaborative Café, Matt brings warmth, curiosity, and a steady hand to the conversation, helping guide thoughtful dialogue and ensure every voice in the room is heard.
Matt Jemilo serves as Director of Talent Placement at HR Collaborative, where he connects exceptional HR talent with organizations that need their expertise most. A strategic recruiter and natural connector, Matt plays a key role in building strong matches that support both organizational success and individual fulfillment.
More About Beyond the Buzz: AI in the Workplace
Agenda
12:00 - 12:05 PM
Welcome
12:05 - 12:40 PM
Panel Discussion
12:40 - 12:55 PM
Breakout Rooms
12:55 - 1:25 PM
Panel Discussion
1:25 - 1:30 PM
Conclude
Overview
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.
