Six students from Youngstown State University’s Society for Human Resource Management chapter showcased their knowledge, teamwork and professionalism at the 2025 Ohio HR Games, held October 11 at Baldwin Wallace University. The team earned an impressive second place overall and was also honored with the peer-voted “Congeniality Award.”

The annual Ohio HR Games is a Jeopardy-style academic competition that challenges undergraduate students on their understanding of human resource management, business concepts, and leadership practices. Teams from universities across the state compete in multiple rounds of fast-paced questions based on SHRM’s Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), covering areas such as employee relations, talent acquisition, training and development and HR strategy.

After five hours and six intense rounds of competition, the YSU team demonstrated both expertise and camaraderie—earning high praise from peers and organizers alike. The Congeniality Award, voted on by fellow competitors, recognized YSU’s outstanding spirit and professionalism throughout the event.

“The results are a testament to the hard work, preparation, and teamwork these students brought to the competition,” said Kimberly Pleva, senior lecturer, YSU SHRM Faculty Advisor & Western Reserve Chapter (WRC) SHRM College Relations Chair, who led the students. “They represented Youngstown State University and the Williamson College of Business Administration with exceptional skill and professionalism.”

YSU’s SHRM student team members included MiaCarmela Barber, Liliana Donatelli, Haya Farhan, Manny Gingras, Madelynn Hanna and Casey Jenkins.

The SHRM HR Games help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world HR scenarios while connecting with HR professionals and peers from across Ohio. The event was coordinated by Baldwin Wallace University in partnership with the regional Cleveland SHRM chapter.