2025 Everyday Hero Award
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Award Description
Every year more than 200,000 service members transition from the military into the civilian workforce. More than 75% of them are from the enlisted ranks and most only serve 4-6 years in the military.
The Everyday Hero Award, supported by USAA, honors outstanding veterans who have transitioned from military service and become invaluable contributors to their workplace. This award highlights the everyday hero, veterans who may have separated from service as enlisted personnel or with a shorter tenure, showcasing their impact, resilience, and leadership in civilian employment.
HR professionals are invited to nominate a veteran employee who exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication in their organization. This initiative reinforces that every veteran brings a unique mix of education, experience, skills, and leadership to the workforce and deserves recognition for their contributions.
10 exceptional nominees will be featured in a high-profile display at the 2025 SHRM Annual Conference, offering visibility among 25,000+ HR stakeholders and amplifying the message that veterans are a vital asset to the workforce. One of those nominees and their HR nominator will receive the Everyday Hero Award and be SHRM’s guest as SHRM’s Annual Conference in San Diego in June 2025. The campaign will culminate with the presentation of this award on a conference spotlight stage.
Nomination Process & Judging
Who Can Nominate?
HR professionals, hiring managers, or business leaders who have hired and worked with veteran employees.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The nominee must be a veteran (former service member of the U.S. military, honorably discharged or separated).
- Currently employed in a civilian job.
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership, work ethic, or innovation in their workplace.
- Has overcome challenges in transition and made a significant impact on their organization.
- Embodies the values of partnership, resilience, and excellence, aligning with SHRM Foundation’s mission.
Judging Panel:
- A panel from SHRM that consists of volunteers including SHRM Foundation Military Community Ambassadors, volunteers from SHRM chapters and councils as well as representatives from USAA will evaluate nominations.
- 10 nominees will be selected and featured in a recognition display at SHRM Annual Conference 2025.
- One Everyday Hero Award winner will be selected and recognized on stage at the SHRM 2025 Annual Conference.