Articles

Member Spotlight on Francine Dreste

Q: Were you born and raised in the St. Louis area – or elsewhere?
A: I have enjoyed living in St. Louis (and the beautiful landscaping of our area) for the last 20+ years. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. 

Q: What is your history with SHRM St. Louis?
A: I have been a member since 2018, and I have been serving on the Membership Committee in a variety of capacities. I can usually be found at the registration table before breakfast meetings or facilitating conversations during industry coffee chats or happy hours with other members.

Q: Why did you decide to focus on employment/human resources?
A: As a provider of furnished housing, we work closely with those in HR to provide housing solutions for their relocating employees. Thus, it was a natural fit to join SHRM…and I so love this organization and its members! Plus, I love learning more about HR related subjects.
 
Q: Please describe your job.
A: Here at VIP Corporate Housing…we get to craft hospitality experiences…having served two-million+ guest nights across 200+ cities since 1997. Our team at VIP has been based here in St. Louis for the last 25+ years. Beyond crafting hospitality experiences, we help HR leaders and those within their organizations develop and facilitate their corporate housing program for their relocating employees or their employees who are working away from their home location for extended periods of time.
 
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: I love helping people–in a heartfelt way! This means, each day I get to connect with those in our industry! It’s fun building relationships–and of course, I love happy clients/guests! Plus, I get to help those in need of a home–in a new location…so they can then focus on what is most important to them!
 
Q: What is one example of a positive experience that you’ve had in this field?
A: We often work with HR Directors, and sometimes it is difficult for them to find the appropriate housing for their relocating employees. When this happens, we can come alongside this person to lighten their load to help find great housing options–in the perfect location—so their employees will be able to arrive and get right to work!

Q: Who introduced you to SHRM St. Louis?  How did you initially become involved?
A: When I started working alongside HR folks in this field, I wanted to learn more about HR…and this is the place that you come to learn about all the HR related topics…SHRM!

Q: What have you gained thus far through your SHRM St. Louis membership?
A: I am grateful for the opportunity to be active in our chapter, building long standing relationships, receiving education on HR related subjects, developing life skills, building confidence in speaking, and keeping up with future trends/news.

Q: What are your hopes for SHRM St. Louis and Member Care for the future?
A: I look forward to continuing to build relationships, find new ways to engage and bring people together, and grow within SHRM. I am also open to being more involved at a Board level.

Q: What non-professional activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
A: I enjoy spending time outside, listening to live music, cooking treasured family recipes, and watching football…especially the Philadelphia Eagles.

Q: What is a favorite quote of yours and why?
A: “Iron sharpens iron” - is my favorite quote because of how people can make a bigger impact together. We grow and learn by being around both like-minded and diverse-thinking people.

Q: Who would you consider to be your mentor and why?
A: I am grateful to consider Brad Laspe and Ernest Oriente my professional mentors. They have different views and perspectives, from inside and outside our organization, that challenge me, create space for me, and help me to be the best version of my authentic self.