Future 15: Meet Charm Der

GREEN BAY – Charm Der was born and raised in Detroit and said that one of her earliest memories with community engagement is working with her mom and brothers for McDougall Hunt — a nonprofit that centered on community resources, development and advocacy work.

“My mother brought us to community meetings and encouraged us to ask questions and share our thoughts on what we felt could benefit the community,” Der said.

At Wayne State University, she focused her studies on community development and social change.

“During my undergraduate studies, I interned with a law firm specializing in human rights and worker violation cases which profoundly impacted my understanding of community and organizational inequities and my role in addressing them, both personally and professionally,” she recalled.

She went on to obtain a bachelors in public affairs, with a graduate certificate in health communications.

“I began my career in health equity and human resources at a pharmacy group shortly after graduation. Over the years, my responsibilities progressed from designing social health campaigns and facilitating cultural competency training for staff and community healthcare professionals to leading the HR function for the group and opening pharmacy locations. This broadened my expertise in training, community engagement, employee experience and business management.”

Der later earned a masters degree in education from Central Michigan University and obtained a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, and today works as vice president of human resources at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin.

“Our mission is to protect, heal and care for the most vulnerable people in Northeast Wisconsin. We help over 30,000 children, families and individuals right here in Northeast Wisconsin. We provided additional support through 65,000 plus calls, texts and chats across Wisconsin through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In my current role, I lead the HR function and we are responsible for fostering a supportive environment for our staff through strategic programs, policies, and culture initiatives. I have been prioritizing digital transformation and improving employee experience through the creation of learning and development programs, health and well-being programs, and enhancing agency communication across our 20-plus programs,” Der explained.

“In addition to my career experience, I actively volunteer on several local and state-wide boards and community groups addressing health equity, well-being, homelessness, women’s empowerment and youth.

“I also authored a children’s book titled My Happiness Counts which is a counting book featuring diverse characters that teaches young readers about happiness in everyday moments. I enjoy guest speaking at libraries, children’s museums, and schools on social-emotional learning. In my workshops, I have the opportunity to partner with parents and teachers to create engaging learning experiences for youth.”

Der said that her mother was one of her “key role models.”

“She has an accountability to community that is unmatched and that I aim to emulate. She encouraged me to be curious about the world and found opportunities for me to build my confidence and resilience,” Der said,
“Prior to her dementia diagnosis, she was always ready with words of wisdom and encouragement. I know that every day that I walk in my purpose, I honor her and help to continue her life’s work which, as she would say, ‘If you can do one thing, you can do something.’

“I made a sign of her words and it sits in my office. It was her way of saying, ‘Instead of being overwhelmed to the point of inaction, just do something — one thing in your community to help others — write, lead, support, donate, share the cause, or volunteer. We all have a role.’”

Leading up to the 2025 Future 15 & Young Professionals Awards banquet on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Oneida Casino Hotel, we will be highlighting the finalists in each edition of the Press Times.