The Consult

Reflecting on Women’s History Month can mean a lot of different things – remembering the women who have inspired you, acknowledging those who blazed new trails, championing those who have shattered glass ceilings and broken through barriers. At HRP, Women’s History Month is of particular importance to our Women’s Employee Resource Group – or WERG. A time where we can celebrate the women who drive our company’s spirit and an overall commitment to inclusion, growth, and collaboration.

The WERG is a platform designed to support the personal and professional development of HRP’s women. Its mission centers on promoting equal opportunities, achieving a better work-life balance, and amplifying women’s contributions both within the company and across the industries we serve.

“I joined WERG about a week after I started working at HRP,” recalls Victoria Tyler, Project Consultant at HRP working out of the Charleston, SC office. Victoria’s path to HRP was marked by early passion and personal purpose. “I knew, early on, that I wanted my career to be dedicated to protecting human health and the environment,” Victoria reflects, recalling how her father’s health challenges due to an environmental exposure sparked her interest in environmental science, and her time studying and earning her degree at University of South Carolina solidified her love for sustainability and public health.

Since joining HRP, Victoria has been an integral part of WERG. Invited to attend a WERG meeting early on, she quickly embraced its mission and, this year, will lead the group as Chair for 2025. Her experience as last year’s Career Values Champion—where she helped orchestrate a panel on industry insights—provided her with a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

One of WERG’s most exciting initiatives this year is the HRP Women’s 2025 Breaking Barriers Panel—an event that marks a significant shift in focus from traditional panels to one centered on Allyship.

“This year, we’re focusing on Allyship not just on the panel but for the entire membership,” Victoria explains. Recognizing that support can come from every corner of the organization, the group has opened its doors to allies, welcoming male colleagues who expressed a genuine desire to contribute and learn.

“We had a male colleague that reached out to us and wanted to know how to best support us and how to best support WERG, but he wasn’t sure how to do so. He wanted to be able to better serve the company and be more informed on issues and solutions. He wanted to be a partner,” recalls Victoria. “That led us to spending a good part of last year thinking about allyship and expanding our membership types.”

This year’s panel, comprising five panelists—including three men and two women—will explore the nuances of Allyship, ensuring that everyone at HRP has a role to play in supporting one another.

WERG’s impact extends far beyond panel discussions. Whether hosting Virtual Meditation Minutes or organizing annual events like the Mother’s Day breakfast the group is committed to weaving support and celebration into the very fabric of HRP. A memorable initiative from last year was the “Donuts for Donations” drive—a campaign that supported local women’s shelters across SC, NY, and CT.

“I think it was important to all of our offices that we pick local organizations to support,” says Victoria. “HRP is committed to supporting the greater communities where we live and work.”

As Victoria starts her year as Chair, she’s already looking forward to the future.

“One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of this role is growing our membership and ensuring every voice is heard,” she shares. Her vision for WERG is clear: refine roles to provide structure while allowing the creativity and individuality of each member to flourish. With plans to engage HRP Alumni and potentially open up the group to select external partners in the future, Victoria is setting the stage for a more inclusive and expansive community.

This Women’s History Month, HRP’s commitment to empowerment is evident through the efforts of WERG and its leaders. By embracing change, celebrating achievements, and inviting allies to join the conversation, HRP is not only honoring its history but also forging a brighter, more inclusive future.