For nearly a decade, Jasmine McKeown, PHR, CPDM, has been making a profound impact in human resources. Her career is a testament to how passion, professional development, and perseverance can drive meaningful change. Here are five key lessons from her inspiring journey in disability management, emphasizing the value of disability management certification as a pathway to success.

1. Find Your Passion in HR

Jasmine’s journey in HR began with inspiration from her mother, who also worked in the field. While her early focus was on employee relations and investigations, she discovered her true passion in workplace accommodations.

“Helping people feel comfortable at work has become a big part of my focus,” Jasmine shared.

This realization became the foundation of her career, driving her to roles where she could directly address employee challenges. For HR professionals interested in disability management, identifying this passion can be the first step toward pursuing a disability management certification to enhance their expertise.

2. Identify and Address Workplace Gaps

In 2021, Jasmine joined HelloFresh as an Employee Relations Manager and quickly identified a significant challenge: the lack of a formal process for reviewing accommodation requests.

Rather than waiting for solutions to emerge, Jasmine took the initiative.

“I worked with the legal team to develop a comprehensive process that was rolled out across 10 distribution centers, impacting nearly 10,000 employees,” she explained.

This project, which she affectionately referred to as her “baby,” highlighted her ability to address organizational gaps with creativity and dedication—even while she was nine months pregnant. HR professionals looking to address similar challenges can benefit from the structured knowledge and tools provided by a disability management certification like the CPDM program.

3. Leverage Professional Certifications Like CPDM

Realizing the need for specialized knowledge, Jasmine pursued the Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) program. The certification offered the in-depth understanding she needed to improve her work.

“Earning the CPDM was a game-changer,” Jasmine reflected. “It taught me so much about keeping people at work and building programs that make us a top employer for people with disabilities.”

The CPDM is just one example of how a disability management certification can provide HR professionals with proven frameworks and practical insights. These certifications empower leaders to design impactful, scalable programs while addressing compliance and legal considerations.

4. Create Impactful, Scalable Programs

Today, as a Senior Specialist at ASML, Jasmine oversees accommodation programs across multiple states, including California, Texas, and Oregon.

“It’s been an incredible experience building the program from scratch,” she shared, emphasizing how rewarding it has been to help employees thrive.

Her work is grounded in the strategies she learned through her disability management certification, enabling her to confidently tackle complex challenges. Jasmine’s efforts not only support employees but also strengthen ASML’s reputation as an inclusive employer.

5. Commit to Lifelong Learning and Leadership

Jasmine’s career highlights the value of continuous professional development. In addition to earning her CPDM, she pursued her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification while working at Allstate to expand her HR expertise.

Her advice for other HR professionals?

“Once you figure out the area you want to specialize in, look for certifications that can boost your knowledge. Even if you don’t have the experience yet, having that expertise can really set you apart.”

This advice rings especially true for those pursuing a disability management certification to specialize in this growing and essential field of HR. The right training can prepare professionals to create lasting value for their organizations and employees alike.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Jasmine McKeown’s story demonstrates how certifications like CPDM can empower professionals to bridge knowledge gaps, address workplace challenges, and foster inclusivity. Whether you’re new to HR or looking to specialize, a disability management certification provides the tools and community to support your success.

Take the first step today. Click here to explore the CPDM program and make a lasting impact in disability and absence management.