Scott Criqui is a human resources leader, mentor, community advocate, and writer whose work centers on helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of becoming more fully themselves. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone with a learning disability, Scott understands the life-changing power of mentors, affirming adults, and communities that do not simply accept people, but actively help them recognize their worth, voice, and possibility.

Scott currently serves as a strategic Human Resources Business Partner and Belonging and Engagement leader at The University of Kansas Health System, where he partners with executive and HR leadership on workforce planning, engagement, culture, leadership development, talent strategy, and organizational change. His work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based decision making, and a deep belief that organizations are strongest when people can thrive as their authentic selves.

Across his career, Scott has led human resources in health care, mental health, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations. His professional background includes serving as Director of Human Resources at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, HR Director and Interim Executive Director at Trinity In-Home Care, and earlier roles in counseling, volunteer coordination, recruitment, and training.  Scott earned a master’s degree in human resource management from Webster University and dual bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and psychology from the University of Kansas.

Scott has also spent much of his life in volunteer and community leadership. He has served in board, campaign, fundraising, facilitation, and advisory roles for organizations focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy, mental health, civic engagement, leadership development, and community well-being. Key moments in his volunteer work include serving as Board Chair and leader with SHRM-affiliated organizations, supporting Headquarters Counseling Center, and raising funds for organizations such as K-STEP and LGBTQ+ causes, running for public office, and using his voice as a speaker, facilitator, and advocate for belonging and equity.

Outside of work and community service, Scott is deeply curious and has a lifelong love of learning. He is drawn to creative expression in many forms, including gardening, writing, baking, doodling, photography, music, and much more. Whether he is growing something, making something, reflecting on an idea, or capturing a meaningful moment, Scott sees creativity as both a source of joy and a way to better understand himself, other people, and the world around him. His free time often reflects the same values that guide his professional and volunteer work: curiosity, authenticity, emotional connection, and the belief that ordinary moments can become meaningful when we pay attention to them.