Emily Abe, SHRM-SCP

Emily Abe, SHRM-SCP, is a seasoned human resources consultant, entrepreneur, and founder of Thistle HR, LLC, where she partners with small and mid-sized businesses to build compliant, people-centered workplaces. With nearly two decades of experience in human resources and talent management, Emily has become a trusted advisor for organizations that need strategic HR leadership without maintaining an in-house HR department. Her expertise spans HR compliance audits, employee handbooks, performance management, employee relations, policy development, leadership coaching, and organizational best practices. Guided by a "people first" philosophy, she is committed to helping both business owners and employees thrive by creating workplaces rooted in trust, engagement, and long-term success. Emily's career began in administrative and recruiting roles, where she discovered her passion for human resources and organizational development. She went on to build extensive experience in recruitment, HR consulting, employee engagement, compliance, and leadership development before launching Thistle HR. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations to improve workplace culture, streamline HR processes, implement effective onboarding programs, and navigate complex employment issues. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University and later pursued graduate studies in Human Resources Management at Central Michigan University. Emily further strengthened her professional credentials by earning the prestigious SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation, demonstrating her expertise in strategic human resource leadership. Beyond her consulting work, Emily is an advocate for authentic leadership, resilience, and supporting the small business community. She is an active member of SHRM Detroit and a collaborative networking group serving Michigan business leaders, where she champions partnership over competition and believes that businesses grow stronger when leaders support one another. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, Emily openly shares the realities of balancing business ownership with family life, encouraging others to embrace vulnerability, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships. She attributes her success to the values of empathy, integrity, authenticity, and hard work—principles that continue to shape her leadership style and the lasting impact she makes on the organizations and people she serves.