Karolina Mokosinski, CPHR Candidate

Senior Human Resources Consultant, FH Black & Company CPA Inc.

Karolina is a passionate Human Resource professional working as the Senior HR Consultant at FH Black & Company CPA Inc. In her current role, she handles all aspects of internal HR management, as well as managing external client work through HR consulting. She focuses in areas such as onboarding, employee management and policy development. A graduate from the University of Winnipeg, Karolina is now a CPHR candidate working towards earning the CPHR designation.

Karolina’s previous experience has been in recruitment, customer service, and administration. Coupling this with her academic knowledge, she has acquired competencies in effective communication, employee relations and conflict resolution. In addition to this, she is a current member of SPK Iskry (a Polish Dance Ensemble) and previously held the position of Public Relations and Historian, where she has gained a passion for working towards a culturally inclusive workforce. Karolina is persistent in her pursuit to grow in the Human Resource field and further her experience.

Michelle Parsons, CPHR Candidate

HR Manager, Scootaround Inc.

Michelle is the HR Manager at Scootaround Inc. She joined the company four years ago as the company’s first HR professional. Starting out as the HR Specialist she was promoted to HR Manager after three years and now managing the HR team. When she joined, Michelle was challenged with establishing a new and elevated approach to HR for the whole company in North America. 

Michelle spearheaded various initiatives such as successfully implementing two HRIS systems, streamlining processes, implementing HR policies and procedures including employee handbooks and rolling out a compliance training program focused on diversity and compliance training. This past year, through collaboration with the leadership team, she successfully rolled out the company’s first performance evaluation program.

Michelle’s passionate about volunteering and has been an active volunteer at the Winnipeg Humane Society. She’s brought this passion to work and has implemented the company’s first Volunteer time off program to provide employees paid time off to give back to their communities.

Michelle has demonstrated resilience and dedication to take on new challenges and the impact of these initiatives she’s accomplished has moved the needle forward in the organization and contributed to a positive work environment, increasing employee satisfaction, and retaining employees. 

Dorothy Young, CPHR Candidate

Manager, Human Resources, genAG Inc

Dorothy Young is a well-rounded and energetic Human Resources professional. Since completing the Human Resource Management Course, RRC, Dorothy has excelled her career as a Human Resources Manager with genAG Inc. that has three locations in Southern MB. Starting off in the position as chiefly a term employee, in a quick six months, Dorothy became the full-time HR Manager, ready to bring industry best practices to the position.

It is here where her results-driven approach has led to successful talent acquisition and retention solutions and improved safety management. In addition to her ability to attract and retain a robust workforce, Dorothy aims to maintain and motivate employee engagement throughout the organization through an array of innovative practices and policies.

As a strategic leader, Dorothy strives to instill the values of the organization in all that she does. It is her focus to ensure the organization's mission, vision, and values are visible and active in the day-to-day operations of all staff.

She encourages continued education to all employees and showcases its importance by doing so herself.  She is currently looking to enroll in Lean Six Sigma training.

Jennifer Lagimodiere, CPHR

Director of Human Resources, Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA)

Jennifer Lagimodiere is the Director of Human Resources at the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA). A member of the senior management team, Jennifer is responsible for leading the LGCA’s strategic, operational and administrative human resources services, making critical human resources decisions, and developing and implementing human resources systems, policies and procedures.

Jennifer has been a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) for over a decade and has diverse experience in human resources within the private and public sectors in Manitoba. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Administration and a Human Resources Management Diploma from the University of Winnipeg, and a Labour Relations certificate from Queens University. Jennifer is also a Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) candidate, and recently became a certified leadership coach.

Jennifer models the ethics of the human resources profession. She maintains and develops extensive theoretical HR knowledge and is practical and transparent in applying this in her decisions and leadership. Her high standards for quality work set a positive example and inspire others to strive for strong performance. Moreover, she demonstrates unfailing integrity, commitment to service, and professionalism. 

Brittany Steven, CPHR

Human Resource Manager, Maple Leaf Foods

Brittany is a graduate of Brandon University’s Bachelor of Business Administration Program who joined Maple Leaf Foods – Brandon facility in August 2013 in the position of Human Resources Coordinator. Through nearly 10 years of employment with Maple Leaf Foods building experience in food manufacturing, and labour relations, Brittany progressed through the positions in the Human Resources department toward the HR Manager position. Working with a team of 9 HR professionals, in a fast-paced unionized environment supporting 2, 200 employees, Brittany spends most of her time mentoring and developing junior HR professionals and the leadership teams at the Brandon facility, collaborating with the Union and supporting programming to increase diversity and inclusion, retention and the employee experience.

Brittany is involved with several volunteer and non-profit organizations supporting the connection between Maple Leaf Foods Brandon and the local community such as United Way Food for Thought, Brandon Friendship Center, and the Westman Advisory Council for CPHR Manitoba.

Corinne Pierce

Manager of Human Resources, WFPS Human Resource Services - City of Winnipeg

Corinne Pierce, Manager of Human Resources, is a professional with 15+ years of human resource and labour relations experience in two levels of government, both provincial and municipal. She has over 25 years of volunteer work, from working with mental health programming and homelessness. Corinne recently received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal for her work on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Corinne’s education includes Human Resource Management, Industrial Labour Relations, Business Analyst, Negotiation, Mediation and Project Management. She has notable experience in strategic human resource planning, performance management, staffing, legislation compliance, employment contract negotiations, mediation including first contract mediation, training and development, program development, and in all areas of labour management. She has also served the Manitoba Labour Board as a Board Officer, before moving to the City of Winnipeg.

Corinne is now working in a leadership role with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, where she is engaged in multiple projects including a workplace culture assessment and diversity programming.

Corinne Pierce is a leader and member of various initiatives that build diversity in the Fire Service, including the Canada wide Fire Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network. She is a leader in program development, with one of the most successful and unique programs, the Diversity and Equity Fire Training Program, which is being recognized by other Fire Services across Canada.

Corinne is also an educator, currently instructing at the Red River College while volunteering her time in the Metis community. She is a driven individual who is always looking for ways to improve employee morale and make a workplace better. No matter what position she holds, she will make a positive change to the work environment she is in. 

Lisa Lange, CPHR

Senior Manager, Human Resources & Payroll, City of Steinbach

Lisa is the Senior Manager, Human Resources & Payroll for the City of Steinbach. As a member of the executive management team, Lisa is a huge advocate in the development of leadership. By working to achieve operational excellence, she builds a concrete foundation for inter-departmental growth, success, and a sense of ownership.

She creates a solid and trustworthy environment, proving her excellence in communication, self-management, critical thinking, equality and the ability to persevere. She embraces what we can learn from any situation and how we can improve ourselves moving forward. She fosters an atmosphere where employees feel safe to ask questions, try new skills, and put themselves forward without fear of unforgiving consequences. Her natural sense of intuition, empathy, and ability to inspire employees is extraordinary. She demonstrates integrity, compassion, genuine concern, and a profound sense of charisma that radiates through the organization. She cultivates a culture of togetherness removing the divide between departments and levels, allowing an appreciation within the entire organization.

Lisa is the only female executive manager and brings a unique viewpoint from her male counterparts. She advocated, promoted, and organized group leadership training for the entire management team, so that as an organization they could better themselves. This training was done over several years and has seen much growth in the City’s management team. Lisa has witnessed change in herself and her team and will continue to advocate for future leadership learning.

She has earned the respect and trust of all levels of stakeholders including council, management, and employees. These qualities allow her to further provide vision, inspiration, and direction when it comes to all matters of the workplace. Her influence, mentorship, and positive impact is known within the City as an organization but also throughout the community of Steinbach.

Cathy Pickard, CPHR

Vice President, People Services & Experience, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

Throughout her extensive 30-plus year career, Cathy has developed and implemented people programs that have helped organizations achieve business success. Currently she is the Vice President, People Services & Experience with Wawanesa Insurance, a Canadian mutual company owned by its policyholders. Wawanesa operates in Canada and the United States.

Cathy supports Wawanesa's strategy, purpose and values with a talented team including the Talent Systems & Insights team, a team of experts in Payroll, Pension and Benefits, exceptional teams of Human Resources Business Partners and HR Shared Services Specialists, and an evolving team dedicated to operationalizing the Distributed Work Experience (giving employees choice in where and how they work) and other people programs to deliver on the commitment to the employee experience today and preparing for the future of work tomorrow.

Amongst her executive peers Cathy is known to take a leading role in speaking about the importance of continued leadership development.

Cathy has been instrumental in evolving the Talent Management function, the Total Rewards function including compensation, benefits and recognition, and the Talent Acquisition function. She implemented a progressive HR management system that also enabled a strong focus on people metrics, and also had responsibility for teams dedicated to Wellness and Disability Management, Facilities Management and Accessibility & Workplace Safety. Over the last 3 years Cathy also led a team in managing Wawanesa's response to the pandemic, ensuring the health and safety of Wawanesa's people was the top priority. 

Cathy’s experience in the private sector spans both national and global organizations in industries such as insurance, agriculture, business outsourcing, financial management, information technology, and lottery & gaming. Throughout her career she’s held executive roles in Sales, Corporate Communications, Property Management and Human Resources. Cathy has an Executive MBA and Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

Susan Young, CPHR

Vice-President of Human Resources & Government Services, Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

Susan’s diverse career and experiences as a senior HR professional has spanned nearly two decades bringing a strong and extensive HR skillset to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. As the VP of Human Resources & Government Services, Susan’s primary responsibilities are to develop and effectively implement strategic initiatives related to improving culture, talent assessment, succession planning, performance management, and effective labor relations. 

Susan’s leadership style is one of mentorship, trust, and loyalty. She is a servant leader. She focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which she belongs. She puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. She inspires her team by allowing them to build their confidence.

Susan is a graduate of the University of Manitoba. She has strengthened relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to advance FFMC’s human resource practices. Equally important, Susan has productively engaged in competency and personal development opportunities for our employees. Susan utilizes comprehensive human resource tools, strategic HR initiatives and personal leadership skills to develop and measure employees’ ability to improve their competencies, personal development, and contributions to FFMC. Susan is an active member of the CPHR’s Professional Conduct Committee, Mentorship Program and Board.

Christian Schmidt

Chief, Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services

Christian Schmidt serves as Fire and Paramedic Chief with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) where he is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction. He began his career in 1993 with the City of Winnipeg and has since worked in many roles including as a paramedic, Communications Officer, Staff Inspector, Superintendent, Assistant Platoon Chief, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service provides paramedic services to the citizens of Winnipeg under an agreement with Shared Health and Christian is a co-chair on the WFPS/Shared Health Joint Operations Committee (JOC) that guides the high-quality care and programs delivered by all members of the service. Recognizing the importance of strong relationships, he works toward building and fostering strong and productive relationships with partner agencies and community-based groups.

Christian is a strong leader who has shown attitude and belief as it relates to diversity in the workplace. He has always brought a level of comfort and values to the table when dealing with issues of racism, exclusion and/or disrespect for an ethnic culture. He has performed admirably in all situations and has recognized the importance on addressing those issues through various means which includes education, discussion and when required discipline. Christian has made himself available for all issues that come forward so employees are felt heard by one of the highest positions in the Service.

Christian is a member of the Board of Directors for the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada as well as a member of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Metropolitan Chiefs.

Christian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, CMA accredited Advanced Care Paramedic certification, NFPA Fire Fighter certification, a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership and is a graduate of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Michael Stassen

CEO, DealerPILOT HR

Over the course of his career as a Senior Executive, Michael has learned a lot about how to be an effective leader.  His experiences with various leadership styles allowed him to finely craft his own style and 8 years ago begin the concept and strategy behind DealerPILOT HR.

Michael is a people driven leader who has built a successful HR software service understanding that your people are what make the difference. Because of this, a main interest for Michael is working with and building relationships with all DealerPILOT employees.

Michael has led the charge on several initiatives alongside DealerPILOT HR’s management team since its inception, including the upcoming release of our software’s new interface.  Michael is heavily involved and an influential contributor within various automotive associations across Canada, and participates regularly in conferences, meetings, and info sessions with industry leaders.

Through the development of the Professional Advisory Services team, Michael has encouraged, and been a significant part of developing a recruitment strategy that involves thorough critical thinking assessments, a company-wide process that has earned buy in from all managers, and conceptualization of an interview panel made of managers and employees alike, where candidates can receive a full 360 view of what it means to work at DealerPILOT HR.  Michael encourages employees to share their experience with candidates to ensure a positive candidate experience.