The Spark Award
Recognizes HR Professionals with up to ten years of HR experience who have sparked change in their organization, taking ownership and responsibility, in ways that belie their years.
 | Jessica Espin Human Resources Coordinator, Manitoba Blue Cross Jessica is a dedicated professional committed to promoting inclusivity, facilitating meaningful change, and empowering others in the workplace. At Manitoba Blue Cross, Jessica developed and implemented innovative solutions that improve workplace processes and foster community engagement. Jessica is deeply motivated by the prospect of inspiring and empowering those around her. As a proactive leader, she advocates for marginalized individuals and strives to create inclusive spaces. As a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Jessica has been instrumental in driving initiatives such as Indigenous Month, which connects diverse communities and promotes sustainable change. Additionally, she is committed to supporting newcomers, non-native English speakers, students, and recent graduates. Through workshops and consultations, Jessica assists them in succeeding in job interviews, building professional networks, and more. Continuous improvement and lifelong learning are foundational to Jessica's professional journey. She approaches each project with an emphasis on quality, organization, and collaboration, ensuring that she uplifts and acknowledges those who support her along the way. |  | Courtney Matienzo Talent Acquisition Specialist, Mazergroup Courtney is a dedicated Talent Acquisition Specialist with a strong background in recruitment, workforce development, and employee engagement. With a passion for connecting top talent with the right opportunities. In her role at Mazergroup, Courtney manages recruitment for all 18 locations, overseeing all aspects of the hiring process for each dealership. Beyond her professional achievements, Courtney is committed to community engagement and workforce alignment. She serves as a Board Director for the Brandon Career Symposium and is a Committee Member for the Workforce Alignment Committee at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, where she contributes to initiatives that strengthen local employment opportunities. Courtney is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law from Queen’s University and plans to write the Entry-to-Practice Exam on September 24, 2025, to further support Mazergroup's international employees. She also holds a Registered Professional Recruiter Designation and a Business Administration diploma specializing in Human Resources from Assiniboine College, where she was honoured as a Valedictorian. |  | Shannon Morrison, CPHR HR Generalist, Innovair Group Shannon is an accomplished and evolving Human Resources Professional. Shannon earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in April 2019 from the University of Winnipeg. Shortly thereafter she embarked on her career in Human Resources, driven by a passion for creating meaningful workplace experiences and advancing organizational success. Leveraging her professional experience and voracious pursuit of growth, Shannon achieved her CPHR designation in the Spring of 2024 – a mere 2 and a half years after passing the National Knowledge Exam and becoming a CPHR Candidate. As a multi-faceted HR Generalist, Shannon has developed a robust and diverse portfolio spanning various HR disciplines. She is dedicated to staying at the forefront of her profession through active participation in HR events and a constant consumption of professional development opportunities. Recognized as a recruitment expert, she has streamlined processes and designed strategies that enhance the employee experience throughout the entire employee lifecycle. Her ability to align business goals with innovative, people-focused solutions has consistently delivered positive outcomes for the companies she has worked at and the teams she serves. She thrives on the dynamic challenges that come with the Human Resources field and consistently seeks new ways to add value. |
The Momentum Award
Recognizes HR Professionals with over ten years of HR experience who have established their expertise and leadership, become a trusted resource to their colleagues and are moving long term priorities forward.
 | Natividad Lobete-Dinulos, CPHR HR Consultant and Applied Counselor, Dinulos Consulting and Counselling Services With more than twenty years of expertise in Human Resources, Workforce Development, Consulting, Coaching, Mentoring and Counselling, Natividad is a results-driven and client-centred professional. Having started her career path in Southeast Asia in Recruitment and Placement at Philippine Airlines, she spent years in inbound recruiting, talent pool, social recruitment, data-driven recruitment and people analytics and promotion flexibility. Natividad’s initiatives as a freelancer within her organization are nothing short of remarkable. She has successfully designed and implemented innovative programs that have fundamentally transformed the company's approach to human resources. One of her most notable projects involved the creation of a comprehensive employee wellness program that not only improved employee satisfaction and retention rates but also significantly enhanced overall productivity. |  | George Paul Hakim, CPHR Manager, Human Resources, Manitoba Blue Cross George Hakim brings close to 20 years of Human Resources experience spanning various industries including Finance, Legal, Insurance and Technology. In his current role as Manager of Human Resources at Manitoba Blue Cross, George is committed to fostering positive change through trust-building, constructive dialogue, and actionable strategies. As a member of the leadership committee, he continuously seeks opportunities to enhance Human Resources practices and implement best practices. He encourages leaders to adopt innovative thinking and empowers his teams through effective coaching and mentorship. George has successfully collaborated with his team to develop and refine DEI programs, performance management systems, and talent acquisition strategies that align with organizational objectives. Additionally, he is dedicated to promoting DEI initiatives and actively contributes to the community by serving on various boards such as the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Known for his supportive and engaging behaviour, George demonstrates a genuine care for his employees. He prioritizes open communication and makes himself available for discussions with employees and those interested in pursuing careers in Human Resources. His passion, pride, and dedication to the HR profession are evident in all his interactions. |  | Johanna Hildebrand, CPHR Manager, HR Solutions, People First HR Services Ltd.
Renowned for her outside-the-box thinking and solution-focused approach, Johanna has built strong relationships and earned the respect of her clients. Whether it's guiding organizations through complex employee relations issues or implementing innovative HR strategies, Johanna consistently delivers impactful results that foster organizational growth and success. She has made significant contributions within workplaces, consistently moving the needle forward in both past and current organizations, this includes the clients she supports in her role as Manager, HR Solutions in a national consulting firm and providing daily leadership to the HR On Call and Outsourced HR consulting team. Her leadership and influence are evident through initiatives she has spearheaded, resulting in impactful changes within a variety of organizations. She has been actively involved in the CPHR Manitoba community, regularly attending events within Winnipeg and the Pembina Valley. She has significantly contributed to the HR profession through her roles on various committees. Johanna’s dedication to her profession goes hand in hand with her commitment to upholding the values of CPHR Manitoba. Her integrity is evident in her interactions with clients, where she consistently acts in their best interests, and her focus on innovation drives her to seek new ways to solve HR challenges. |
The Leadership Award
Recognizes executive level HR Professionals who are a trusted resource to organizational leaders, advancing corporate objectives, setting policy and supporting sound governance.
 | Heather Horton, CPHR Director, Human Resources, MacDon Industries Ltd. Heather's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Since joining MacDon in 2005 as Director of Human Resources, she has been the driving force behind the company’s people strategy. In addition to being part of Linamar's global HR Directors team, she is a member of the Senior Executive Group, reporting to our Group President. She collaborates with this group to shape the HR strategy ensuring that it supports operational goals.
Through her leadership, she has evolved the HR team from a primary function of hiring and benefits to a multidisciplinary team of 22 HR professionals across Canada and the US, empowering them to prioritize MacDon’s most valued asset—its people. Heather’s impact is profound: she has guided MacDon through five collective bargaining agreements, stewarded strategic acquisitions, and led pivotal HR transformations across benefits, compensation, payroll, employee engagement, training and development, safety and total rewards. Her deep commitment to fostering a legacy of loyalty shines in the multiple generations of families who have found lifelong careers at MacDon under her guidance.
Heather's legacy is not only in policies but in the lives she has touched and the careers she has nurtured with compassion, generosity and genuine care. She is more than a director; she’s a mentor, a change-maker, and a steadfast advocate for every MacDon employee. |  | Tyler Porter, CPHR Human Resources Director, RFNOW Inc. Tyler earned his HR certificate at Assiniboine Community College in 1997 as part of his Hospitality and Tourism diploma. While he loved the energy of hospitality, he wanted to avoid the 24/7 demands of hotel work and explore other industries to grow his career.
In 2023, Tyler joined RFNOW Inc. as their first HR Director, tasked with establishing an HR department. He has built a strong foundation and overseen a 150% growth in staff, positively shaping the company’s culture and direction.
Tyler, as a visionary leader, anticipates the changing needs of the organization and sets clear planned goals to meet them. Every project contributes meaningfully to organizational success because he adjusts HR initiatives with the company’s broader mission and guarantees he is adept at this task.
Tyler thrives on helping others achieve their own success. He has been fortunate to work with amazing people and mentors, who have fueled his passion for HR and his drive to make meaningful contributions wherever he goes. |
The Visionary Award Recipients
* Note - all recipients will be recognized in this category
Recognizes executives who endorse, support or champion the HR function within their organization. Intended for individual’s outside of the HR field.
 | Abe Berg President, Power Driven Electric Ltd. Abe began his electrical career in 2009 with a passion for delivering quality and innovation in the electrical industry. In 2013, he founded Power Driven Electric Ltd. (PDE) in Manitoba. His leadership style centers on collaboration, empowerment, and a strong commitment to employee well-being. In 2023, he spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive Health and Safety Program in partnership with HR, transforming PDE’s culture by embedding safety into every operational task. This initiative led to the company achieving COR certification in September 2024, reducing incidents, improving operational efficiency, and fostering a "safety-first" culture. Beyond leading PDE, he is passionate about mentoring future industry professionals through the Apprenticeship Manitoba Program, and collaborating with experts to adopt best practices, like the CPHR Manitoba Mentorship Program. His focus remains on driving innovation, supporting my team’s growth, and ensuring client satisfaction, all while fostering a culture that prioritizes safety and professionalism. |  | Kurt Buehler President, MacDon Industries Ltd. Kurt is President of MacDon Industries. He has led all facets of operations activities including production scheduling, procurement, material management, production engineering and product integrity. In this capacity, Kurt has worked closely with Human Resources and been instrumental in directing our lean waste elimination and safety initiatives. Most importantly, Kurt has focused on the employees of MacDon, focusing on training, safety and employee development. Working with HR, he has demonstrated a commitment to employees by pioneering and participating in mentorship programs, designing leaders standard work and operational frameworks, helping create curriculum for leadership development programs, and supporting employee development through the deployment of a learning and development practice within MacDon.
He has created a culture that promotes people from within, and a place where people can have a career. He has championed a respectful workplace and inclusion through supporting the emergence of a Diversity Committee and DEI education and programming at MacDon.
Under his leadership, MacDon became a community supporter of Ukrainian newcomers to Manitoba. Kurt continues to lead with integrity and care, putting people first. |  | Grant Cockshott President and CEO, Innovair Group As President and CEO of Innovair Group, Grant has overseen a dramatic shift in the culture of his business by practicing principles of engagement, consultation, inclusion, and communication. By adopting a 'bottom up' strategic execution model, the Group continues to see year over year improvements to financial results, customer service, process improvement, and organizational capacity.
At the heart of Grant’s leadership is his commitment to creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and purpose-driven. He has repeatedly stated that his joy and professional goal is to create a space where people find their purpose through meaningful collective work. Grant’s leadership fundamentally defined HR’s role at Innovair. By embedding HR in the fabric of strategic planning, he created a people-first organization that prioritizes its culture, its workforce, and its future. HR is not a function of administration but a driver of organizational success—a direct result of Grant’s visionary leadership and his belief that people are the foundation of everything. |  | Kirk Regular Director, SafeOperations, Vidir Solutions Inc. As Director, SafeOperations at Vidir Solutions, Kirk oversees the management of all manufacturing operations. This includes formulating strategies, setting objectives and standards, and developing leaders. In a manufacturing setting, one of his primary focuses is SafeOperations to ensure that ZERO HARM, Kirk has an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the workforce. To achieve these objectives, Kirk ensures that HR is actively involved in the decision-making process and that HR alignment is present in the organization’s long-term goals. He recognizes HR as a key business partner. A champion of best practices in HR, Kirk consistently coaches his leadership team to involve HR early in employee relations matters. He emphasizes the importance of applying HR policies consistently and values the guidance HR provides in managing sensitive situations. Kirk places trust in HR members, often asking them to support coaching efforts for his employees. This collaboration has fostered a culture of trust and mutual respect between HR and leadership, enabling better decision-making and a more cohesive work environment. |  | Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud Chief Executive Officer (Former) Siloam Mission
Tessa has worked in the homeless serving sector since 2013 and previously worked as the executive director for 1JustCity and for the last three years, served as the CEO of Siloam Mission. She holds a Master’s Degree from Carleton University in Ottawa in political economy. She also taught sociology at the University of Winnipeg for five years. Her forward-thinking approach to policy development emphasized inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity. These policies have had a direct impact on creating an inclusive and diverse work environment, where different perspectives are actively sought and incorporated into decision-making processes. Her commitment to building an inclusive workforce is evident in both recruitment and retention strategies, with a focus on ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background. Tessa’s leadership provides strategic vision, guidance, and a commitment to empowering others. |
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