Kendra O'Malley, CPHR

Human Resources Generalist, Manitoba Harvest

Kendra O’Malley is a Human Resources Generalist at Manitoba Harvest, supporting two production facilities in Manitoba as well as remote employees across Canada and the U.S. Known for her passion for employee advocacy and culture-building, Kendra approaches HR through the lens of empathy, fairness, and psychological safety, ensuring every employee feels seen, supported, and valued.

Throughout her career, Kendra has transformed workplace experiences by blending strategic HR expertise with a people-first philosophy. She has led initiatives that span recognition programs, career development frameworks, performance management, and wellness initiatives, all designed to foster engagement, connection, and trust.

Kendra also champions culture-building through innovative programs and cross-functional team initiatives that break down silos, strengthen collaboration, and enhance organizational alignment. She leverages her HR expertise to balance advocacy for individuals with organizational priorities, serving as a trusted advisor to both employees and leadership.

Her leadership consistently drives engagement, growth, and operational excellence, creating workplaces where employees are inspired to contribute their best every day.

Teshani Perera, CPHR Candidate

HR Coordinator, Canad Inns Corporation

Teshani Perera is a seasoned HR professional with over six years of experience driving positive change in organizational culture, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness. She is passionate about creating inclusive, thriving workplaces where individuals feel empowered to contribute meaningfully and teams achieve their full potential.

Throughout her career, Teshani has demonstrated expertise in talent acquisition, labor relations, learning and development, employee engagement, and HR program implementation. She has led impactful initiatives such as restructuring health and safety programs, coordinating mandatory training, implementing employee recognition programs, and managing benefit programs like the monthly Eco Pass, all while ensuring compliance and enhancing organizational effectiveness.

As an MBA graduate in Human Resources and an active CPHR candidate, Teshani continuously seeks professional growth and actively engages with the broader HR community through networking, mentorship, and ongoing learning.

Known for her empathy, integrity, and solution-oriented approach, Teshani translates HR expertise into actionable programs that support employees, empower leaders, and drive organizational success. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and creating workplaces where people and organizations can thrive together.

Mario Petit, CPHR

Expert Talent Acquisition, Indigenous Recruitment, CN Rail

Mario Petit is a Talent Attraction Specialist at KPMG Canada and a proud Red River Métis HR professional based in Manitoba. He supports campus and early talent recruitment across Western Canada, partnering with leaders in Audit, Tax, and Advisory to strengthen early-career hiring strategies and build sustainable talent pipelines.

Mario has played an active role in advancing Indigenous recruitment and community engagement through the development of regional Indigenous campus initiatives, the establishment of new partnerships, and ongoing mentorship of students pursuing careers in professional services. His work reflects a commitment to inclusive hiring practices and long-term workforce development.

Mario is currently completing his MBA in Leadership and Organizations at the Asper School of Business and was selected as one of eight students to represent the program on Asper’s international MBA Case Competition teams. He also serves on KPMG’s Indigenous Advisory Council and regularly mentors university students across Manitoba.

Mario is passionate about ethical leadership, responsible use of technology in HR, and creating equitable access to opportunity across Canadian business.

Natalie Bell, CPHR Candidate

People & Culture Consultant & Coach, Natalie Bell Consulting

Natalie Bell brings the human back to human resources.

As founder of Natalie Bell Consulting, Natalie partners with small to midsize businesses and non-profits across Manitoba, bringing 25+ years of HR experience to help them shift from reactive HR firefighting to intentional, sustainable culture building.

Natalie's work spans the full HR spectrum—foundational audits and policy development to executive recruitment and workplace investigations.

What truly moves the needle forward is changing how people think and lead. Natalie has developed industry-specific workplace training programs, created post-secondary curriculum on inclusive workplace culture, written for industry publications, and hosted professional development webinars advancing HR practice beyond individual client work.

Her influential digital presence through PegCityLovely—shaped by 13+ years of content creation—celebrates Winnipeg's local businesses and diverse community while inspiring others to live boldly and authentically.

As President of Congress of Black Women of Manitoba, Natalie leads initiatives uplifting Black women and families. As Board Director at Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, she contributes a strategic perspective on business development and workplace culture. She's also a member of CPHR Manitoba and Black HR Professionals of Canada, and was recently selected as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for 2026!

Charles V A Cuyuca, CPHR Candidate

Lecturer, Providence University College and Theological Seminary

Chales is a strategic HR leader and educator with a proven record of enhancing organizational performance through innovative talent management, operational efficiency, and inclusive workplace practices.

With senior-level experience in aerospace, oil and gas, and higher education, he combines deep HR expertise with strong business acumen to align people strategy with organizational goals.

He is recognized for delivering measurable results from reducing talent gaps and recruitment costs to strengthening compliance and workforce readiness. As an adjunct lecturer, he shapes the next generation of HR professionals through practical, real-world teaching focused on Canadian HR and employment law. A CPHR candidate and IMS Auditor, he is committed to ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and advancing the HR profession.

Anelle McLaughlin, CPHR Candidate

Recruiter, First Nations Financial Management Board

Anelle McLaughlin is a vision-driven Human Resources professional and CPHR Candidate with a proven track record in strategic talent acquisition, organizational development, and HR leadership. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Anelle brings over eight years of experience in recruitment and HR, combining expertise in workforce planning, employer branding, and diversity initiatives to create impactful, inclusive hiring strategies.

Currently serving as Recruiter at the First Nations Financial Management Board, Anelle leads end-to-end talent acquisition functions, including long- and short-term recruitment planning, pipeline development, and culturally sensitive candidate experiences.

Her ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution has consistently improved hiring efficiency and strengthened organizational culture. Committed to lifelong learning, Anelle holds a Human Resources Management certificate from Red River College and has completed specialized certifications in Indigenous awareness, unconscious bias, and trauma-informed practices. 

Beyond her professional role, Anelle actively contributes to her community through volunteer work, offering guidance on employment standards, resume writing, and interview coaching. Her leadership style which is rooted in integrity, empathy, and collaboration, positions her as a strategic HR partner dedicated to fostering organizational success and empowering individuals.

Olena Derkach, CPHR

Director of Human Resources, Trailblazers Life Choices Inc. 

Olena oversees more than 300 employees across both unionized and non-unionized programs, providing strategic HR leadership that aligns organizational goals with people-focused initiatives.

She am the creator of the STEP Method (Strategy, Training, Engagement, Prevention), an evidence-based framework that integrates mental health into organizational operations, fosters psychologically safe workplaces, and strengthens employee resilience.

In addition to my professional experience, Olena hold a Master’s Degree in Sociology and a Human Resources Management Diploma, which underpin my evidence-based approach to HR strategy and organizational development. She am also a published author of multiple peer-reviewed articles on leadership, employee mental health, and workforce adaptability in internationally recognized journals.

Through strategic HR initiatives, mentorship, and continuous learning, Olena strives to foster environments where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Terra Friesen, CPHR

Human Resources Manager, Meridian Manufacturing Inc. 

Terra Friesen is a human resources leader with over 18 years of experience in strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational development. She holds a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

As Human Resource Manager at Meridian Manufacturing Inc., she oversees the human resources staff for and organization of over 900 employees, driving initiatives that strengthen culture, reduce turnover, and build resilient teams. She also instructs human resources courses at RRC Polytech, developing future professionals. Active in the HR community, Terra contributes to CPHR Manitoba and CPHR Canada committees, mentors emerging leaders, and supports initiatives in immigration and multiculturalism.

Cara Therrien, CPHR

Senior HR Consultant, Curbridge Group

As a Senior HR Consultant, Cara Therrien supports organizations across Manitoba with practical, strategic human resources leadership. With nearly a decade of HR experience, Cara works closely with senior leadership teams and executives across multiple industries to strengthen HR systems, guide complex people decisions, and build sustainable organizational practices.

She is recognized as a trusted HR leader for her ability to provide clear, balanced guidance on complex people matters, organizational risk, and long-term workforce strategy. Cara is known for translating HR and legislative requirements into practical systems that improve consistency, support confident decision making, and strengthen operations across diverse environments.

Over the past year, Cara has been a key contributor to the development of Directors Desk, a province-wide HR leadership resource designed to support early learning and care leaders across Manitoba. She has played a leading role in shaping its content and structure, helping transform HR best practices into accessible, real-world tools that build leadership capacity and support long-term sustainability across the sector.

Jenna Brook, CPHR
Vice President of Human Resources, Red River Mutual Insurance

Jenna Book is the Vice President, Human Resources at Red River Mutual, a mutual property & casualty insurance carrier based out of Manitoba. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she is a passionate and results-driven executive business leader. A builder at heart, she dives into new challenges and loves learning new things along the way. She is dedicated to building high-performing workplaces rooted in trust and accountability. She brings a grounded, practical perspective to emerging challenges in today’s evolving workplace and world.

She seeks to surround herself with those who are true to themselves and loves building up people, processes and teams for authentic interactions and success. Her drive for growth and continuous improvement is demonstrated through the exciting and diverse opportunities of leadership and experiences she brings. With breadth and depth across various industries and professional disciplines, she is able to leverage her experiences to add value to the businesses, people and teams she serves in the community.

Jayelle Morris, CPHR
Vice President of Human Resources, RFA Asset Management (Formerly Artis REIT)

Jayelle Morris, CPHR, SHRM-CP is the Vice President, Human Resources at Artis REIT, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. She advanced rapidly into executive leadership during a pivotal period of organizational change, stepping into the role as the organization navigated governance transition, the appointment of a new CEO and Board, large-scale asset divestments, and strategic transformation.

With oversight of a cross-border HR function spanning Canada and the United States, Jayelle is recognized as a key strategic advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board. She brings clarity, stability, and a people-centered lens to complex decisions involving organizational change, workforce strategy, culture, and risk management—critical in a publicly accountable organization.

Jayelle has led numerous enterprise-wide initiatives, including organizational restructuring, workforce transitions associated with over $1B in asset sales, leadership development programs, and the modernization of HR governance and policy frameworks. She is the founder and chair of Artis’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee and co-leads the Health & Safety Committee, contributing to ESG initiatives through a strong people-first perspective.

Her leadership style is grounded in integrity, empathy, and sound judgment. Jayelle is respected for her ability to operate calmly under pressure, translate strategy into action, and guide leaders and employees through change with transparency and care. 

Larysa Motruk, CPHR
VP, Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness, Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA)

Larysa is a passionate HR leader with over 17 years of experience in human resources. As the Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness at CCGA, she brings a strategic approach to talent management and organizational development, making a real difference for businesses through effective HR solutions.

Her educational journey includes diplomas in Human Resources Management from the University of Winnipeg PACE and the National College of Ireland, a Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Ireland, and BA (Hons) in Pedagogical Studies from Precarpathian State University in Ukraine. Larysa holds a Leadership Coach certification,  CMHA National Psychological Health and Safety Professional Certificate, CIPD,  and CPHR designations.

Outside of work, Larysa enjoys being active in the community as a past Chair and current Director of the Board of Directors for the Osbourne Village Resource Centre. She previously was involved with the Conference committee for CPHR Manitoba and as the Principal of the Ukrainian School at AURI in Ireland.

Cristina Vieira, CPHR
Director, Human Resources, Vidir Solutions Inc. 

Cristina Vieira, CPHR, is the Director of Human Resources at Vidir Solutions, where she transformed HR from a transactional function into a strategic cornerstone of the organization. Joining Vidir in 2018, Cristina built the HR department from the ground up, introducing systems, policies, and programs that strengthened culture, compliance, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of experience, including senior roles at Vale and the Province of Manitoba, she brings expertise in workforce planning, employee relations, leadership development, and strategic HR systems.

Under her leadership, Vidir reduced attrition by over 40%, doubled its workforce during periods of growth, and launched a fully sponsored Learning & Development framework, including the Vidir Leadership Development Program, now in its second cohort. Cristina is a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team, recognized for her servant leadership, authenticity, and people-first approach, which balances business performance with humanity. She actively contributes to the HR profession through her involvement in CPHR and CM&E committees, mentorship programs, and advisory roles, and champions initiatives that foster inclusion, psychological safety, and continuous learning.

Jennifer Bell
Leader, Custom Learning Division, Neovation Corporation

Jennifer brings over 20 years of exceptional leadership to Neovation's Custom Learning Team and a philosophy grounded in support, curiosity, and service.

Her unique blend of creative problem-solving and analytical skills has been instrumental in delivering outstanding results at Neovation. She applies this strategic mindset to the sales process, acting as a trusted advisor who builds genuine relationships through collaboration to ensure prospective clients feel confident in their custom solutions.

Jennifer manages her team of 15+ members with a servant-leader mentality. She fosters an environment that balances following best practices with innovation, where taking risks is encouraged and supporting one another is the standard. Her approach has created a culture where the team strives to delight clients, resulting in enduring partnerships and a consistent track record of excellence.

Michael Penman

President, Payworks

Mike joined Payworks in 2016 and has two decades of accounting, financial and operations experience in the agricultural, payroll services and public accounting fields. As Payworks’ President, he oversees a broad range of operational groups with Payworks and the dedicated teams that serve them.

Outside of Payworks, he serves as the Chair of the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation and is an active supporter of Harvest Manitoba and United Way Winnipeg.

Rick White

President and CEO, Canadian Canola Growers Association

As President & CEO of Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), Rick is responsible for the development and advocacy of agricultural policies at the national and international level, as well as CCGA’s administration of the federal Advance Payments Program with over $2 billion in working capital financing issued to farmers annually.

Rick is currently the Canada Chair, Japan-Canada Chambers Council, the Industry Co-Chair of the federal Crop Logistics Working Group, and past-Chair of the Canada Grains Council. He has served on the Boards of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, and the Vegetable Oil Industry of Canada.

Internationally, he served as Chair of the International Agri-Food Network, and Chair of the Private Sector Mechanism to the UN Committee on World Food Security. Additionally, he was Vice-Chair of the Champions Network for the UN Food Systems Summit and has participated in the Global Crisis Response Group for food, providing information and advice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on global food security issues emerging from the war in Ukraine.

Rick has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan, both majoring in Agricultural Economics. He also holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.