HRPA Southwest​ Chapter

Welcome to the HRPA Southwest Chapter

The Chapter Council act as ambassadors for the HRPA and the human resources (HR) profession, providing professional development opportunities, arranging networking and social events, hosting HR Power Lunch webinars, and facilitating ad-hoc volunteer opportunities. Chapter events provide members with the opportunity to develop skills and proficiencies, obtain CPD hours and build valuable connections with peers.

Chapter Councils also help promote and support HRPA initiatives such as the HRPA Mentorship Programs, HRPA Online Communities, HRPA Student activities and more. We encourage you to explore the HRPA website further to learn more about all that HRPA has to offer. We have included some helpful links below.

Whether you are a seasoned HR professional or a student who is looking to begin a career in HR, your Chapter Council and Chapter peers are here to support you!

Sincerely,
The Southwest Chapter Council

HRPA Southwest Chapter Map Boundaries

Leadership

Nicole-Papps
Nicole Papps, CHRP, CHRL

Council Past Chair - Chatham Kent

Nicole Papps has been working in the Human Resource field for over 20 years. She currently holds the role of Director, Human Resources in the Manufacturing sector within her hometown of Chatham-Kent. She has broad experience which includes Pension & Benefit administration, Recruitment & Selection as well as Labour Relations.

Nicole holds a Human Resource Management Diploma from St. Clair College in Windsor. In 2008 she obtained her CHRP designation and in 2014 advanced to the CHRL level.

Nicole held several volunteer positions within the former HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter including involvement with the Programs Committee and serving the Chapter Board as Secretary-Treasurer, Chair Elect, Chair and Past Chair. Nicole is pleased to support the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council in a Past Chair advisory capacity.

kathryn-meehan
Kathryn Meehan, LL.B, LL.M, MIR, BAH

Council Past Chair - Grand Valley

Kathryn Meehan is an employment and labour lawyer at Hicks Morley and is the practice leader for the firm’s Waterloo and London offices. She frequently represents clients before the courts and administrative tribunals including labour arbitrations. Kathryn graduated as the gold medalist from the LL.B. program at the University of Western Ontario and subsequently obtained her LL.M at the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Hicks Morley, she completed her Master of Industrial Relations at Queen’s and subsequently worked and taught in the field of human resources. Kathryn spent her articling year as a clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Kathryn is a former proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Kathryn is very active in her community, and she is a frequent speaker on human resources law. She has been a part-time faculty member at the University of Waterloo, Fanshawe College, and Conestoga College.

Lauren Manna
Lauren Manna, CHRP, CHRL

Council Past Chair - London

Lauren Manna has been a member of the HRPA since 2012, obtaining her CHRP in 2015 and her CHRL in 2017. She started her volunteer involvement with the former HRPA London & District Chapter joining the Mentorship Committee and Programs Committee in 2013. Most recently Lauren held the role of Chapter Chair.

Professionally, she has worked in the HR community for over 10 years. Most of her time has been spent in the manufacturing and professional service until most recently where she is working in the Federal HR space in the finance/banking industry.

Excited to support the newly formed HRPA Southwest Chapter Council, Lauren is volunteering in a Past Chair advisory capacity this year.

Lyndsay_doran
Lyndsay Doran, CHRP

Council Past Chair - Sarnia

Lyndsay Doran graduated from the Business Administration – Human Resources program at Lambton College in 2011 and earned her Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations from Athabasca University in 2019. She has since held various HR roles within the public and broader public sectors, with a specialization in job evaluation, compensation, and data analytics. Currently, Lyndsay serves as a Human Resources Generalist at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus. She obtained her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation in 2015.

Since 2019, Lyndsay has been an active volunteer with the former HRPA Sarnia and District Chapter. She held several positions, including Secretary-Treasurer and Chapter Chair. Through her involvement on the local board, Lyndsay valued the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals. Lyndsay looks forward to making more connections through volunteering in a Past Chair capacity for the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council’s inaugural year.

Elizabeth Nichols
Liz Black (Elizabeth Nichols), CHRL, CCP

Council Past Chair - Windsor

Hello and welcome to the Southwest Chapter for the HRPA! I am Liz Black, I am excited to embark on the next chapter for HRPA in this region. I have been in a volunteer capacity with HRPA since 2013 and look forward to many more years. My career has been primarily in Total Rewards leadership positions even dabbling as a HR Business Partner for a time.

We hope to continue to bring the most insightful and engaging experiences both virtually and in-person providing you with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn more about human resources from insightful speakers as well as other colleagues across the region who may have similar experiences. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Anna Micka
Anna Micka, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Anna Micka is a strategic and innovative Senior HR professional with over a decade of experience. As Chief HR Officer at Salus Mutual, they translate organizational vision into HR initiatives that enhance performance, foster growth, and improve employee engagement. With a background in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in HR Management, Anna is a Certified Human Resources Leader, always eager to acquire more knowledge.

Anna has led HR strategies at H2R Business Solutions and Voyago/Transdev, focusing on recruitment, employee experience, and compliance. An educator at Conestoga College, Anna is committed to continuous learning and developing the next generation of HR professionals. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Anna thrives on challenges and are driven by a desire to empower organizations and people.

Mark Coulter 2024
Mark Coulter, MIR, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Mark has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources with a focus on leading talent management and OD functions in retail, packaged foods, and beverage organizations.

He holds a Master of Industrial Relations degree from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in HRM from Humber College. He is currently pursuing his executive coaching certification through the Center for Executive Coaching.

Mark has taught post-graduate HR courses at Humber College and mentored junior HR professionals through the former HRPA Grand Valley Chapter. Recently, he partnered with the School of Industrial Relations at Queen’s University to create a mentorship/ coaching program to assist with the early career development of current MIR students as they transition to work.

He is excited about the opportunity to serve the HRPA Southwest Chapter and assist in the advancement of the HR profession.

Jocelyn Watson
Jocelyn Watson, MBA (Fin), BHSc, RRT, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

With over a decade of experience, Jocelyn is a strategic and values-driven Human Resources leader with a proven track record of enhancing employee engagement and driving organizational success. Currently, Jocelyn sits on a several board positions making a difference in the Human Resources industry and community. Jocelyn recently completed her MBA, specializing in finance and earning a spot on the Dean’s Merit List.

After obtaining a degree and diploma in the health care industry, Jocelyn began her career in the benefits administration industry. Here, Jocelyn found her passion for Human Resources, obtaining a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management as well as both the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations.

In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys travelling, golfing and spending time with her family.

Julie_Chretien
Julie Chretien, CHRP

Council Volunteer

Julie Chretien has a 25-year career as a strategic partner and consultant to HR professionals, enhancing business operations and acting as an extension of their teams. She actively serves on the Brant HR Network board, where she organizes a variety of professional development and networking events.

Julie holds a Graduate Certificate in HR Management, along with certificates as a Benefits Specialist and Job Development Professional, and earned a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Leo University. Certified as a CHRP and currently pursuing CHRL certification, she possesses a profound understanding of industry trends and hiring practices from her role as an Account Executive at Kelly Services.

Julie is committed to fostering a collaborative environment and is enthusiastic about contributing to the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council’s success and continued growth.

melissa_quinney
Melissa Quinney, B.A., B. Ed., CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Melissa is a Senior Consultant in Pension and Retirement at Cowan Insurance Group. She has been at Cowan for 5 years. She is passionate about business development, helping her clients design and manage their retirement savings programs, while supporting their employees to build financial literacy and wellness.

Before joining Cowan, she spent her 19-year career with a major insurance carrier and major tele-communications company gaining experience in plan member education, product management, human resources and corporate training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier, CHRL designation, a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock, and LLQP Life Insurance License.

Megan Roose 2024
Megan Roose, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Megan is a seasoned Human Resource professional who has established herself as a trusted advisor and known for her expertise in leadership coaching and conflict resolution. Megan has been working in Human Resources for over 22 years in a variety of industries. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Human Resources and a Business Administration Diploma. She is looking forward to sharing her passion and knowledge with other professionals as a volunteer with the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council.

She enjoys travelling and in her spare time volunteers for animal rescues (love all dogs, especially Mercedes). Megan likes to stay active and spend time with her husband, family and friends.

Abayomi Fawehinmi, CHRP

Council Volunteer

Yomi is a professional and thought leader with over 15 years of diverse experience leading and directing Human Resource Management, change management, learning and development, organizational effectiveness, talent management, and diversity and inclusion.

As a Prosci Change Management Trainer and a certified change manager, Yomi has managed many change initiatives in Human Resources, Information Technology, Engineering, and Supply Chain Management. With a diverse background in research and professional practice, Yomi is a certified trainer, leadership development facilitator, mentor, executive coach. a speaker, facilitator, and best-selling author.

Consulting in the Business School on Leadership, Talent Management/ Organizational Development, Human Resources, Employer-Employee Relations (Labor Relations), International Human Resources, Mediation & Conflict Resolution, and Introduction to Human Resources, Yomi teaches both Postgraduate and undergraduate students at St. Clair College in Windsor.

Nicole-Papps
Nicole Papps, CHRP, CHRL

Council Past Chair - Chatham Kent

Nicole Papps has been working in the Human Resource field for over 20 years. She currently holds the role of Director, Human Resources in the Manufacturing sector within her hometown of Chatham-Kent. She has broad experience which includes Pension & Benefit administration, Recruitment & Selection as well as Labour Relations.

Nicole holds a Human Resource Management Diploma from St. Clair College in Windsor. In 2008 she obtained her CHRP designation and in 2014 advanced to the CHRL level.

Nicole held several volunteer positions within the former HRPA Chatham-Kent Chapter including involvement with the Programs Committee and serving the Chapter Board as Secretary-Treasurer, Chair Elect, Chair and Past Chair. Nicole is pleased to support the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council in a Past Chair advisory capacity.

kathryn-meehan
Kathryn Meehan, LL.B, LL.M, MIR, BAH

Council Past Chair - Grand Valley

Kathryn Meehan is an employment and labour lawyer at Hicks Morley and is the practice leader for the firm’s Waterloo and London offices. She frequently represents clients before the courts and administrative tribunals including labour arbitrations. Kathryn graduated as the gold medalist from the LL.B. program at the University of Western Ontario and subsequently obtained her LL.M at the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Hicks Morley, she completed her Master of Industrial Relations at Queen’s and subsequently worked and taught in the field of human resources. Kathryn spent her articling year as a clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Kathryn is a former proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Kathryn is very active in her community, and she is a frequent speaker on human resources law. She has been a part-time faculty member at the University of Waterloo, Fanshawe College, and Conestoga College.

Lauren Manna
Lauren Manna, CHRP, CHRL

Council Past Chair - London

Lauren Manna has been a member of the HRPA since 2012, obtaining her CHRP in 2015 and her CHRL in 2017. She started her volunteer involvement with the former HRPA London & District Chapter joining the Mentorship Committee and Programs Committee in 2013. Most recently Lauren held the role of Chapter Chair.

Professionally, she has worked in the HR community for over 10 years. Most of her time has been spent in the manufacturing and professional service until most recently where she is working in the Federal HR space in the finance/banking industry.

Excited to support the newly formed HRPA Southwest Chapter Council, Lauren is volunteering in a Past Chair advisory capacity this year.

Lyndsay_doran
Lyndsay Doran, CHRP

Council Past Chair - Sarnia

Lyndsay Doran graduated from the Business Administration – Human Resources program at Lambton College in 2011 and earned her Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations from Athabasca University in 2019. She has since held various HR roles within the public and broader public sectors, with a specialization in job evaluation, compensation, and data analytics. Currently, Lyndsay serves as a Human Resources Generalist at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus. She obtained her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation in 2015.

Since 2019, Lyndsay has been an active volunteer with the former HRPA Sarnia and District Chapter. She held several positions, including Secretary-Treasurer and Chapter Chair. Through her involvement on the local board, Lyndsay valued the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals. Lyndsay looks forward to making more connections through volunteering in a Past Chair capacity for the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council’s inaugural year.

Elizabeth Nichols
Liz Black (Elizabeth Nichols), CHRL, CCP

Council Past Chair - Windsor

Hello and welcome to the Southwest Chapter for the HRPA! I am Liz Black, I am excited to embark on the next chapter for HRPA in this region. I have been in a volunteer capacity with HRPA since 2013 and look forward to many more years. My career has been primarily in Total Rewards leadership positions even dabbling as a HR Business Partner for a time.

We hope to continue to bring the most insightful and engaging experiences both virtually and in-person providing you with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn more about human resources from insightful speakers as well as other colleagues across the region who may have similar experiences. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Anna Micka
Anna Micka, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Anna Micka is a strategic and innovative Senior HR professional with over a decade of experience. As Chief HR Officer at Salus Mutual, they translate organizational vision into HR initiatives that enhance performance, foster growth, and improve employee engagement. With a background in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in HR Management, Anna is a Certified Human Resources Leader, always eager to acquire more knowledge.

Anna has led HR strategies at H2R Business Solutions and Voyago/Transdev, focusing on recruitment, employee experience, and compliance. An educator at Conestoga College, Anna is committed to continuous learning and developing the next generation of HR professionals. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Anna thrives on challenges and are driven by a desire to empower organizations and people.

Mark Coulter 2024
Mark Coulter, MIR, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Mark has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources with a focus on leading talent management and OD functions in retail, packaged foods, and beverage organizations.

He holds a Master of Industrial Relations degree from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in HRM from Humber College. He is currently pursuing his executive coaching certification through the Center for Executive Coaching.

Mark has taught post-graduate HR courses at Humber College and mentored junior HR professionals through the former HRPA Grand Valley Chapter. Recently, he partnered with the School of Industrial Relations at Queen’s University to create a mentorship/ coaching program to assist with the early career development of current MIR students as they transition to work.

He is excited about the opportunity to serve the HRPA Southwest Chapter and assist in the advancement of the HR profession.

Jocelyn Watson
Jocelyn Watson, MBA (Fin), BHSc, RRT, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

With over a decade of experience, Jocelyn is a strategic and values-driven Human Resources leader with a proven track record of enhancing employee engagement and driving organizational success. Currently, Jocelyn sits on a several board positions making a difference in the Human Resources industry and community. Jocelyn recently completed her MBA, specializing in finance and earning a spot on the Dean’s Merit List.

After obtaining a degree and diploma in the health care industry, Jocelyn began her career in the benefits administration industry. Here, Jocelyn found her passion for Human Resources, obtaining a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management as well as both the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations.

In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys travelling, golfing and spending time with her family.

Julie_Chretien
Julie Chretien, CHRP

Council Volunteer

Julie Chretien has a 25-year career as a strategic partner and consultant to HR professionals, enhancing business operations and acting as an extension of their teams. She actively serves on the Brant HR Network board, where she organizes a variety of professional development and networking events.

Julie holds a Graduate Certificate in HR Management, along with certificates as a Benefits Specialist and Job Development Professional, and earned a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Leo University. Certified as a CHRP and currently pursuing CHRL certification, she possesses a profound understanding of industry trends and hiring practices from her role as an Account Executive at Kelly Services.

Julie is committed to fostering a collaborative environment and is enthusiastic about contributing to the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council’s success and continued growth.

melissa_quinney
Melissa Quinney, B.A., B. Ed., CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Melissa is a Senior Consultant in Pension and Retirement at Cowan Insurance Group. She has been at Cowan for 5 years. She is passionate about business development, helping her clients design and manage their retirement savings programs, while supporting their employees to build financial literacy and wellness.

Before joining Cowan, she spent her 19-year career with a major insurance carrier and major tele-communications company gaining experience in plan member education, product management, human resources and corporate training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier, CHRL designation, a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock, and LLQP Life Insurance License.

Megan Roose 2024
Megan Roose, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Megan is a seasoned Human Resource professional who has established herself as a trusted advisor and known for her expertise in leadership coaching and conflict resolution. Megan has been working in Human Resources for over 22 years in a variety of industries. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Human Resources and a Business Administration Diploma. She is looking forward to sharing her passion and knowledge with other professionals as a volunteer with the HRPA Southwest Chapter Council.

She enjoys travelling and in her spare time volunteers for animal rescues (love all dogs, especially Mercedes). Megan likes to stay active and spend time with her husband, family and friends.

Abayomi Fawehinmi, CHRP

Council Volunteer

Yomi is a professional and thought leader with over 15 years of diverse experience leading and directing Human Resource Management, change management, learning and development, organizational effectiveness, talent management, and diversity and inclusion.

As a Prosci Change Management Trainer and a certified change manager, Yomi has managed many change initiatives in Human Resources, Information Technology, Engineering, and Supply Chain Management. With a diverse background in research and professional practice, Yomi is a certified trainer, leadership development facilitator, mentor, executive coach. a speaker, facilitator, and best-selling author.

Consulting in the Business School on Leadership, Talent Management/ Organizational Development, Human Resources, Employer-Employee Relations (Labor Relations), International Human Resources, Mediation & Conflict Resolution, and Introduction to Human Resources, Yomi teaches both Postgraduate and undergraduate students at St. Clair College in Windsor.

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Southwest (Windsor): WAITLIST ONLY IN-PERSON Cultivating Belonging: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategies for Canadian Workplaces

In today's diverse and dynamic work environment, fostering a sense of belonging is crucial for employee well-being and organizational success....

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Today’s HR leaders face many competing priorities— while reimagining the future of work and ensuring employees stay engaged, and more.

The HRPA is here to partner with you through this constantly changing landscape. We are dedicated to empowering HR professionals, ensuring that you, alongside our 24,000 members, remain equipped to respond in an ever-evolving world.

Joining the HRPA means becoming part of a dynamic community of HR professionals dedicated to ethical practice, continuous learning, and advancing the HR profession.

By giving you the tools you need to create positive change, we’re empowering members, inspiring prosperity, and reshaping the future of HR in Ontario and beyond.

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The HRPA Mentorship Program encourages career growth and development by providing students – and HR Professionals who are early in their careers – with the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from more experienced Human Resources Professionals.

Learn more about our HRPA Mentoring Programs

Volunteering at HRPA is a rewarding membership experience and volunteers are critical to the association’s continued success.

With the expertise and involvement of members, we create awareness of workplace issues, promote excellence in human resources management practices and provide services that support the HR community, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development.

HRPA members and students are involved in a variety of volunteer service opportunities including:

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