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
Julie Chretien, CHRP
Chapter Council Chair
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.
Christine Meriweather, CHRP, PLP
Chapter Council Vice Chair
I bring over a decade of HR leadership experience, rooted in my first professional career, payroll. Numbers and structure gave me the foundation for a career built on persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to people and continuous learning. My path has taken me through manufacturing, food processing, community housing, and now the developmental services sector, where I’ve found my professional home. Along the way, I’ve earned my PCP, PLP, and CHRP designations while leading initiatives such as HRIS implementations, policy and procedure revamps, and pay equity projects, all within unionized environments.
My HR philosophy is to lead with kindness, empathy, and advocacy while ensuring equity. I’m proud to align my work with our mission, vision, and values in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Outside of work, I’ve been married 13 years, and our chocolate lab, CJ, is our constant joy-equal parts therapist and food thief.
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.
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.
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.
Diana Sarkis, MIR, CHRL, CHRP
Council Volunteer
Diana Sarkis is a human resources professional, educator, and consultant with over 15 years of progressive experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Diana held the role of former Chair of the HRPA Windsor Chapter and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Workforce Windsor-Essex.
Diana is a Sessional Instructor at the Odette School of Business (University of Windsor) and a Lecturer at Ivey Business School (Western University), where she teaches Human Resources and Labour Relations. Her academic leadership helps prepare the next generation of HR professionals with the strategic, ethical, and people-first mindset that aligns with HRPA’s mission of “Elevating the Human in HR.”
As an HR consultant, Diana partners with organizations to support compensation strategy, workforce planning, employee engagement, talent acquisition, and leadership development. Her consulting work complements her academic and community contributions, enabling her to bring practical, future-ready insights into the evolving HR landscape.
Diane is eager to help the Southwest Chapter thrive and continue her service to HRPA members.
Julie Chretien, CHRP
Chapter Council Chair
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.
Christine Meriweather, CHRP, PLP
Chapter Council Vice Chair
I bring over a decade of HR leadership experience, rooted in my first professional career, payroll. Numbers and structure gave me the foundation for a career built on persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to people and continuous learning. My path has taken me through manufacturing, food processing, community housing, and now the developmental services sector, where I’ve found my professional home. Along the way, I’ve earned my PCP, PLP, and CHRP designations while leading initiatives such as HRIS implementations, policy and procedure revamps, and pay equity projects, all within unionized environments.
My HR philosophy is to lead with kindness, empathy, and advocacy while ensuring equity. I’m proud to align my work with our mission, vision, and values in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Outside of work, I’ve been married 13 years, and our chocolate lab, CJ, is our constant joy-equal parts therapist and food thief.
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.
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.
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.
Diana Sarkis, MIR, CHRL, CHRP
Council Volunteer
Diana Sarkis is a human resources professional, educator, and consultant with over 15 years of progressive experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Diana held the role of former Chair of the HRPA Windsor Chapter and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Workforce Windsor-Essex.
Diana is a Sessional Instructor at the Odette School of Business (University of Windsor) and a Lecturer at Ivey Business School (Western University), where she teaches Human Resources and Labour Relations. Her academic leadership helps prepare the next generation of HR professionals with the strategic, ethical, and people-first mindset that aligns with HRPA’s mission of “Elevating the Human in HR.”
As an HR consultant, Diana partners with organizations to support compensation strategy, workforce planning, employee engagement, talent acquisition, and leadership development. Her consulting work complements her academic and community contributions, enabling her to bring practical, future-ready insights into the evolving HR landscape.
Diane is eager to help the Southwest Chapter thrive and continue her service to HRPA members.
Events
HRPA Events
Keep up to date with the latest HRPA events.
Dec11
HR Power Lunch: Effectively Managing Difficult Employees
This session provides managers and supervisors with an understanding of the legal and practical issues relating to issues such as...
Learn MoreToday’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.
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.
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:
- HRPA Board of Directors
- Committees
- Conferences, Forums and Summits
- Mentoring
- Focus Groups
- Adhoc Opportunities
- Outreach Initiatives
- Chapter Councils
The first step to volunteering at HRPA is registering in our volunteer services database. If your registration is accepted, you receive a notification. When an opportunity that matches your preferences and/or skills becomes available, you may be contacted directly with more information about the available volunteer role.