Meet our 2024-2025 HRPA Student Ambassadors!

Hi! My name is Clare Ledgett and I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science Honours student in Psychology and Employment Relations at Queen’s University. As a driven student pursuing a career in human resources and organizational design, I was eager to become an HRPA Student Ambassador to connect with my peers and colleagues to discuss and grow our skills within this field. This program is an opportunity to foster meaningful discussions, share insights, and collectively enhance our skills in the dynamic realm of HR. Through this program, my goal is to cultivate a supportive community for Queen’s students who, like me, are committed to driving innovation and growth in the field of HR. With the help of HRPA, I aim to create a space where students can authentically apply and practice their HR education, empowering one another both academically and professionally. I look forward to seizing the opportunities that HRPA offers; building a diverse network, broadening my perspectives, and contributing to the collective growth of my community!

Hi there! I’m Marissa from Hamilton, Ontario. Currently, I am studying Human Resources at Mohawk College. My interest in HR stems from my passion for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees. I believe that human resources practices are essential for developing a positive workplace culture and allowing employees to thrive and engage with their peers. Becoming an HRPA student ambassador was an obvious choice for me. It provides me with the opportunity to connect with HR professionals, share knowledge and experiences, and advocate for the importance of HR in organizations. This is an exciting opportunity to represent the student body at Mohawk College and make a meaningful contribution to the HRPA.

Hello everyone! My name is Taylor, and I am pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations and minoring in Marketing at Lakehead University. This is my second year as an HRPA Student Ambassador. I chose to join this organization because I would like to get my foot in the door with professionals in the HR industry. I enjoy diversifying my network and having the ability to work with like-minded individuals. In my second year of university, I took an organizational behaviour class, which sparked my interest in how people interact in the workplace. I am beyond excited to work with the HRPA again and take advantage of all the Association has to offer, especially the HR Summit!

Hi everyone! My name is Noelle Taylor and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto (St. George Campus) with a major in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. I am excited to be an HRPA Student Ambassador and believe that my prior HR internship experience coupled with my IRHR education will be an asset to the Human Resources community. I chose to be a Student Ambassador because I am passionate about spreading awareness of Human Resources careers and facilitating connections in the HR space. I am pursuing a career in Human Resources because I believe that Human Resources departments are strategic business units in firms, and I strive to help leaders and organizations better coordinate, manage, and support their workforces to enhance success. The HRPA is an excellent resource to use for me to learn more about how I can achieve these goals and I hope to encourage others to join so they can also develop professionally. As the next generation of Human Resource professionals, I look forward to enhancing the IRHR space together!

Hello! I am Ranisree Kandhi from India. Very excited to serve as a Student Ambassador for HRPA at Conestoga College. I am a full-time student at Conestoga. I am passionate about creating positive, inclusive work environments where people can grow and flourish. Being a student member of HRPA has made a big impact on my career development since it has given me access to excellent resources and networking opportunities that have improved my academic knowledge and professionalism. I chose to become an HRPA Student Ambassador because I believe in the value of connecting peers with professional resources and opportunities. This role allows me to bridge the gap between HRPA and my peers, promoting the benefits of HRPA membership and helping others navigate their career paths in human resources.

Hi everyone! My name is Sunishtha Khanna, and I am currently in my fifth year of the Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) program at the University of Guelph, majoring in Management, Economics, and Finance. Originally from India, I came here 3.5 years ago to pursue my education, become independent, and enhance my skills and abilities. I chose to become a Student Ambassador for HRPA because of my growing passion for Human Resources, which has developed over the past two years. My co-op experiences in HR-related fields have further ignited my interest in exploring this profession. As a Student Ambassador, I am excited to take on leadership opportunities, connect with like-minded students from various institutions, and deepen my understanding of HR. Being part of HRPA allows me to build a professional network, gain valuable insights, and enhance my skills. I believe this position will provide me with diverse learning experiences and access to resources that I can share with my peers. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to inspiring other students to get involved and learn more about the field.

Hello! I’m Mohadeseh (Mohi), currently pursuing a Master of Management with a focus on Organizational Behavior and Human Resources at the University of Ottawa. I’m excited to be your University of Ottawa student ambassador! After completing a co-op term as an HR Analyst, along with gaining valuable experience at multinational companies, I chose to become an HRPA Student Ambassador due to my deep passion for the dynamic and interdisciplinary field of Human Resources. My academic and professional experiences have fueled my interest in this area, and I’m excited about the opportunity to shape a student community that truly reflects its members. I believe in nurturing the next generation of talent in the industry, and HRPA offers the perfect platform to share this passion with other students. I’m excited to be part of HRPA’s vibrant community and to continue exploring HR transformation while making a meaningful impact alongside you.

Hi everyone! My name is Shahid Iqbal, and I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Business Management and Human Resources at Algoma University. Along with my studies, I am actively involved in the Algoma University Business Society (AUBS) and working as a Human Resources Generalist, which gives me hands-on experience in the field and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students and professionals. Becoming an HRPA Student Ambassador has given me a platform to further bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world HR practices. Through HRPA, I am excited to network with HR professionals, attend insightful events, and support my peers in navigating the many career paths available in HR. This journey allows me to combine my passion for both learning and leadership while fostering a strong HR community at Algoma.

Hello, My name is Félicia, I am currently enrolled in the 12-month online Human Resources Management graduate certificate program at George Brown College. As a Learning and Development Specialist with a rich heritage rooted in Indigenous culture and Jamaican resilience, I bring a unique perspective to my work. I recently transitioned to Human Resources from teaching French in the Ontario educational system. With over a decade of experience in education, I am passionate about fostering growth and development. Living with disabilities myself, and as a parent to a child with disabilities, I am deeply committed to advocating for people with disabilities and supporting diverse communities. This personal experience drives my passion for creating inclusive and empowering environments where everyone can thrive. Becoming an HRPA Student Ambassador allows me to leverage my background and experiences to advocate for inclusivity and support the professional growth of my peers in the Human Resources field. I am excited to be part of such an empowering organization and cannot wait to learn, contribute, and share my passion for the field!

Hello everyone! My name is Mariami, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I am originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, and have always been passionate about the dynamic field of Human Resources. My journey into HR began with my interest in understanding people and fostering collaborative environments. I chose to become an HRPA Student Ambassador because I believe in the transformative role HR plays in shaping workplace culture and employee success. This role provides an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, expand my professional network, and contribute to the development of future HR leaders. I am thrilled to be part of the HRPA community and look forward to connecting with fellow students and professionals!

Hi Everyone! My name is Ashita Asnani, and I am pursuing a Master of Management in HR from the University of Windsor. With over 11 years of experience in Human Resources across diverse geographies and industries, I have had the privilege to contribute in roles such as HR Generalist, HR Specialist, and HR Business Partner at a leading global IT services and consulting company. As a member of HRPA, I have learned how the association actively thrives towards building HR careers and supports professionals in our field. Representing the University of Windsor will enable me to align the students towards the vision of HRPA. I am excited about the opportunity to make a strong impact and help my colleagues unleash their potential through interventions and professional development opportunities offered by HRPA. This role reflects my passion and commitment to advancing the HR careers of fellow university students and collaborating with the larger community.

Hi everyone! I’m Cryssy Manwaring, but you can just call me Cryssy! I’m proud to say I was born and raised right here in the Niagara Region. Currently, I’m in my third and final year of the Business Administration – Human Resources advanced diploma program at Niagara College. I’m looking forward to bridging into the Bachelor’s program next April—graduation is so close, and I’m excited for what’s next! When I found out that Niagara College needed an HRPA student ambassador, I knew it was a perfect opportunity for me. I’m passionate about connecting with my peers and taking on leadership roles that allow me to grow both personally and professionally. This role is not just about the title but about expanding my horizons and building meaningful connections with other students and HR professionals on my journey to certification. As an active member of Niagara College’s HR club, I’m always looking for ways to show students the real value the HR club brings and how we can support their academic and career paths. My goal is to provide accurate, helpful information to my fellow business students and share my passion for all things HR with everyone I meet. I can’t wait to get to know more students and professionals and make a lasting impact in the HR community!

Hey there! I’m Grace Rebeca Verghese, and I’m thrilled to be the HRPA Student Ambassador for Sheridan College. I’m currently pursuing the Human Resources Management program here. With over five years of hands-on HR experience across diverse industries, specializing in HR analytics, services, and strategic process improvement, I wanted to complement my practical experience with a solid theoretical foundation, which led me to the program at Sheridan. My philosophy is to always stay curious, creative, and committed to learning something new every day- this is what drives my passion for HR. I decided to become an HRPA Student Ambassador because I’m excited to share the wealth of resources HRPA offers and help students like me take full advantage of everything available. From events and webinars to networking opportunities, there’s so much out there for us students to tap into! Whether you’re looking for advice or just want to chat about HR, feel free to reach out! I’m excited to connect, learn together, and support each other as we navigate the exciting world of HR.

Hello, My name is Mackenzie. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology at the former Brescia UC at Western University as its last graduating class before its closure in 2024. I am currently completing my Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management at Fanshawe. I am very passionate about working with and helping others, which is what initially drew me towards Human Resources. What I admire about this career path is the ability to grow and develop continually through the HRPA and its opportunities to network, attend classes, and work towards designations. Being a Student Ambassador represents to me the ability to make a connection between my values, education, and career, while being a part of something meaningful.

Hi everyone, my name is Rougina, and I am so excited to be Durham College’s HRPA Student Ambassador! I am currently enrolled in the Human Resources’ Business Administration program in Oshawa, and finishing off my last year. I decided to pursue HR because I found it to be a great way to always be connected with people. I found HR to be very broad as well, which is why I chose it as the career I wanted to study at Durham College. I chose to become an HRPA student ambassador because this is my first time doing something important in the HR industry. I was motivated by one of my professors to do this role and I decided to go for it because it’s a great way to network with other student ambassadors and HR professionals. It will also be a way for me to put my skills in HR to the test as well as inspire other students in the HR program at Durham College.

Hi everyone! My name is Damilola Osinowo-Uzamoth. I am a Postgraduate Human Resources Management student at Humber College with a background in business administration. I am a seasoned HR Practitioner and an expert in Real estate sales and management with 8+ years’ experience. Initially, my decision to pursue HR management was not entirely well thought out. It grew on me. Class after class, I started developing a great interest in studying Human as a Resource. I realized “I like this, and it is exactly what I should be doing “. I became an HRPA student ambassador as it presents me an opportunity to better integrate myself into the HR community, meet and collaborate with students in my field and industry’s best, develop great leadership skills, and to build a formidable professional network while fostering a stronger connection between HR students and the HRPA community.

Hey, I’m Kiethan, but you can call me Key. I’m in my third year of the Advanced Diploma in Business Human Resources at Seneca College. I see myself as a seed planted in the field of HR, with strong roots in lifelong learning, sustainability, and a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). As I grow, I aim to branch out by simplifying complex ideas and advocating for sustainable and inclusive workplace practices. As an HRPA Student Ambassador, I’m here to connect my peers with the resources they need to thrive, like sunlight-nourishing leaves, and to work with industry professionals to plant seeds of positive change in the field!

Hello Everyone, My name is Raj Ileshkumar Patel, and I am currently pursuing an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. Having completed a College Diploma in Business – Marketing, also from St. Clair College, I have a strong foundation in both marketing and human resources, which I believe are crucial for excelling in the HR field. My decision to pursue Human Resources stems from my passion for fostering productive work environments and enhancing employee relations. I am particularly drawn to the strategic side of HR, including recruitment, conflict resolution, and organizational behaviour, which are vital for achieving high-level management positions like HR Manager or VP in Human Resources. As a strategic and detail-oriented HR professional, my career aspiration is to take on a high-profile management role where I can employ my expertise to contribute towards a positive workplace culture and drive HR initiatives that support organizational goals. As an HRPA student ambassador, I am committed to being part of and contributing to a professional community that shares my passion for human resources. The role allows me to leverage my leadership skills to represent my peers, facilitate communication between students and the HR community, and enhance my network within the HR industry.

Hello! My name is Lauren, and I’m from Peterborough, Ontario. I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology at Trent University and am currently pursuing further education in Human Resources Management. My passion for helping people inspired me to delve into human resources, where I’ve come to appreciate the vital role of a healthy workplace environment in promoting well-being and balance. With my background in Psychology, I bring a compassionate and non-judgmental perspective to the field. As an HRPA student ambassador, I am eager to expand my knowledge of day-to-day human resources practices and build connections with others who share my interests. I’m excited to represent HRPA at Trent and contribute to our community!

My name is Marisol Coya and I am Peruvian. I moved to Canada with my family a couple of years ago. It was a very difficult decision because I had to consider several factors, such as leaving my job stability and my comfort zone to start a different life far away from my country, which definitely implied a new beginning. Despite the challenges and difficulties that I have faced during this time, I can say that I am very happy with the decision I have made. I am currently pursuing an Advanced College Diploma in Business Administration with a major in Human Resources at Algonquin College. I chose this program because it was what I studied in Lima, my hometown. I can say that I have definitely broadened my knowledge about the Canadian legal framework and the workplace. Having my bachelor’s degree and work experience of my country has also helped me, not only in my studies but also professionally. The reason why I chose Human Resources is because I have always liked connecting and communicating with people, sharing information either through training or coaching as well as providing feedback to contribute to performance improvement. I am flattered to be an Ambassador for HRPA! I want to bring my creativity, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience so that we can integrate more and more as professionals in our field, the one we love so much! because after all We are Human Resources.

Hi everyone! My name is Helai Ghanizada, and I’m currently in my fourth year at Nipissing University, pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Human Resources. My journey into HR began with a deep passion for people management and creating positive, efficient workplace environments. This led me to complete an HR internship last summer, where I gained hands-on experience in policy implementation and enhancing employee engagement. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an HRPA Student Ambassador. I embraced this role to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional HR world, empowering my peers to explore opportunities, build meaningful networks, and gain deeper insights into the industry. Being part of this program has not only strengthened my understanding of HR but also allowed me to grow as a leader, collaborator, and communicator—skills that are essential for a thriving career in Human Resources. I’m excited to continue leveraging this platform to connect with others who share my passion for driving positive change in organizations.

Hi everyone! My name is Victoria, and I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at Wilfrid Laurier University. My main motivation for pursuing human resources stems from my passion for understanding people and the dynamics contributing to a positive, high-performing workplace. I believe effective HR practices are essential for building competitive advantages within firms, emphasizing its importance. This year, I wanted to take my interest in HR a step further, by joining the HRPA as a Student Ambassador for the 2024-2025 season. Becoming an ambassador allows me to expand my network and connect with other like-minded individuals. I hope to build meaningful relationships with other students and professionals in the field, and gain deeper insights into industry practices. I am looking forward to making the most of this experience!

My name is André, and I am currently in my final year of the Business Administration – Human Resources program at Centennial College in Toronto. I chose to pursue a career in Human Resources with the goal of advocating for those who may not have the opportunity to speak up for themselves. My passion lies in helping others, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with disabilities. As an HRPA Student Ambassador, I aim to gain valuable insights into the HR profession, expand my network with industry leaders, and contribute to building a supportive community for fellow students. I am committed to promoting inclusion in all aspects of our daily lives and advocating for the understanding that not all disabilities are visible.

My name is Emma Verrilli, and I am pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management at York University’s School of Continuing Studies. My interest in HR stems from my lifelong passion for teaching and learning. In my undergraduate education, I held several student leadership positions in which I planned and facilitated adult learning events. These experiences taught me the importance of creating a culture of continuous learning in organizations that empowers people to meet their professional potential. As an HRPA student ambassador, I hope to create valuable learning and professional development opportunities for HRM students at York University. I also look forward to helping fellow students engage with the wider HR community by serving as their connection to the HRPA.

Hi everyone! My name is Jeremy Clark, and I am a second-year student in the Business Administration—Human Resources program at St. Lawrence College. I am excited to act as the HRPA Student Ambassador, fostering connections between my classmates, the HR community, and new opportunities. During my time working in the medical field throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed the profound effects of workplace environments on mental and physical well-being. This experience motivated me to transition into HR, where I aspire to create inclusive policies and supportive environments that prioritize the livelihoods of professionals, particularly in healthcare. Being part of HRPA provides an incredible opportunity to expand my knowledge of HR best practices and build meaningful relationships with experienced professionals. This role allows me to develop leadership skills while contributing to a network that will shape my career and positively impact others.

Hello everyone! My name is Theodora Petrou and I was born and raised in London, Ontario. I am currently in my fourth year at King’s University College at Western University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Human Resources. My love for Human Resources stems from my life-long passion for business, as well as my interest in making meaningful connections with those around me, helping others succeed, and contributing to organizational success. I chose to become an HRPA student ambassador because I am eager to connect with other HR professionals, represent the student voice, and share valuable resources that help us excel in this field. Thank you!

Hello! I am a passionate HR professional and networking enthusiast with versatile experience in Customer Service, Human Resources, and Operations Management across diverse industries. My expertise includes health and safety, unionized environments, recruitment, and employee development. Currently pursuing CHRP certification and completing a postgraduate diploma in Business Management Human Resources at Lambton College, I blend academic knowledge with hands-on experience. Skilled in mentorship and relationship-building, I am dedicated to creating inclusive environments where individuals and teams can thrive.