Sincerely,
The Grand Valley Chapter Board
HRPA Events
Keep up to date with the latest HRPA events.
Jun08
Grand Valley: IN-PERSON Navigating Your HR Career: The Power of Mentorship
Join us to explore the impact of mentorship on your HR career journey, whether you are starting out or seeking...
Learn MoreMembership
At the Human Resources Professionals Association, we believe that better HR makes business better. Our goal is to ensure human resources professionals are recognized as an essential part of business success, and that our profession is as valued by organizations as those of other major professional associations.
We do this by equipping our members and students with the knowledge and tools that allow them to be specialized strategic thinkers relied upon to safeguard and futureproof Ontario businesses.
Interested in becoming an HRPA Member or joining as a Student? Learn more about member and student benefits and how to register.
Mentoring
Mentoring: 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
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:
- Board of Directors
- Committees
- Annual Conference & Trade Show
- Mentoring
- Local HRPA Chapter Board’s and Chapter Committees
Register as a Volunteer:
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.
About Leadership
Erin Poirier, CHRL
Chapter Chair
I am presently the Vice President of Human Resources, Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. I have been a member of GVHRPA for over 10 years. I bring over 12 years of progressive HR experience in the Insurance and Healthcare fields with strengths in leadership, employee relations, and compensation & benefits areas. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo, an HR diploma from Humber College, the Certified Human Resources Leader designation from HRPA as well as the Certified Risk Manager Designation. I am currently completing an MBA through the University of Fredericton.
Shawna Bourke-Heimpel, CHRL
Chapter Past Chair
Shawna is an energetic and passionate HR profession with over 12 years of experience supporting both the financial services and technology industries. She is currently the Human Resources Consultant at BrokerLink, formerly LMI Canada Insurance, Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd and Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers. She currently holds her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.
Shawna has been an active member of the HRPA Grand Valley Chapter volunteering in a number of roles including leading past Peer Networking groups. Shawna has been on the Chapter Board since 2013 filling the roles of Director at Large (Volunteer Management), Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, Chapter Chair and is the Chapter Past Chair for 2022-2023.
Outside of the HRPA, Shawna has also volunteered with Women of Waterloo Region (WOW) and the Ontario Technology and Skills Competition.
Darren Becks, CHRL
Chair, Chapter Programs
Darren spent 25 years in post-secondary education administration and has held increasing levels of leadership over that period. Currently Darren is the Manager, Downtown Development and Innovation at the City of Kitchener.
Darren is a Lean champion who advocates for innovative ideas and enjoys playing a cross-functional role bringing together people, places, and processes.
Kathryn Meehan, MIR, LLB, LLM
Chapter Secretary/Treasurer
Kathryn Meehan is an employment, labour and human rights lawyer at Hicks Morley. She represents employers before the courts and administrative tribunals. Kathryn advises a variety of public and private sector employers and brings a practical and solution-focused approach to the legal services she provides.
Kathryn graduated as the gold medalist from the LL.B program at UWO and subsequently obtained her LL.M. from the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Hicks Morley, she completed her Master’s of Industrial Relations at Queen’s University and worked and taught in the field of human resources.
Kathryn is very active in her community having volunteered with the HRPA as a member of the Appeals Committee and as the coordinator of the Employee Relations Peer Networking Group.
Kathryn has also taught at Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo in the human resources management program.
Beatriz Millon
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison & Mentorship
Beatriz Millon is an innovative and dynamic Human Resources professional with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and giving back to the Human Resources community at the chapter and provincial levels through volunteering at the Human Resources Professionals Association.
She most recently was recognized as a Top Student Judge at the Annual TalentEgg National Recruitment Excellence Awards for providing insightful feedback to employers on some of Canada’s most sophisticated recruitment campaigns for students and early talent.
Presently, she is working towards the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) designation from the Project Management Institute. She holds a Human Resources certificate from Conestoga College and a Management Essentials certificate from Harvard Business School. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Karen Hubbard, CTMP, Hons. BA/HR Cert.
Chair, Chapter Communications
Karen is a Talent Acquisition Professional that has extensive global Talent Acquisition experience. She has worked as a Sourcer and full cycle Recruiter in diverse industries, both with well-established organizations such as Domino’s Pizza Supply Chain Centres of Canada, TruGreen, Connect Tech Inc., and Ross Video, as well as with numerous start-ups. She is currently recruiting globally for Ross Video. Karen graduated from University of Waterloo with a B.A. in Honours Psychology, and she went on to obtain a Human Resources Management post-graduate diploma from Humber College, graduating with Honours. In addition, Karen holds a Certified Talent Management Practitioner designation from the CTMP Society of Canada, where she also sits on the Society’s Professional Development Advisory Board. Karen has served on the HRPAGV Chapter’s Communications Committee since October 2018.
Vlad Pop, BA, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Mentorship
As a University of Waterloo grad in Psychology and Human Resources Management, Vlad pursued his CHRP designation and experience in the field of HR. He worked in both the non profit and regional government spheres in administrative, general and specialized roles. Vlad currently works in the tech sector as a Manager, Employer Relationships and Partnerships at Lighthouse Labs.
When not at work or volunteering, Vlad is drawn outside for hikes through the Grand Valley Trails Association system of foot paths. He is also pursuing knowledge and skills in people analytics and web development.
Vlad is a strong advocate for tech enablement and innovation in the space of People, Culture and Talent leadership.
Erin Poirier, CHRL
Chapter Chair
I am presently the Vice President of Human Resources, Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. I have been a member of GVHRPA for over 10 years. I bring over 12 years of progressive HR experience in the Insurance and Healthcare fields with strengths in leadership, employee relations, and compensation & benefits areas. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo, an HR diploma from Humber College, the Certified Human Resources Leader designation from HRPA as well as the Certified Risk Manager Designation. I am currently completing an MBA through the University of Fredericton.
Shawna Bourke-Heimpel, CHRL
Chapter Past Chair
Shawna is an energetic and passionate HR profession with over 12 years of experience supporting both the financial services and technology industries. She is currently the Human Resources Consultant at BrokerLink, formerly LMI Canada Insurance, Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd and Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers. She currently holds her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.
Shawna has been an active member of the HRPA Grand Valley Chapter volunteering in a number of roles including leading past Peer Networking groups. Shawna has been on the Chapter Board since 2013 filling the roles of Director at Large (Volunteer Management), Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, Chapter Chair and is the Chapter Past Chair for 2022-2023.
Outside of the HRPA, Shawna has also volunteered with Women of Waterloo Region (WOW) and the Ontario Technology and Skills Competition.
Darren Becks, CHRL
Chair, Chapter Programs
Darren spent 25 years in post-secondary education administration and has held increasing levels of leadership over that period. Currently Darren is the Manager, Downtown Development and Innovation at the City of Kitchener.
Darren is a Lean champion who advocates for innovative ideas and enjoys playing a cross-functional role bringing together people, places, and processes.
Kathryn Meehan, MIR, LLB, LLM
Chapter Secretary/Treasurer
Kathryn Meehan is an employment, labour and human rights lawyer at Hicks Morley. She represents employers before the courts and administrative tribunals. Kathryn advises a variety of public and private sector employers and brings a practical and solution-focused approach to the legal services she provides.
Kathryn graduated as the gold medalist from the LL.B program at UWO and subsequently obtained her LL.M. from the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Hicks Morley, she completed her Master’s of Industrial Relations at Queen’s University and worked and taught in the field of human resources.
Kathryn is very active in her community having volunteered with the HRPA as a member of the Appeals Committee and as the coordinator of the Employee Relations Peer Networking Group.
Kathryn has also taught at Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo in the human resources management program.
Beatriz Millon
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison & Mentorship
Beatriz Millon is an innovative and dynamic Human Resources professional with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and giving back to the Human Resources community at the chapter and provincial levels through volunteering at the Human Resources Professionals Association.
She most recently was recognized as a Top Student Judge at the Annual TalentEgg National Recruitment Excellence Awards for providing insightful feedback to employers on some of Canada’s most sophisticated recruitment campaigns for students and early talent.
Presently, she is working towards the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) designation from the Project Management Institute. She holds a Human Resources certificate from Conestoga College and a Management Essentials certificate from Harvard Business School. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Karen Hubbard, CTMP, Hons. BA/HR Cert.
Chair, Chapter Communications
Karen is a Talent Acquisition Professional that has extensive global Talent Acquisition experience. She has worked as a Sourcer and full cycle Recruiter in diverse industries, both with well-established organizations such as Domino’s Pizza Supply Chain Centres of Canada, TruGreen, Connect Tech Inc., and Ross Video, as well as with numerous start-ups. She is currently recruiting globally for Ross Video. Karen graduated from University of Waterloo with a B.A. in Honours Psychology, and she went on to obtain a Human Resources Management post-graduate diploma from Humber College, graduating with Honours. In addition, Karen holds a Certified Talent Management Practitioner designation from the CTMP Society of Canada, where she also sits on the Society’s Professional Development Advisory Board. Karen has served on the HRPAGV Chapter’s Communications Committee since October 2018.
Vlad Pop, BA, CHRP
Chair, Chapter Mentorship
As a University of Waterloo grad in Psychology and Human Resources Management, Vlad pursued his CHRP designation and experience in the field of HR. He worked in both the non profit and regional government spheres in administrative, general and specialized roles. Vlad currently works in the tech sector as a Manager, Employer Relationships and Partnerships at Lighthouse Labs.
When not at work or volunteering, Vlad is drawn outside for hikes through the Grand Valley Trails Association system of foot paths. He is also pursuing knowledge and skills in people analytics and web development.
Vlad is a strong advocate for tech enablement and innovation in the space of People, Culture and Talent leadership.