Humanity Financial is a CPA firm exclusively working with Social Purpose organizations, specifically charities, non-profits, Indigenous organizations and First Nations. We're not a traditional accounting firm, nor are we typical accountants. We think of ourselves as activist accountants proudly working alongside change makers, Nation builders, and community leaders in service of others and the environment. I lead the function of People and Culture, ensuring our employee value proposition shines through in every Humanity Financial touchpoint so that everyone knows what powerful and true purpose-built organizations can do.

During an exciting time of transition within the broader People, Legal and Compliance Team at Bench, I collaborated closely with Recruitment, Total Rewards, People Experience, and DEI, while also assisting in guiding and mentoring new HR Business Partners as this function was built out at the company. I also oversaw the Facilities function, ensuring that the Vancouver office and any Bench workspaces were environments that allowed employees to thrive and do their best work.

The People Operations team at Bench focuses on creating a culture and workplace that equips, empowers, and inspires Benchmates to do their life's best work. We delivered on programs and policies that touch every aspect of the employee journey including performance and engagement.

As part of Modo’s Leadership Team, I provide strategic input and guidance, and plan and execute all people-related practices and policies. Within the past year, significant contributions include:- Lead Modo’s work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, to ensure Modo is a workplace of choice for any individual who wishes to contribute to a great organization, and one where everyone can thrive;- Partner with people leaders to plan for team growth and professional development;- Design and execute full-cycle recruiting for all business areas, ensuring an exceptional candidate experience with each recruitment;- Participate with the Modo Board of Directors' DEI Working Group to help the Board meets its DEI objectives;- Transition our workforce to fully remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bolstering the Modo culture to ensure sustained employee engagement and satisfaction.

Reporting to the CEO, I built out Modo's HR function, policies, and practices as their first HR staff, including:- Grew the company from 35 to 50 employees from 2015 to 2018;- Recruited and onboarded 3 executive roles; - Wrote and implemented Modo Employee Handbook and policies on people practices including Performance Management, Learning and Development, and Total Compensation;- Provided business-partner level consultation with all senior leaders, executing full cycle recruitment for all teams;- Certified Modo as a Living Wage Employer in 2018;- Successful negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with unionized group in 2016 and 2019;- Project managed one office renovation (2016) and one office expansion (2019).

Two moms at home, Yvette and I launched Wuchild: a clothing brand for little and big people, with a focus on fun prints that spark conversations. Our 'feminist' and 'boys will be feminists' shirts continue to turn heads in sandboxes and playgrounds in the Vancouver area.

I "borned" two kids (as my kids say) and enjoyed the privilege of staying at home to grow the family.

Getting back into the workforce: contributing to a system that I believe in: the co-operative economy. Staying close to co-ops (in BC in particular) gave me a deeper understanding of the needs and issues people in different regions are facing and challenged with. Co-ops exist to serve the needs of its members, and by extension, their communities. Co-ops are responsive. Co-ops are resilient. And when they succeed, they look a little something like Modo.

A mat leave gig contributing to one of my favourite local companies. Lunapads has been part of my life since 2008 and its founders Suzanne and Madeleine are two of the most inspirational leaders I've the privilege to know. Through this role, I used my skills in Social Media to talk about and advocate for something I care deeply about: reproductive health - not just of our own bodies, but of the ultimate body we all need to survive: Mother Earth.

My first taste of a truly Purpose-driven organization, down to the DNA. The Executive Director at the time took a gamble by bringing me in to this role: the co-op's first "Marketing Director". It was love at first sight for me and I often say Modo was my first baby. Working with a shoestring budget I am still quite amazed at what we were able to accomplish: - Led the successful rebranding of the Co-operative Auto Network by creating and executing a strategic marketing plan, integral to bringing the co-op to profitability for the first time in its (then) 14-year history- Worked with cross-functional teams to lead cultural change within the organization and dramatically improve the customer experience at every brand touchpoint- Managed and grew Modo’s social media profile, produced its monthly electronic newsletter, and tracked and analyzed engagement metrics surrounding those means of engagement and communication - Managed Modo’s community partnerships which included expanding Modo’s in-kind contributions, co-ordinating vehicles, staff, and volunteers at community events and festivals- Worked in a B2B capacity by networking at relevant industry events and acquiring new business clients

The official "career change" job that started my path along sustainability and social impact. This "early days" sustainability role had me do a little of everything from greenhouse gas accounting to blogging to getting up in front of senior management to present the business case for Corporate Social Responsibility:- Beginning in the position of CSR Co-ordinator, implemented internal sustainability efforts among employees- Worked with external consultants to collect greenhouse gas data in order to produce BCAA’s Greenhouse Gas Report, a first among the auto club industry - Created a new CSR blog on the BCAA Intranet, publishing new content weekly and building buzz around sustainability activities and campaigns- Promoted to take on more senior role as Corporate Sustainability Specialist, focusing on corporate carbon footprint management, new product and service development, and writing for the auto club’s Westworld magazine

This role was a promotion for me from a bench scientist/examiner to working directly with the laboratory's clients nationwide. It was an eye-opener to get more involved with the Mounties, and play a meatier role within the judicial landscape. As Case Coordinator I: - Worked with police investigators to determine optimal forensic evidence to examine to achieve probative results; was commended for excellent client service - Co-ordinated examinations among various scientific disciplines and locations, including by liaising with laboratory program management in Ottawa to expedite examinations as required- Provided court testimony on evidence chain of custody and laboratory procedures

Fulfilling a passion for forensics (with the hopes of becoming a real-life Dr. Dana Scully), I began my career as a front line examiner of forensic material, including identifying and collecting bodily fluids and hair for DNA. I was recognized as a top performer nation wide, with respect to completed casework. I've had the privilege of testifying in three provinces at the Provincial and Supreme Court levels as an expert witness, and was commended for my ability to explain complex examinations.

I spent a dreamy post-grad summer coordinating the non-profit society's entry for the 2001 Gay Pride Parade, winning in the Best Costume category. I also created an archival system for the organization's 10+ years of clippings and memorabilia, and pitched in with volunteers packing and delivering food to clients living with HIV/AIDS in Vancouver.