Celebrating the Stars of HR: Introducing Our 2026 Member Recognition Recipients

Inspired by the spirit of the Northern Lights, the CPHR Alberta Member Recognition Program reflects a core belief: excellence is for everyone, everywhere. Just as the northern skies stretch across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, so too does the impact of HR professionals—our Stars of HR—who illuminate workplaces and communities through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

 

We are proud to celebrate the recipients of our 2026 Member Recognition Program, a refreshed and re-imagined approach to recognition that replaces our former awards program. Inspired by the brilliance of the Aurora Borealis—a symbol of energy, beauty, and limitless potential—this program honours HR professionals as guiding lights within their organizations, illuminating pathways to success and shaping the future of work across our region. 

A New Era of Recognition 

With a renewed focus on excellence and inclusion, the Member Recognition Program recognizes a broad spectrum of contributions across the HR profession. From individual practitioners and collaborative teams to champions of the profession, volunteers, and newly designated CPHRs, this program celebrates the many ways HR professionals lead, inspire, and make a difference. 

We are thrilled to recognize the following groups at our first-ever Member Recognition Gala: 

Congratulations to our 2026 recipients and honourees. We’re proud to celebrate your achievements and contributions to HR! 

• 2026 Individual HR Excellence Recipients 
• 2026 Team HR Excellence Recipients 
• 2026 HR Champion Recipients 
• 2025 Newly Designated CPHRs 
• 2025 FCPHRs 
• 2025 Scholarship Winners 
• 2025 CPHR Alberta Volunteers 

Spotlight: Individual HR Excellence Award 

The Individual HR Excellence Award honours HR professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the profession. Recipients are recognized for mentoring, collaboration, and inspiring others through their dedication, continuous learning, and advocacy for HR. 

2026 Individual HR Excellence Recipients: 

• Monika Ahuja 
• Cristina Balamban 
• Jennifer Kapala 
• Arobo Ako 
• Anna Tymoszejko 

All nominees who met the criteria, as evaluated by our Awards Selection Committee, will be honoured as 2026 HR Excellence Recipients and receive an individual spotlight at the Member Recognition Gala. 

Spotlight: Team HR Excellence Award 

The Team HR Excellence Award honours HR teams for exceptional collaboration, strategic leadership, and impactful execution. Recipients are recognized for advancing HR practices, delivering initiatives aligned with CPHR Alberta’s competency framework, and driving measurable positive outcomes through shared leadership, adaptability, and resilience.

2026 Team HR Excellence Recipients: 

• Calgary Airports 
• Servus People & Culture Team 
• Edmonton West Primary Care Network (EWPCN) 
• Alberta New Home Warranty Program Group of Companies

Spotlight: HR Champion Award 

The HR Champion Award honors leaders in our business community who are not members, but who advocate for HR’s strategic value, demonstrate a people-first approach, and drive significant organizational impact. Award recipients are recognized for empowering colleagues, mentoring future professionals, and shaping workplace culture through outstanding leadership and innovation. In addition, these leaders actively encourage the pursuit of the CPHR designation, recognizing its importance in advancing HR professionalism and excellence across organizations. 

2026 HR Champion Recipients: 

• Bhanu Walia 
• Kim Armstrong 

Join Us at the 2026 Member Recognition Gala 

Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:00 – 9:00 PM at the Westin Calgary Airport 

Included in your Gala Ticket:
For $105 +GST, guests will enjoy a vibrant, modern, and prestigious night featuring a cocktail‑attire atmosphere, a three‑course plated meal, and a complimentary drink ticket.

Get your ticket here.