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.  





The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



Reminder to cast your vote for the next CPHR Alberta Board of Directors

March 5, 2026
Your current CPHR Alberta Board of Directors selected a slate of two (2) strong candidates to fill the current Board vacancies from a talented pool of applicants. The nomination process began in late 2025 with a call for applicants. The applications period ended on January 9, 2026. The responsibility of reviewing all applications sits with the Human Resources Committee of the Board. All applicants were reviewed in full, and based on the established selection criteria, a short-list was identified and interviewed. Following interviews a proposed slate was developed and presented to the Board, with the final slate generated for your consideration. The 2026 slate of Directors are Adediwura (Wura) Odiase and Terri Davis. These applicants reflect the skills, experience, and qualifications to supplement the existing Board of Directors and to guide the association into the future and to serve you, the members. 2026 Slate: Adediwura (Wura) Odiase - Click here to watch Wura's introduction video. Terri Davis - Click here to watch Terri's introduction video. Read more about our 2026 slate of directors here. How to Vote Only Chartered and Retired members can vote. Open the email you receive from CPHR Alberta via Simply Voting , read the bios, and vote yes or no to the slate. The voting website is available from March 2, at 1 PM MST until March 13, at 12 PM MST. The Simply Voting email contains your elector ID and password, which is needed for you to cast your ballot. If you do not see an email from CPHR Alberta via Simply Voting ( vote@simplyvoting.com ), please check your junk mail and spam filters. If you experience any technical difficulties in accessing the voting website, please email Heather McMaster at for assistance. On behalf of the CPHR Alberta Board of Directors, thank you in advance for your participation in the 2026 CPHR Alberta Board of Directors Election. We look forward to seeing you online for our Annual General Meeting on May 7. Registration will open in April, watch your email for more details.

Celebrating Progress, Inspiring Action This International Women’s Day

By Jessica Jaithoo • March 4, 2026
Author: Taia Northrup, 2026 Social Media Committee Member International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, recognize the barriers that still exist, and renew our commitment to advancing equity in the workplace and beyond. Across industries, women continue to shape organizations, strengthen communities, and lead innovation. In the HR profession especially, women play a vital role in designing inclusive workplaces, fostering culture, and driving meaningful change. Today, we celebrate those contributions — and acknowledge the responsibility we share in continuing to build equitable environments where everyone can thrive.  Creating Workplaces Where Women Thrive Celebrating women’s achievements also means creating environments where future leaders can grow. Equity is not about identical treatment; it is about ensuring access to opportunity. It is about removing systemic barriers and fostering workplaces where individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Organizations can take meaningful steps by: Actively monitoring representation across levels of leadership Conducting regular pay equity reviews Encouraging inclusive leadership training Amplifying diverse voices in decision-making spaces Recognizing and valuing different leadership styles Moving Forward Together At CPHR AB, we recognize the important role HR professionals play in advancing equity across Alberta’s workplaces. By embedding fairness into our policies, embracing inclusive leadership, and thoughtfully integrating technology with people-first values, we can continue to shape a future of work that is both innovative and inclusive. Progress happens when intention meets action. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women across our profession and our communities. We also reaffirm our commitment to building workplaces where every individual — regardless of gender — has the opportunity to contribute, lead, and succeed.

Celebrating Our CPHR Alberta 2025 Scholarship Winners

By Jessica Jaithoo • February 19, 2026
We’re excited to congratulate the CPHR Alberta 2025’s scholarship recipients! Each year, these awards help us recognize emerging HR talent and support students who are taking meaningful steps toward their future in the profession. CPHR Alberta scholarships play an important role in easing financial barriers, celebrating academic achievement, and connecting students with the professional community that will support them as they work toward earning the CPHR designation. Below, meet this year’s outstanding recipients. CPHR Alberta’s Eldon Emerson Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Created in 2021, the Eldon Emerson Scholarship honours Eldon’s exceptional leadership, contribution, and passion for the HR profession. Eldon received the Fellowship Award in 2013—one of the highest honours in our community, recognizing exemplary service and impact. 2025 Eldon Emerson Award Winner Chine Rajafa CPHR Alberta’s Diploma Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Launched in 2023, the Diploma Scholarship supports student members enrolled in a 2‑year HR diploma program. Recipients show strong academic performance, community involvement, and a clear commitment to the HR profession and the CPHR designation pathway. 2025 Diploma Scholarship Award Winner Mehar Kaur Follow Their Journey We encourage you to connect with Chinenye and Mehar on LinkedIn and support them as they begin their HR careers. A simple follow, message, or connection can go a long way for emerging professionals. Watch for 2026 Scholarship Dates The next intake period for CPHR Alberta’s Scholarship Program opens Fall 2026. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates. Become a Student Member Whether you're studying in an accredited HR program or building your skills through part‑time, continuing education, or bridging programs, CPHR Alberta has a student membership option designed to support your path into the profession. Joining as a student member gives you access to resources, events, and a community that can help you take your next step with confidence. Learn more and join
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