My Mentorship Story - Nicole Le
Author : Nicole Le
In a world where navigating the complexities of a career path can be daunting. The Mentorship Program offered through CPHR Alberta provided a beacon of guidance and support. The question is, how can such a program truly make a difference in one's journey? Let me take you through my own experiences as a mentee and shed light on the impact it has had on my personal and professional development.
The journey began when I was matched with an experienced mentor whose expertise aligned seamlessly with my aspirations. From the start, the mentorship program established a structured framework that facilitated regular interactions, goal-setting sessions, and opportunities for skill development. Soon, they turned into more personable interactions, and I found myself asking questions about my mentor’s path to success. This program not only ensures a professional relationship but a long-lasting friendship, knowing you can continuously reach out even after the program ends.
Has the question "Am I on the right path?" ever crossed your mind? This pivotal query has continuously ventured into my mind. Uncertainties about career choices lead most young professionals to a program promising a guiding light in the professional journey. As a mentee, having someone believe in my potential and provide encouragement during setbacks has been a powerful confidence booster, allowing me to take on new responsibilities and embrace opportunities with greater self-assurance.
The structured nature of the program provided a safe space for interactions, ensuring that each session was purposeful and focused on different aspects of my professional development. Regular check-ins based on each other’s schedules and goal-setting sessions allowed me to set myself up for success.
My mentor, drawing from years of experience, offered invaluable insights tailored to my specific needs and challenges. The personalized guidance ranged from refining technical skills to honing soft skills such as effective communication and leadership. One of the key aspects that significantly impacted my growth was the personalized feedback I received. An example was when my mentor challenged my thoughts on the different paths in Human Resources. The question that changed my career was, "How do you feel about pursuing recruitment?" This allowed me to capitalize on my strengths, fostering a new approach to my professional development.
The mentorship program isn’t the only networking opportunity that extends beyond the mentor-mentee relationship. The question here is, "How does networking contribute to a mentee's overall growth?" CPHR Alberta has organized networking events, workshops, and seminars, creating avenues for me to connect with other mentees and professionals in the industry. My mentor has continuously pushed me to go to these events to allow me to build up my connections, opening doors to new perspectives, potential collaborations, and a broader understanding of the industry landscape. The mentorship program, therefore, fostered a supportive community that extended the benefits of mentorship beyond the immediate partnership.
In conclusion, my journey as a mentee in the Mentorship program has been nothing short of enriching. The structured framework, personalized guidance, confidence-building opportunities, and networking avenues have collectively contributed to my professional growth and self-assurance. Suppose you're contemplating the value of mentorship programs. In that case, the question to ask yourself is not whether they make a difference, but rather, how soon you can embark on a journey that has the potential to reshape your professional trajectory. The Mentorship program is not just about acquiring skills; they are about gaining a friend, an advocate, and a guide who empowers you to become the best version of yourself.
To my mentor who guided me through my ups and downs, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have brought me confidence and memories I won’t forget. Although our time together was short, I will always remember how much you have impacted me.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong soley to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
