Getting Lost in the Momentum of Mentorship

Tips for Building Authentic Connections and Meaningful Relationships Through Community

Did you know?

January 17, 2025 is International Mentoring Day!


In celebration of International Mentoring Day, let's head the words of John F. Kennedy,

"We must find the time to stop and thank those the people who make a difference in our lives."

On this momentous day, we implore you to take time to connect with someone who has made a significant difference in your life, whether that is a Mentor, Peer, or Protégé. It is through the practice of gratitude we nurture lasting relationships with those who take time to build community.


One of the gifts of “Mentorship” includes the opportunity to empower others and to be a part of someone’s career journey. Being part of a Mentorship relationship, supports and benefits all involved while creating shared learning experiences.


Having a Mentor, Peer, or Protégé supports building community which is critical to support professional development where individuals feel they can connect and share without judgement and in confidence their struggles, discuss approaches, considerations, and options, to develop a strategy to move forward.


It is through the identification of goals, that we can openly explore the possibilities of pathways to be taken to help move closer to goal achievement. Each step forward is evidence of incremental progress and with gentle nudges can sustain momentum. Mentoring relationships, support accountability through discussion and agreement to initial goal identification, actionable steps to achieve goals, monitoring of goal progress, and the celebration of goal achievement.

For this to occur, a foundation of trust and a belief that the intention behind received feedback is based on a desire to support someone in achieving a goal, such as enhancing a skill, or ability to deliver difficult feedback, as an example.


Based on personal experience and learnings, it is recommended as you build the foundation of your Mentorship Relationship, to take time to establish:

Shared Commitment to Purpose:

  • Commitment to open and transparent dialogue without judgement.
  • Commitment to psychological safety to be able to express needs and clarify expectations, and personal and professional boundaries.
  • Understanding of goals, expectations, communication needs and preferences, how to address differences
  • Willingness to empathetically and actively listen through the lens of curiosity.


Shared Experience, Learning, and Sponsorship Considerations:

  • Review and Feedback of Resume and/or Mock Interview Practice
  • Discussion of academic courses, role-plays, resume review, mock-interviews.
  • Attending CPHR Alberta and other events together and post-session debrief about learnings.
  • Participation in LinkedIN Learning, Coursera, or other course(s) to support shared skill development.
  • Listening to podcasts, reading blogs/book with shared learning discussions.
  • Supporting introductions and connections for special projects or volunteer opportunities.


The strongest relationships measure their progress to goal achievement, celebrate progress, and ‘make it safe’ to be vulnerable to readjust goals and priorities while being open about limitations and mistakes.


This includes exploring the difference behind being kind versus being nice. As highlighted by Whitener’s Council post: Why you should learn to differentiate between nice and kind, Being nice is nearly always superficial, perfunctory or, viewed most cynically, manipulative, while being kind is authentic, meaningful and empowering.


Prior to delivering feedback, press “pause” and reflect on verbal and non verbal communication including: choice of language, tone, inflection, and body language and setting.


Mentors play a significant role in supporting others in the development of confidence in one's abilities and professional judgement. This can be done through the challenging of perspectives to create opportunities for different lenses to be represented. This allows individuals to draw their own conclusion on a topic through an openness to ‘learn and unlearn’.


The “Gifts of Mentorship” align with a commitment to life-long learning, and spark motivation to consider, “What is my/our next opportunity for growth? Mentoring Relationships enrich our personal lives through intentionality and empathetic listening, this supports connection and empowerment.


Today, we express gratitude for those who have listened, supported, and built community through the connection of Mentorship.

Happy Mentoring!

Author: Amanda Van Haaften, CTMP, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-ACP, MER, B.Com

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.

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.



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 Chinenye 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

2026 PD Opportunities with CPHR Alberta

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 28, 2026
Plan your 2026 professional development in advance and discover what CPHR Alberta has planned for you! Below is a brief overview of the programming coming your way in the months ahead. For full details, visit our new PD Calendar , and check your Member Portal regularly for updates. Signature Events Member Recognition Gala – April 30, 2026 | The Westin Airport Hotel, Calgary We invite you to an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The Member Recognition Gala is a formal event honouring the individuals, teams, and projects shaping the future of HR across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, this redesigned experience replaces traditional awards with Spotlights—a meaningful way to recognize excellence in action. Tickets will go on sale soon. CPHR Alberta 2026 Conference: Future-Ready HR – June 2–3, 2026 | BMO Centre, Calgary Our 2026 Conference prepares human resources (HR) professionals to master the fundamentals, embrace innovation, and build executive-level influence—creating agile organizations ready for economic and workforce change. A future-ready HR community. Registration will be opening soon. Chapter Community Events | Throughout 2026 We’ll be visiting all chapters across the year with popular community events in your region. Stay tuned for event announcements and details. Stampede Breakfast | July | Calgary, AB A member favourite breakfast event is returning! Join us to mingle, connect, and enjoy the energy of Stampede. More information will be shared soon. Certificates Workplace Investigations Training | February 17–19 and March 17–19 Presented in partnership with Veritas Solutions. The Workplace Investigations Certificate is a three‑day program focusing on three core training topics. Participants may register for the full program or select stand‑alone courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and no prerequisites are required. Webinars Networking at Noon Join us for one hour each month to explore current and emerging HR topics. With a new focus every session, you'll leave with thought‑provoking questions and earn 1 CPD hour. On February 12, join us for HR Trends & Priorities for 2026. International Women’s Day National Event Join us on March 4 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for a special fireside chat with Layne the Auctionista and Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local . This national celebration of International Women’s Day explores the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how generosity and purpose‑driven leadership can shape meaningful careers. You’ll hear real stories, bold insights, and practical inspiration you can take back to your HR practice. Details ®gistration: https://cphrns.ca/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018615&group= Virtual Sessions for Students Students can expect two sessions each month: one dedicated to building skills one offering practical advice from HR professionals in the field These sessions are complimentary for Student Members. Are you interested in becoming a member? Students receive complimentary membership. Learn more: www.cphrab.ca/student-programs Other Events DisruptHR YYC 13.0 will take place in October. More details will be shared in late summer. Plan Your Year With Us Explore the full list of programs and events on our 2026 PD Calendar.

Welcome to OY Works: Practical Tools to Recruit, Onboard & Retain Opportunity Youth

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 22, 2026
In 2025, CPHR Alberta became a partner to the Collaborative Funders Table and the Calgary Youth Employment Initiative to address under-employment for opportunity youth. Over seven months, more than 60 partners came together to research, design, and test what would become OY Works . That story of co-creation is what makes this toolkit different. Employers shared what they need to know and what tools would make a difference. CPHR Alberta members contributed HR expertise through representation on the steering committee, and participation in surveys, interviews, and protype testing throughout 2025. Attracting, engaging, and retaining young talent isn’t just a workforce strategy — it’s an investment in our collective future. When we empower youth with meaningful opportunities, modern skills, and a sense of belonging, we build workplaces that are more innovative today and more resilient tomorrow. The organizations that thrive will be the ones that recognize youth not as the workforce of the future, but as essential contributors shaping the world right now. A dedicated toolkit to hire opportunity youth gives HR professionals and employers the practical resources, insights, and frameworks they need to connect with young people authentically — turning intention into action and helping break down barriers and supporting organizations to build strong, sustainable talent pipelines. Co‑designed with HR professionals and industry leaders, the toolkit reflects real challenges and real solutions, ensuring it is both practical and deeply aligned with the needs of today’s evolving workforce. - Lisa Watson, CPHR Alberta Board Director, OY Works Steering Committee Member Today marks an exciting milestone: the launch of OY Works , an online toolkit designed to make inclusive youth hiring easier for Alberta employers and HR professionals. This free resource was co-created by a diverse group of stakeholders—employers, HR experts, and non-profit agencies—who share a common goal: opening doors for young people who are ready to work but face barriers. Why OY Works? Too many youth are eager to contribute, learn, and grow, yet struggle to access meaningful employment. OY Works is here to change that. Built with practicality and purpose in mind, the toolkit offers actionable strategies to help businesses recruit, onboard, and retain Opportunity Youth—young people aged 18–29 who are not currently in school, training, or work. What’s Inside the Toolkit? It makes business sense: Read the Business Case for hiring Opportunity Youth and be empowered to influence leaders. Explore the ideas and tools in the Quick Start Hiring Guide . Learn how to onboard effectively and build retention from day one in the Optimal Onboarding & Mentoring Guide and the Retain & Grow Guide . Discover how non-profit agencies are preparing OY for the workplace. They often support employers and employees through all stages of employment. This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about making smart business decisions. Inclusive hiring strengthens workplace culture, reduces turnover, and taps into a motivated talent pool ready to make a difference. We invite you to explore OY Works and join the movement to create opportunities for youth who deserve a chance to shine. Explore the OY Works toolkit: https://bit.ly/3L6SQuF When young people get a chance to contribute, it’s a win for youth, employers and the community. Join us in spreading the word by sharing the toolkit with your networks.
MORE NEWS