Career Conversations Panel with HR Alumni
In Partnership with The Human Resources Student Association
Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals who are putting their degree to use in a variety of fields?
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in a variety of settings and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in these fields. During this panel professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into their field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in their field. The panel will be moderated by one of the Career Centre’s team members and followed by an open forum where students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists their own questions.
Registration is required.You may register for this event onExperience York(you will be able to sign in using your Passport York and register for appointments and events on the system).
Participating Panelists
Grace Palombo
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer, Great West Life Assurance company
Alumna: LLB, HBA & BA, Law, 1993
Gurvir Bains
HR Business Partner, Shopify Inc.
Alumnus: BHRM, Honours, Human Resources Management, 2011
My passion has always been working with people, learning about their ambitions and drive. When thinking about what field of work I wanted to get into, there was never any doubt that human resources was it, it gives me an opportunity, everyday to help individuals do their best work. I look forward to continuing doing the work that I love – in this ever evolving field.
Vikram Mitter
Senior Recruitment Consultant, Opencare
Alumnus: BHRM, Bachelor of Human Resource Management, 2013
I am a results-focused, quality-driven talent leader focused on partnering with some of Canada’s fastest growing tech companies to help grow and scale teams across the organization. I have a proven track record and passion for coaching, building new teams, and of course filling those hard to fill roles! In my years of recruitment what I have learned is that you have an opportunity to make a difference and have an impact so do it with people you admire, and do it with a company you believe in!
Saiyaf Alli
Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor, Desjardins
Alumnus: BA, Business and Society and HR, 2006
Everyday, I look forward to helping change people’s lives by offering them their next challenge in their career. I am lucky to indulge in my passion for networking, utilize and enhance my communication and people skills, and have fun just meeting new people. All of these perks are balanced with tight deadlines, building trust, and the expectation to find top talent for the organization I work for.
Grace Palombo
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer,Great West Life Assurance company
Alumna: LLB, HBA & BA, Law, 1993
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Participating Panelists:
Ishi Hundgenn
Manager, Talent Acquisition & Management,SEPHORA
Alumnus: Masters of HR Management & BBA Honours, 2012
Being passionate about developing talent and providing the right opportunities for people to find their own passion in life shows me the impact of my work every day. HR can be a bit misunderstood but slowly this mindset is shifting and I am excited to support the next generation through my own learning.
Christine Santos
HR Benefits Specialist, Philip Morris
Alumnus: BA, Psychology, 2003
I’m an HR professional, a social entrepreneur, a kids’ life coach and a TV host rolled into one. How is that possible? I opened up to new opportunities where my gifts can be utilized and I connected with people who share the same vision. I look forward to inspiring students and helping them navigate their career path while creating their purpose in life.
Safiya Bhabha
HR Generalist,Tim Horton’s
Alumna:BHRM,Human Resources Management,2008
I chose to study Human Resources Management at York University because I enjoyed working with people. I continued my career in HR because I developed a passion for the diverse aspects of the profession and the fulfillment of being able to make lasting impacts on organizations and it’s employees.
Karamat Husain
HR Generalist-Special Projects,TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization
With MBA and designation in HR,I have over 15 years of experience in supporting or leading HR projects in profit and non-for-profit organizations. I have acquired my skills by engaging with diverse and vibrant workforce in Canada, Middle East and India.My strengths are developing HR strategies,Implementing new ideas/technology, finding efficiencies, change management and mentoring new graduates/job seekers. I love watching documentaries, inspirational TED talks and spending time with my family.
Rebekah Hung
Talent Solutions Advisor,CNL
Alumnus: BHRM, Human Resources, 2013
As a Talent Solutions Advisor at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories – Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, I am responsible for the full cycle recruitment experience, from sourcing technical talent and attracting candidates to hiring great employees. This includes managing expectations of candidates and hiring managers, ensuring all parties goals, objectives, and assumptions are aligned and realistic.
