Can you tell us a little bit about the path that led to your career or to your particular field? I really enjoy the people side of business, which is what led me to complete my Master of Industrial Relations degree after completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree. Upon graduating from my master’s program, I was recruited by the Ontario Hospital Association as an Employee and Labour Relations Data Analyst. In this role I was part of a central collective agreement bargaining team and met hospital leaders from across Ontario. This role solidified my career path in health care, hospitals specifically. I really enjoy the dynamic nature of human resources in a hospital setting; it’s like supporting a mini city where almost every profession is represented and change is constant. How long have you worked at Sinai Health? In May, I will have worked at Sinai Health for 12 years. In 2007, I saw a Human Resources Manager opportunity at Mount Sinai and jumped at the chance to work with a renowned leader in acute care. I have transitioned into the role of Director, Workforce Planning and Operational Readiness. Describe your role a little bit for us? In my role I support Sinai Health by leading the team responsible for recruiting top talent across the System. I also serve as the primary HR representative supporting redevelopment planning and implementation in partnership with project leads, the Transition Planning and Operational Readiness team, and Facilities and Capital Development Teams as a few key examples. For projects like Renew Sinai, I take a lead HR role on strategic working groups and steering committees and partner with the broader HR team to share project plans and develop tactical strategies to support the people side of change. I really enjoy this aspect of my role, as it immerses me more deeply into Sinai Health operations as we prepare for new and expanded innovation and operations. What’s one thing you’d like people to know about working in your role or on the Human Resource team, something you think people might find surprising about your everyday work? My team and I are energized by the roles we play in positively impacting the patient experience. As ambassadors for Sinai Health we help leaders position the right people in the right roles. By attracting talent that reflects the diversity of our community as well as our vision, values and expected behaviours, we derive a real sense of contribution to the patient experience. Our roles are also very dynamic, as we have the opportunity to partner with expert leaders across health care disciplines. We collaborate to develop workforce plans that help them, and Sinai Health as a whole, create a workplace culture and environment that is safe, caring, equitable, compassionate and accountable. We take these responsibilities seriously and take great pride in seeing programs succeed with the people we helped attract! You were involved in developing Sinai Health’s People Plan. Tell us a little bit about why it’s so important to have a People Plan. A people plan provides a road map for all of us as we strive to achieve our vision. It translates for everyone the “how,” or the tangible steps we take to nurture the type of workplace we all want to be part of. I see it as a clear and energizing plan of action for my team! As health care leader, are you involved in community outreach? Yes, in addition to attending a variety of academic and community outreach events, I have been a Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) mentor and guest speaker. Earlier this year, I was one of three panel members at TRIEC’s “The Many Faces of Healthcare” Speakers Panel Series. Diversity in thought and inclusivity in the workplace are cornerstones to organizational success. Ultimately, when I look at the GTA and the patient population we serve, it’s rich with diversity. So our people need to reflect this diversity for us to provide optimal care. How do you approach work-life balance? Any particular hobbies, sports, etc? I am working towards my blue belt in Nerkin Ouj martial arts, which places great importance on self-improvement and personal growth. I find this helps me balance my mind at the end of a busy day. Do you have a motto or affirmation personal mission statement that you live by? I really like Dale Carnegie’s approach to living life in “day-tight compartments.” In general, I try to focus my energy on what’s in front of me as opposed to what happened yesterday or what’s coming tomorrow.