May 23, 2022

Cornelia started in her first career choice in languages translating resumes for Francophones moving to Vancouver, BC. While helping them with their interview skills she became interested in human resources and the recruitment process. She began her career in HR and Safety with the Francophone School district where she recruited, interviewed and selected personnel for schools all over BC, and provided general HR support in employee benefits negotiations and management, and health & safety.

After moving to Kelowna, BC, she enhanced her experience at the Interior Health Authority and at Okanagan College, again in an HR Generalist role. Her most recent position of 13 years was at the City of Kelowna as the Corporate HR Department Manager where she responded to the Covid-19 restrictions, established policies and directives ensuring the health and safety of over 1,200 employees resulting on no workplace outbreaks.

On a more regular basis, she led the safety, compensation & benefits, disability management, learning & development, and HR systems teams. She provided guidance and advice to managers and employees, and developed positive union labour relations. Also, part of her daily responsibilities was recruitment, job evaluation, joint union committee meetings, grievances, arbitrations, and investigations. In terms of innovation in HR, she led the implementation of an electronic recruitment system and new performance programs along with employee training on eliminating bullying & harassment, career development, new employee orientation and manager training.

Currently, she is establishing her own consulting service for companies and individuals in need of professional HR support and expertise.