Each year, CPHR BC & Yukon and CPHR Alberta bring together teams of students from post-secondary business programs across Western Canada for a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

At HRC West, student teams are faced with a comprehensive business case that explores a pressing HR challenge identified by working Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR). It’s a great opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals, meet future business leaders, and gain real-world HR knowledge.

Let’s meet our CNC team for this year!

From left to right, our team members are Mania Matloubi Aghdam, Jezer Narciso, Denise David and Neraine Alpasan. Not pictured: coaches Zelda Craig & Irina Doering.

1. Mania Matloubi Aghdam – is the President of the CNC HR Club and she volunteers for several non-profits working with children and seniors. Prior to coming to Canada, Mania’s work focused on international business, leadership, sales, marketing, staffing and training in Iran and Turkey. As part of her community volunteer work, she taught English to children in orphan care in Turkey. She also has a master’s degree in international business law.
   

   “I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone & taking on new challenges. I’m lucky to be a part of this team, because we’re all in it to win it!”

2. Jezer Narciso has a background in technology, banking, finance and human resources. He holds a bachelor’s degree in European languages, and a master’s degree in international studies.
   

   “Being a member of the HRC West Team and being mentored by two of CNC's best instructors is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege and opportunity.”

3. Denise David has a Bachelor of Science in psychology and worked in the Philippines as a recruiter and HR generalist prior to coming to CNC to enroll in the PDHRM program.
   

   “Representing CNC in this nerve-wracking, brain-bending, competition is a privilege, with Zelda and Irina as coaches. It offers a priceless experience to unlock our maximum potential in the field of HR.”

4. Neraine Alpasan is an experienced talent acquisition professional with extensive work experience in both Singapore and the Philippines, primarily in tech and engineering. She is a member of the CNC HR Club and volunteers at the Student Union and with Peer Connections, mentoring new students at the college.
   

   “Being a part of HRC West is an opportunity to enhance our HR acumen and showcase our team’s expertise. It also provides a chance to represent our college, the program and the wonderful instructors who also serve as our mentors/coaches.”

And meet their coaches!

Zelda Craig and Dr. Irina Doering have been coaching CNC’s HR West team since 2017.

“We’ve been practicing on Fridays since October,” shares Zelda. “We give the students a sample case and they have three hours to analyze it, come up with a solution (including an implementation plan, risk plan, budget and timeline) and create a PowerPoint presentation to pitch their solution to a panel of judges.

Every week, three different HR professionals volunteer their time to assess the student’s presentation and provide feedback to the team. That also gives the students an opportunity to network. We also record our students’ presentations, so they get to watch themselves perform and review the judges’ feedback before our next session, which is another valuable learning opportunity.”

To learn more about the team and their hidden talents and passions, visit the HRC West Competition page. If you’re interested in sponsoring or supporting the CNC HRC West team, please contact Zelda Craig.