After spending 20 years as a Senior Human Resource Professional guiding business leaders Kim has made the leap outside of HR and jumped into the dynamic post-secondary education world.
As the Manager – Graduate Information & Services at Brock University, Kim leads the operational arm of the Faculty of Graduate studies. Her team partners with a lot of people behind the scenes to provide seamless service to students, staff and faculty.
An Ironman Triathlete, Kim is an advocate for the amazing recreational opportunities Niagara has to offer. It is certain during her free time, you can find Kim cycling across the region, swimming in the Welland Canal or trail running on the Bruce with her family or her canine bestie, Lola.
In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?
Integrity. The ability to be honest and transparent will inspire others to follow you even during difficult or unpopular decisions.
How do you define civic leadership?
Always being a champion for positive change. Using my skills, knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to positively influence the quality of life of others in my community. This means continuously looking for ways to have an impact on individuals, organizations and key issues that contribute to the common good of our community.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
I have a quote that I have lived the last few years by.
The quote is simple: “What impact can I have today?”
I truly attempt to live and breathe this each and every day. I’m motivated by this to explore how I can have more influence within my community. I’m also motivated by being a parent and wanting to create a Niagara that supports my family and generations for many years to come. An example of this motivation is my involvement with an amazing community group – Adventure Running Kids. Through my involvement as a Coach, I’m encouraging the health & wellness of local kids. This community involvement is exposing kids to trail running & orienteering and the natural beauty of the Bruce Trail. Hopefully, this early exposure may lead to youth/adults that are inspired about conservancy and help protect the amazing trail system that we have in our backyards across Niagara.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
Mental Health.
We have so much opportunity for improvement in the delivery of Mental Health support across the Niagara Region. Mental Health touches all ages, professions, ethnicity, gender across Niagara. Working in HR I’ve seen first hand the devastation that Mental Health can have on employees and the challenge facing employers to support them but still maintain business operations. As a parent, I’ve faced the daunting task of first trying to access Mental Health support for my child. Then once support services were finally identified, being told to simply take a number as the wait time will be up to a year to be seen by a professional. I know I’m not alone and many people in our community have faced similar challenges and action must be taken.