Up-and-coming HR professionals shaping the future of the industry: Canada's HR Rising Stars to be honoured at HRFutureFest, June 3 in Toronto
HRD Canada has announced its 2025 Rising Stars, honouring 30 of the country’s top young HR professionals who are redefining leadership in a rapidly changing world of work.
Selected through a nationwide nomination process, this year’s winners are recognized for blending technical fluency with emotional intelligence, while driving meaningful change across industries.
They will be recognized this year's HR Future Fest in Toronto. For details about the event and get last minute tickets click here.
“A top young professional in 2025 understands people and technology equally well,” said Nupur Gill, managing consultant at Robert Walters Canada.
“They’re quick to learn, confident in using data, and always looking for ways to improve how teams work.”
To read more about this year's Rising Stars, click here.
Despite facing economic uncertainty and hybrid work transitions, these professionals are making a measurable impact early in their careers. “There's greater pressure to contribute meaningfully from day one and also show leadership potential, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic insight early in their career,” said Gill.
The honourees are championing inclusion, analytics, and employee well-being. As Ashlee Langlois, CEO of CPHR Saskatchewan, put it: they “demonstrate outstanding potential as future leaders” and are recognized for “passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.”
Langlois emphasized that this new generation is values-driven. “Especially early in their careers, young professionals feel pressure to prove themselves, but that can lead to burnout. A supportive culture that values well-being makes all the difference,” she said.
Winners include professionals like Mackenzie Kerr of Interfor, who played a key role in “integrating newly acquired operations into Interfor’s HR structure.” Her efforts in “labour relations, talent development, and team building across the New Brunswick region” highlight “proactive development of HR roadmaps, trust-building with union leaders, and strong grasp of legislation and policy.”
Also featured is Claire Hickman of Hickman Automotive Group. “It was difficult to navigate the intersection of family dynamics and professional HR practices,” Hickman shared.
Other Rising Stars spoke about broader industry challenges. “The question is: How do we provide support to employees while maintaining professional boundaries and upholding performance standards and achieving our business objectives?” asked Breanna Lemieux of Skyline Group of Companies.
“The biggest challenge has been managing frustration around remote work inequality,” added Sofia Arora, people and culture manager at Daily Bread Food Bank.
“I frequently receive positive feedback from colleagues about my ability to make them feel heard, understood, and included in all spaces,” said Shannon Spelay of Point Blank Creative.
The 2025 Rising Stars are proving that the future of HR is in capable—and compassionate—hands.
