HR Spotlight

Remarkable members. Inspiring stories.

HR Spotlight, sponsored by Talent Harbour.

HR professionals navigate complex challenges, champion people and drive meaningful change. The HR Spotlight member recognition program ensures that those doing the most extraordinary work don’t go unrecognized.

HR Spotlight recognition isn’t about titles or tenure—it’s about impact.

Nominations for the 2025 HR Spotlight are now closed.

Nominations for the 2026 HR Spotlight will open in late Spring of 2026.

Think of the colleague who has done something incredible over the past 3 years. A colleague who turned a challenge into an opportunity, the mentor who models strength and empathy, or the innovator who brought fresh thinking to an old problem. This is your chance to shine a light on them and their story.

Nominations are simple, and the impact is profound. Selected honourees will be featured across CPHR BC & Yukon platforms, celebrated at the Annual Member Recognition Gala, and forever remembered as part of our growing circle of HR Spotlight recipients

Let’s celebrate the people who make our profession extraordinary.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on September 22, 2025. There is no fee to submit a nomination, and self-nominations are accepted.

Want tips on how to make your nomination stand out? Watch the HR Spotlight Info Session below and hear from the 2022 HR Spotlight Recipient, Kanokwan Limchareon, CPHR.

For questions, please contact the awards manager.

The HR Spotlight program is the current member recognition program for CPHR BC & Yukon. The previous Professional Awards program has been recently phased out. CPHR BC & Yukon continues to recognize the accomplishments of our past Professional Award recipients and finalists here and we thank all those volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the past success of the Professional Awards program.

Eligibility

Nominee must be a current member in good standing.
Nominee must have held their membership for a minimum of three years at the time of nomination.
Preference is given to members who hold their CPHR designation or have CPHR Candidate status, but it is not required.

Nominee must have made a significant impact in the workplace, overcome a daunting challenge, or have been an inspiration to others at some point since September 2022.

What We Are Looking For

HR Spotlight program is designed around highlighting CPHR BC & Yukon’s extraordinary members. The volunteer committee is looking for accomplishments and achievements that have occurred between September 2022 and the present, and will consider the following when reviewing the nominations:

Professionalism and Character: a high-quality approach through personal values and working practices; seen as an inspiration to others; commitment to the HR profession; integrity, honesty and transparency

Innovation and Impact: a highly innovative approach to HR work; pursues new pathways to organizational success; uncommon approaches are supported, embraced and championed

Measurable Success / Performance: evidence of quantifiable benefit to the organization/team; recognition by many as a change-maker; usage of ongoing learning, connections, and personal/professional development to achieve success

Leadership: gains the trust of others and guides them towards a common goal; regularly shows appreciation for others and gives meaning to their work; clearly articulate a sense of purpose for a team or other group; commitment to development of self as a leader; advances the HR profession

Agility and Resilience: open-mindedness to change; awareness and celebration of differences; ability to make decisions when faced with ambiguity; can guide others through complex situations; strong understanding of when to engage external expertise or guidance; proven ability to overcome big challenges

Intangibles: a unique style that is widely appreciated; a story that is exceptionally unique; a dynamic presence or “stand-out” quality

Review Process

The HR Spotlight Committee, composed of active, senior-level CPHR BC & Yukon members in the HR community, will review each nomination and recommend selected nominees for the HR Spotlight honour.

The HR Spotlight program provides an opportunity to shine the spotlight on a select group of members who are doing exceptional things. By moving away from a traditional competition format with restrictive categories and one or two winners, the HR Spotlight will be an inclusive process, celebrating the extraordinary and diverse work that CPHR BC & Yukon members are doing across the region.

Unsuccessful nominations may be re-nominated in subsequent years, so long as the eligibility and other criteria are still met.

Nomination Submission Checklist

Nominations must be submitted online. (Preview the online application form questions and requirements in advance.)
Confirmation that the nominee is a current member in good standing.

Confirmation that the nominee has held their membership for a minimum of three years at the time of nomination.

Completed nomination form, with consent from the nominee.
- Description of how the nominee has made a significant impact in the workplace, overcame a challenge, or otherwise has an inspiring story to share. The achievements and impact detailed in the nomination should have occurred since September 2022 – not the nominee’s career history. Maximum 3,000 characters with spaces.
Two supporting letters that speak to the accomplishment / challenge / innovation / story outlined in the nomination.
- 1 letter must be from the nominee’s direct supervisor or a senior leader within their organization (past or present) or client (past or present).
- 1 letter must be from the nominee’s colleague or professional peer; this individual is preferably a CPHR BC & Yukon member but this is not a requirement.
Note that each letter should be no more than 500 words on a single page and must explain the relationship between the nominee and the person writing the letter.
- Supporters may be contacted to validate their written statements. As such, letters must include official letterhead, signature block, and/or contact details.
- Where possible, letters should include timeframes and dates, indicate what the supporter’s role was in relation to the accomplishment / challenge / innovation / story, focus on achievements since September 2022, and describe the impact from their own perspective.
- Please combine the two letters into one single PDF document to be uploaded.

Notification to the Nominee and the Nominator

Successful nominees will be notified by the Awards Manager in early November 2025.

If the nominee is selected as a recipient, they will be asked to submit high-resolution photos to be used as part of the HR Spotlight program and promotion. The recipient will also be invited to attend the CPHR BC & Yukon Member Recognition Gala in early February 2026, in Vancouver, BC.

At the event, the recipient will share a 2-minute acceptance speech on stage. If attendance is not possible, the recipient will provide a high-resolution video recording of their acceptance speech that will be shown during the event and possibly shared online on CPHR BC & Yukon’s website and/or social media.

FAQs

Can a nominator nominate more than one eligible person?

Yes, provided each nominee meets the eligibility and nomination criteria.

Does the nominator need to be a CPHR BC & Yukon member?

No, the nominator does not need to be a CPHR BC & Yukon member.

Can a past Professional Award recipient be nominated for the HR Spotlight?

Yes, provided they meet the eligibility and nomination criteria.

How many recipients will be selected?

5-10 HR Spotlight recipients will be selected each year; however, the final number will be dependent on the suitability of submission received as per the committee’s review.

Does the nominator have to speak at the Member Recognition Event?

No, the nominator is not required to speak at the Member Recognition Event. If the nominator wishes to attend the event, a ticket can be purchased.

Are self-nominations accepted?

Yes, you can nominate yourself.

If I cannot finish my nomination in one online session, how do I save my progress?

As long as you return to the online nomination form before the submission deadline using the same device and IP address, the system will save your in-progress submission and recognize you when you return.

Is there a fee to submit a nomination?

No there is no fee required to submit a nomination.

What is the Member Recognition Gala Dinner?

The Member Recognition Gala Dinner is a special evening held in early February to celebrate the achievements of new CPHR designates and HR Spotlight recipients. Surrounded by friends, family, and peers, guests will enjoy a luxurious three-course meal and photo opportunities in formal attire.

Registration opens in November 2025.

What is the benefit of being an HR Spotlight Recipient?

In addition to the recognition and honour that comes with being selected, HR Spotlight recipients will receive a complimentary ticket to attend the Member Recognition Gala Dinner. They will also have the opportunity to purchase one discounted guest ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased at full price.

Recipients will also be invited to attend Day 2 of the annual HR Conference & Expo (held on May 6, 2026) where we recognize the 2025 HR Spotlight recipients during the lunch presentation.

Meet The 2024 HR Spotlight Recipients