Immigration News

Ruth Mitchell - Rising Star Award Finalist

Name: Ruth Mitchell
Organization: Red Seal Recruiting Solution Ltd.
Title: Recruiter and Immigration Consultant
BC HRMA Region: Vancouver Island

Ruth Mitchell was a finalist for the 2009 Rising Star Award.

How long have you been a member of BC HRMA?

I joined BC HRMA when I moved to Victoria in 2006.

Were you aware of the Awards of Excellence and Rising Star Award prior to your nomination?

Yes. One of my previous co-workers from the BC Public School Employers Association was nominated a few years ago as a Rising Star.

Who nominated you for this award?

Shannon Feeney nominated me for the Rising Star Award, along with Heather Lane, Carolyne Taylor and Kael Campbell. They all helped complete the nomination form. They were all very helpful, supportive and encouraging throughout the process.

Why did they nominate you for the award?

I think they nominated me to encourage me to continuously learn, improve and move forward and also to show support for the things were accomplished. It is always important to look back and see how far you have come.

What was the nomination experience like for you as a nominee?

Flattering, encouraging and, of course, nerve racking! It's a pretty intense process! I had family, past university and high school friends, and co-workers contact me saying that they had seen an ad with my name on it for the Rising Star. People were very positive and genuinely happy for me. It was a great opportunity to re-connect with people I hadn't talked to in a while and to explain what BC HRMA is about and what HR professionals do. We don't just hire and fire!

It was excellent meeting the other nominees and some of the movers and shakers at BC HRMA. It was a great group of inspirational people who have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.

What was the Recognition and Award Gala like for you as a finalist?

HR professionals sure know how to throw a party! That was definitely a group of professionals who enjoy socializing, networking and encouraging others.

Any words of wisdom to share or anything to add?

Don't ever say 'no' to an opportunity. If someone has asked you to do something it means that they believe that you are capable of doing it. Smile, say 'yes' and figure out how to do it!