I’m a gal who really loves what I do! I wear many hats in my personal and professional life. However, it never feels like work because I am passionate about what I do.
After 25 years in the corporate world, I made the bold decision to change paths and become an entrepreneur of two businesses. I believe the best way to predict your future is to create it.
In addition to Brooks HR Group, I am the proud owner of a coffee lounge, catering company and event centre, called Venue B, which is located in Regina’s warehouse district. Venue B is more than a coffee lounge … it is a way for me to advance Reconciliation by bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous People together in a social space. It allows me to encourage other Indigenous People to become business owners and shows our youth possible career options.
Let me tell you how being determined, and open to change, completely changed my path!
How did I get here?
In the summer of 2020, I was in a long-term career and planned to retire at this company. However, I went through a few life-changing events and started re-evaluating my professional future. I quickly realized I wanted to dedicate my personal and professional life doing things that I am passionate about that matched my values … and would help advance Reconciliation.
If you read my LinkedIn profile, I talk about how not knowing how to do something is never as excuse. That is something I have followed since changing my focus and career path!
I am passionate about:
( 1) ADVANCING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND RECONCILIATION
My areas of expertise are Human Resources, entrepreneurship, careers and economic reconciliation. I developed a One-of-a-Kind Indigenous HR Strategy in my recent Director position and focus on similar goals at Brooks HR Group. At Venue B, I promote the fact that it is a 100% Indigenous-owned coffee lounge & event centre in Regina’s Warehouse District. I am very proud of my two businesses that encourage other Indigenous people to move into their ideal career or become an entrepreneur. In my spare time, I volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Ignite Adult Learning Corporation.
( 2 ) ADVANCING POLICING INITITIAVES
My father, the late Stanford Sparvier, was an RCMP Officer who dedicated his career to policing and justice. Dad was my role model and created the work ethic and values I live by today. He was my inspiration and biggest supporter when I changed careers and he still motivates me to keep working toward my goals. I am dedicated to keeping his legacy alive by doing what I can to help improve relations between Indigenous People and police services.
( 3 ) BEING AN INDIGENOUS LEADER AND ROLE MODEL
I want Indigenous youth to see what I do as an inspiration because they are our future leaders. My father, and many family members, attended residential school. Knowing that history is overwhelming and I choose to use those emotions to help others move forward. I love seeing the light in the eyes of our Indigenous Youth when I show them they can be anything they want in life!
I speak at events and present to organizations who want my help understanding:
Indigenous employment barriers
How to create an Indigenous Inclusive organization
How to be involved in Indigenous Engagement and contribute toward Reconciliation
How to attract and retain Indigenous employees.
If any of these topics sound great to you … reach out and I would be happy to discuss speaking arrangements.
My business partner is a dog
I love all animals and donate as often as I can to helping animals in need. I have rescued 3 cats, 1 dog and a hamster over the years. My newest furry family member is Rexy, who we adopted after he was rescued from wildfires in Northern Manitoba. He was a homeless, young pup and still had an awesome personality and a love for everyone and everything. If he can show that resilience we can too!
Animals bring out the best in people. When we are in a coaching session my CEO of cuteness, Rexy, will most likely be quietly supervising. He just makes me smile!
I am a proud member of the Cowessess First Nation
Growing up in an RCMP family meant I was not able to live in my community because we relocated every few years. I would not change a thing about the past as that lifestyle taught me so many great lessons and values that I live by today.
I am learning a lot about my culture and the progressive ways that Cowessess is paving the way for our future. My work directly helps to advance Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action in many ways. What a wonderful time it is to be a First Nations woman working in a field where I can help people bring their best self forward!
