Close X
Sunday, March 16, 2025
ADVT 
Business Profiles

Herneet Dhillon: Transforming Culture and Growth at University Canada West 

Ancy Mendonza Darpan, 14 Mar, 2025
  • Herneet Dhillon: Transforming Culture and Growth at University Canada West 

Herneet Dhillon, Vice President of People and Culture at University Canada West (UCW), is a dynamic HR leader whose strategic vision and commitment to employee development have been instrumental in shaping the institution’s growth. Recently recognized among Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders of Vancouver of 2024, Herneet has played a pivotal role in fostering a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture at UCW. 
 
Graduating from the University of East London in the UK, Herneet first started as an educator, and then ventured into recruitment and private equity. Upon returning to Canada, she joined the education sector again, eventually becoming a key leader at UCW. 

Under her leadership, UCW has experienced exponential workforce growth, increasing from just 16 staff members to over 1,200 employees today, aligning with a student body that now exceeds 13,000. A champion of diversity, she has built a workforce representing 58 nationalities, ensuring that faculty and staff reflect the diverse backgrounds of UCW’s international student community. 
Under her leadership, UCW has experienced exponential workforce growth, aligning with a diverse student body. A champion of diversity, she has built a workforce representing 58 nationalities, ensuring that faculty and staff reflect the diverse backgrounds of UCW’s international student community 

Herneet’s people-first approach has revolutionized HR at UCW. She has introduced key initiatives such as tailored employee benefits, enhanced vacation policies, and strategic workforce planning to support work-life balance and professional growth. She has also led automation in HR processes, streamlined recruitment strategies, and implemented recognition programs that have significantly improved employee engagement. The university’s commitment to career progression is evident through robust internal promotions and professional development opportunities, fostering a workplace where talent is nurtured, and leadership is cultivated. 

Beyond her work at UCW, Herneet is deeply committed to mentorship and women’s empowerment. As a mentor for Young Women in Business (YWiB) SFU, she provides guidance to aspiring female leaders, helping them build confidence, develop professional skills, and navigate career challenges. Her passion for mentorship extends to her leadership at UCW, where she actively supports and uplifts women in the workforce, contributing to an institution where over 60% of employees are women. 

Herneet’s leadership has not only transformed UCW’s culture but has also positioned the university as a model of inclusive growth and strategic HR excellence. With her continued vision, UCW is set to expand its impact, fostering an environment where employees and students alike can thrive. 

MORE Business Profiles ARTICLES

undefined

Beyond Accounting: Mandeep Tung Driving Success at Affinity Accountants 
 


Beyond Accounting: Mandeep Tung Driving Success at Affinity Accountants 
 

With over two decades of experience in accounting and taxation, Mandeep Tung has built a career rooted in precision, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Earning her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2008 while working at KPMG in Ontario, she has varied experiences in public practice, including at Grant Thornton and Fortis BC.

Amy Sabharwal: Nurturing the Future with Quality Childcare 

Amy Sabharwal: Nurturing the Future with Quality Childcare 
For parents, choosing the right daycare is a decision rooted in trust, care, and the promise of a nurturing environment for their little ones. With an unwavering commitment to early childhood education and a passion for providing safe, stimulating spaces for children, Amy has built four thriving daycare centers across the Lower Mainland and beyond, each uniquely tailored to meet the needs of young learners. 

Taking Food A Notch Up: Chefs Baldeep Sraw And Kanwardeep Ahluwalia 

Taking Food A Notch Up: Chefs Baldeep Sraw And Kanwardeep Ahluwalia 
Baldeep Sraw and Kanwardeep  Ahluwalia, two chefs with roots in India and hearts in the kitchen, are redefining Indian fine dining in Canada. From managing renowned 5-star kitchens worldwide to building a thriving food business with four distinct offerings in British Columbia—Sirka Gourmet Takeout, Purani Dilli Kitchen & Bar, Everyday Foods, and their recent crown jewel, Notch Up Caterers.

Nurturing Excellence: Choice School for Gifted Children

Nurturing Excellence: Choice School for Gifted Children
Education is a gift, and Choice School, an independent institution located in East Richmond, British Columbia, excels at enhancing that gift. Distinct in its focus on gifted and twice-exceptional students, the school was recognized by the BC Ministry of Education in 2016 for its unique mandate to serve high-potential, high-ability, and gifted students.

Pioneering Oral Health Care in Surrey: Dr. Jeevan Gill

Pioneering Oral Health Care in Surrey: Dr. Jeevan Gill
A true local, Dr. Jeevan Gill was born and raised in Surrey but decided to pursue dentistry in what some would think an unconventional pattern. After completing his first year of undergraduate studies in Canada, Dr. Gill moved to India to pursue a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery.

An Indian Affair : Expanding Culinary Excellence

An Indian Affair : Expanding Culinary Excellence
An Indian Affair, nestled in the heart of Langley, has embarked on an exciting journey of expansion, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences and a commitment to culinary innovation. Under the visionary leadership of owner Gary Bakshi and his son Karan Bakshi, the restaurant has undergone its third expansion, truly spicing things up.
PrevNext