Close X
Monday, March 17, 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

Making Waves: Jasmine Bhambra

Making Waves: Jasmine Bhambra

Jasmine’s platform, Live in the Fraser Valley, is a testament to her love for her community. Through Live in the Fraser Valley, Jasmine aims to support local businesses and events and to create community collaborations. 

A Combination of Confidence and Construction: Seema Sandhu

A Combination of Confidence and Construction: Seema Sandhu

The enthusiastic professional began working with a development firm, as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Development and Construction. Continually trying to figure out where she wanted to take her career, Sandhu began attending school part-time while working full-time. 

Eternal Strings: Beginning of an eternal journey

Eternal Strings: Beginning of an eternal journey

Built with a modern take on love, Eternal Strings is bound to become the next big name in the dating universe. Gail is a big believer of continuous improvement and keeping up with market trends. Moreover, by establishing and building partnerships with relevant organizations and communities, Eternal Strings taps into wider audiences and deepens its impact.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Personified: Pavan Aujla

Entrepreneurial Spirit Personified: Pavan Aujla

From founding her own mortgage business in the private space of commercial and real estate lending, to kickstarting Tera Terra Helping Hands Society Aujla that aims to be the socio-economic bridge between minorities. 

Founded by Family, Powered by Legacy: Eco-Giants

Founded by Family, Powered by Legacy: Eco-Giants

Eco-Giants Construction Cleaning & Janitorial, legacy is at the core of their organizational philosophy. Gary and Jesse Parmar carry forward their beloved family business and aspire to leave a positive impact on their community and clients. From helping their parents hands-on in their school days, to now opening business offices in Surrey, Calgary, and soon Toronto. 

Sky High Deals, Sky High Success: Realtor Harp Khela

Sky High Deals, Sky High Success: Realtor Harp Khela

As an agent of the Century 21 brokerage — one which boasts 14,000 offices globally across 86 countries — Harp has not only worked within Century 21 for almost two decades, but he has been recognized globally as a leading performer, at the top of the ranks of 147,000 agents around the world.