Human resource professionals at the Yukon government are at the heart of building an engaged, diverse and thriving public service. Whether you're developing policies, recruiting top talent or supporting employees in their career growth, HR offers a dynamic and rewarding path. Meet 4 inspiring HR professionals as they share their journeys, challenges and advice for anyone considering a career in HR with the Yukon government.
Attinder Sidhu: from uncertainty to fulfillment
Attinder left Vancouver for the Yukon to be closer to her younger brother attending Yukon University. The transition wasn’t easy—she remembers crying her first night in the snowy, dark winter. But what felt daunting at first turned into an incredible chapter in her career.
Starting from retail and part-time office work during college, Attinder's career took off when a former colleague at Yukon University helped polish her resume and shared it with a hiring manager at the Department of Health and Social Services. Attinder began working at the COVID-19 testing centre, eventually moving to the COVID-19 infoline and then to a health and safety coordinator position at the Department of Community Services.
With support from her team, Attinder gained valuable experience and grew into her role as a human resources consultant. “I feel incredibly fortunate for the support I've had along this journey. It not only showed me the ropes but also inspired me to be that guiding force for others.”
Fatima Salama: finding growth and balance in the Yukon
Moving to Whitehorse after 16 years in Calgary was life-changing for Fatima. She found a slower pace of life, new experiences and a fulfilling career in HR with the Department of Health and Social Services.
Seeking a break from city life, Fatima was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed both the Yukon and her work. Each day is different, offering constant learning and new challenges. She values the opportunities for growth, mentorship, and temporary assignments that allow her to explore different areas within government HR. Fatima appreciates how the Yukon government encourages professional development and supports individual interests, making her HR journey both enriching and rewarding.
Sasha Sywulsky: a non-linear path to HR leadership
Sasha's career in HR wasn’t a straight line. After more than 15 years in recreation management, her path shifted when her mom found a job ad for the City of Whitehorse Parks department. Sasha highlights that many people move to the Yukon for its wilderness, she was surprised by the variety of clubs and interest groups - from martial arts to Pokémon. Despite not having formal HR education, her experience in labour relations and recruitment, along with earning her CPHR designation, helped her thrive in HR roles across multiple departments. Now the director of the Organizational Development Branch at the Public Service Commission, Sasha emphasizes that HR is diverse.
“You don’t have to have schooling or background in HR – it can be helpful, but a lot of that stuff can be learned if you are comfortable talking to people, enjoy problem-solving, have a growth mindset and find comfort working in the grey zone of ambiguity sometimes. We see sticky problems in HR that don’t always have a clear-cut answer because humans are messy! I’ve never dealt with the same issue twice, which I think speaks for itself.”
Lauren Teiman: from teaching to thriving in HR
For Lauren Teiman, the Yukon government's support for professional development makes it special. She highlights how leaders are willing to take a chance on individuals with transferable skills who are eager to grow. Lauren’s journey started as a teacher in Whitehorse after moving from Iqaluit. Drawn to HR, she pursued courses at Yukon University and made connections that led to a temporary HR assignment, eventually becoming a permanent role.
Lauren brings warmth and passion to her work, helping others succeed—whether by offering a life-changing job or supporting someone through an interview process. Her advice is simple and encouraging: Be patient, learn the recruitment system, reach out for guidance and always ask for feedback. Her story reflects gratitude, perseverance and a genuine love for public service and HR.