COVER FEATURE
Rob Starkell
Rob Starkell has possessed an entrepreneurial spirit since the start of his career. He worked
in Switzerland at Kraft Foods International, where he helped streamline the organization to
enhance workflow.
After moving back home to Brandon, Starkell successfully started a couple small businesses
before a partnership opportunity arose with West-Can Human Resource Solutions in July 2017.
West-Can Human Resource Solutions helps Western Canadian businesses manage their human
resource (HR) and business requirements.
Starkell’s connection with CARM stems from a joint business decision with his business partner
to involve West-Can in the construction industry. HR-based companies remain underrepresented
in CARM’s arsenal, and Starkell aims to change that fact.
His goal as one of the organization’s new board members is to communicate the benefits of integrating
HR into growing organizations at the start. Starkell also looks forward to his roles on the
Education and Training and Media and Promotions committees. He plans to continue supporting
CARM’s work in the industry.
Michelle Atamanchuk
Born to be a fundraiser, Michelle Atamanchuk has always been an engaged community member.
Her passion for helping others is evident through everything she has taken part in. Since starting
at Assiniboine Community College in 1999, she has honed her skills in the fundraising profession
from campaigns to staff giving to gala dinners and many other fundraising initiatives.
However, it’s not her role at the college that brought about Atamanchuk’s addition to the CARM
board. It’s her long-term role in community involvement, inspired by her family’s compassionate
nature from a young age, that instilled in her how giving back impacts everyone involved. For
Atamanchuk, she sees many of these shared, intrinsic values in CARM.
From her post-secondary education and through her work at Assiniboine Community College,
Atamanchuk has maintained a collaborative relationship with CARM. She completed a work co-op
there while in school, and through the college, worked closely with CARM regarding a scholarship
opportunity for students. Through these experiences with CARM, she has witnessed how
well the organization uplifts and supports its members; and how well they do at giving back to
the community.
Atamanchuk aims to bring her own experiences and expertise within these areas to the board.
Moreover, she sees the younger generation having a critical role in moving CARM’s legacy forward.
She encourages early participation in giving back and contributing to community development.
This year, CARM welcomes seven new
members to its board, each with aspirations
and visions to enhance the organization.
RVIKA/123RF
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARM
BUILDING RURAL MANITOBA | 17