I am a daughter, sister, friend, leader, employee, and most of all, a dreamer. I studied Psychology with a specialization in Human Resources Management and a minor in German at the University of Waterloo. Currently, I am a Certified Human Resources Leader working in the technology industry and looking for a way to ignite passion in others' lives. My goal as an HR professional is to create happier workplaces and engage employees. Most importantly, I am passionate about people, my work, and life.
Joanna Woo
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON, Canada
joanna@joannawoo.com
Head of People• October 2021 - Present
Very similar to what I've done with other startups, but so much more rewarding. My creative insights around HR innovation are celebrated and encouraged.
Director of People and Culture• September 2019 - September 2021
Pretty much what I did at Mappedin.
Head of People• April 2019 - August 2019
I failed miserably in this role. It's a pretty good story.
Director, People Operations• February 2017 - April 2019
Start from scratch with HR. Do whatever it takes to enable others to do their best work.
Director• March 2016 - Present
I get to teach kids how to code. That's pretty amazing. Most of the time, we're playing with robots. Check us out at http://www.hackademy.ca.
HR Programs and Data Specialist• January 2015 - February 2017
Maintained and updated Dayforce HRIS system. Assisted in updating monthly HR analytics dashboard for senior leadership. Audited data carefully to ensure quality and accuracy. Assisted with ongoing administration and functionality of Dayforce HRIS system, including requirements gathering, basic configuration, testing, implementation, first level trouble shooting, and problem resolution. Assisted with document creation and training tools related to processes and use of the Dayforce HRIS. Served as a subject matter expert within HR as it pertains to process design. Created key HR reports using SQL.
Technical Recruitment Coordinator • October 2012 - December 2014
Partnered with managers in Product Development, SaaS, and IT to develop and implement recruitment strategies. Supported recruitment activities through sourcing, screening, conducting technical phone interviews, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks. Led and participated in recruitment initiatives as required. Responsible for employee time off tracking including all leave types.
Taleo Project Coordinator• July 2012 - October 2012
Responded to inquiries/issues from candidates and users related to Taleo. Facilitated weekly conference calls with recruitment team in Asia. Supported design, configuration pre-work, and testing for Taleo 12 upgrade. Managed system access for all new hires and terminations on weekly basis. Conducted new recruiter Taleo training sessions. Supported preparation of training content, job aids, reference guides for launch of Taleo in Asia. Performed other tasks related to Taleo as assigned.
Recruitment Coordinator• August 2011 - July 2012
Supported corporate recruiters managing paperwork for all hiring activities, preparing job postings, processing and monitoring candidate background checks through Kroll, coordinating interview logistics, and preparing offer letters / packages. Conducted phone screens as required. Conducted monthly virtual orientation sessions.
Candidate Care Coordinator (Campus Recruitment)• May 2011 - July 2011
Prepared and reviewed job postings for approval using Taleo, prepared employment offer letters and new hire offer packages, and validated returned new hire packages assisting 2 recruiters. Coordinated logistics for ~20 interviews on daily basis. Provided support to recruiters and organizational development team as required.
Human Resources Staffing Coordinator• January 2010 - April 2011
Drafted weekly staffing schedules for 150-200 associates. Partnered with Hiring Managers in recruitment process, posting job postings on Kenexa, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and processing reference checks via BackCheck. Arranged training schedules and logistics for associates and managers. Provided support to HR Manager for safety- and benefits-related issues. Conducted monthly orientation sessions.
Recruitment Assistant (Intern)• January 2009 - April 2009
Supported 2 managers, completing side projects and phone screens.
Certified Human Resources Leader • July 2010
B.A. Degree in Honours Psychology, Specialization in Human Resources Management, Minor in German • June 2009
Tech People Management P2P - Organizer
Technovation Challenge - Mentor
Year of Code Waterloo Region - HR Advisor, Volunteer Coordinator
Hackademy - Program Director, CodeCrafters
TEDxWaterloo - Volunteer Coordinator Lead, Mobile Apps Team (former), Social Media Lead (former)
EpCon, an EPIC conference - Vice President, Social Media Lead (former)
Canada 3.0 - Social Media Team
Ignite Waterloo - Planning Committee
Co-op Experience Advisory Committee - Employer Representative
PsychSoc - Alumni Panel Speaker
EngSoc - Resume Critiquer
Future Females Techmaker Conference - Workshop Leader
Arts Student Union - Director of Online Communications and Webmaster
PsychSoc - Vice President Communications
Arts Orientation Team - Arts Leader Co-ordinator
International Students' Office - English Tutor
Arts Last Lecture - Planning Committee
Arts Valedictorian - Selection Committee
HRPA Annual Conference - Social Media Coordinator
Grand Valley Chapter - Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer Interviewer, Co-Chair of Peer Networking Group for Students / New Grads (former)
ideaCity - Volunteer
Net Change Week - Social Media Team
re:Vision - Media Relations Team
Toronto Mensa - Promotions/Recruitment Committee and Facebook Group Admin
I enjoy meeting new people so I'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to get in touch with me.