BRIGITTE NEALE

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

From a young age, I found myself immersed in the fast-paced world of hospitality. I started working early, and even then, I was always the one trying to improve how things were done—whether it was streamlining a process or helping teammates work better together. I naturally gravitated toward mentoring others, and I quickly discovered my ability to build trust and form strong relationships. Motivating people to be their best just felt like second nature.

After completing my undergraduate degree at Western University, I knew I wanted to channel that passion into a career in Human Resources. Humber's program stood out to me because of its strong industry connections and hands-on learning approach—exactly what I was looking for to help turn my passion into a profession.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

It’s hard to pick just one! One standout experience was my internship with TD Bank in Port Credit—it gave me invaluable, hands-on exposure to HR in action and solidified my decision to pursue this path. I also really enjoyed the Health and Safety walkthrough project at The Big Carrot—it was such a unique way to learn by doing, and working as a team made it even more rewarding.

The mock union negotiations and collective bargaining agreement finalizations were another highlight. They pushed us to think critically and really brought theory to life. The workplace investigation training was equally valuable—it gave us a realistic sense of the kind of complex tasks we’d face in the field.

And finally, having Humber alumni come in and share their stories was incredibly inspiring. Hearing from people who had been exactly where we were—and seeing where they ended up—was both motivating and reassuring.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

Humber provided me with more than just knowledge—it gave me real-world skills and the confidence to step into HR roles prepared for any challenge. The hands-on experiences and practical training helped shape my approach to problem-solving and leadership.

Equally important were the mentors and alumni who shared their insights and guided me along the way. Their support and stories inspired me to push my boundaries and grow both personally and professionally. Humber truly laid the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career.

What are you up to now?

Today, I bring nearly 20 years of HR experience across a range of sectors—including local public health and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. Currently, I’m proud to serve as a senior HR leader in the manufacturing industry—a traditionally male-dominated field—where I help lead organizational change, guide companies through divestitures and acquisitions, and foster strong workplace cultures.

It’s been an incredible journey that continues to challenge and inspire me every day.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

A good espresso is my daily fuel—it helps me power through busy days with focus and energy. I’m also a strong advocate for mental health and wellness and creating inclusive workplaces, which I believe are essential for people to truly thrive both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, I love traveling and experimenting in the kitchen, especially cooking spicy dishes that challenge my palate! I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside an amazing leadership team at Forte Opening Solutions, where collaboration and support make every day rewarding.