Claudine Cousins is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower Simcoe with over twenty-five years of leadership experience with various Ministries within the Ontario Public Service and the not-for-profit and profit sectors, including banking and financial services. With employees totaling approximately 600 throughout Simcoe County, Claudine’s leadership in empowering people to lead a meaningful and inclusive life depends on having available and competent talent. As a part-time instructor for Georgian College’s School of Business, and her past career in the government and financial services sectors, Claudine brings an eclectic background to the table.

Evita Pastorska has been in the HR field for over 20 years. Evita obtained her BA Degree from York University and HR post graduate diploma from Seneca College. Evita started her professional career in Recruitment and Training and progressed through HR Manager and Labour Relations roles, eventually finding her passion in the not-for-profit healthcare and development fields.

Evita served as an Executive Board Member for the HRPA Barrie Chapter for over 7 years. She has also volunteered her time supporting Women’s in Business organizations that promoted career re-entry for women and served as a guest speaker and job search advisor for new college graduates.

Evita’s has both a strategic and pragmatic approach to HR. She currently oversees strategic initiatives at Empower Simcoe. She is passionate about the people that bring organizations to life, and she thrives on taking a complex process and making it simple.