Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba (CPRS) awards Emerging Communications Leader and Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA to College's comms team.
The Communications and Public Relations team at RRC Polytech was named Manitoba's Communicators of the Year (MCOY) in two categories by the Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba last week. These six individuals were recognized amongst their peers at the annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the communications industry in Manitoba.
Since 2008, CPRS Manitoba Communicators of the Year Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work in communications has made a significant impact. The College's Communications Officers took home the hardware in two of six award categories.
Jenn Pazdor was named Emerging Communications Leader, a category recognizing public relations professionals with up to six years of experience who have demonstrated a strategic mindset and innovative approach above and beyond what is normally expected at the early stages of their career.
Jenn joined the College as a Communications Officer in March 2024 for a one-year term position. In that time, she led communications efforts for several large-scale events at RRC Polytech, including announcing the College's largest-ever gift to establish the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts and the grand opening of the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre.
A Creative Communications grad (2019), Jenn is now pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Communications Management while working full-time as a Digital Automation Specialist at RRC Polytech.
"I am truly honoured to be the recipient of this year's MCOY Emerging Leader award. I often say the best decision I ever made was coming to RRC Polytech for the Creative Communications program," said Jenn Pazdor.
"This award is yet another example of how well the program prepared me with confidence and tools to achieve big things in this profession. Having one of my former instructors - now a valued mentor - present me with the award was a very surreal experience and makes this achievement even more special. I'm deeply grateful for the trust and support I've received from the team at RRC Polytech and from all the folks I've worked with and learned from in my career so far. Manitoba's communications industry is truly special to be a part of."
Jenn was also recognized for her commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead in the ever-evolving communications landscape. She is also actively involved in Winnipeg's creative and running communities, as a committee member of CreativeMornings Winnipeg and The Good Way Run.
In the Team Award Category, five Communications Officers - Robin Ringland, Kevin Olszewski, Laina Hughes, Breanne Lucky, and Lauren Parsons - were awarded for Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
They were recognized for their efforts to advance RRC Polytech's reconciliation and EDIA initiatives through strategic communications, including the pivotal role they play in supporting the College's strategic plan, "In Front of What's Ahead," and advancing its commitment to enact truth and reconciliation, and pursue EDIA in everything we do.
"This small yet nimble team consistently puts forward new, creative, and strategic ideas to engage the community in our institutional efforts," said Conor Lloyd, APR, Director, College and Public Relations.
"Initiatives such as the Not a Grey Area,' anti-racism campaign, the EDIA calendar working group, the Indigenous style guide, and their efforts to meet and engage with students across the province and share their stories, have significantly enhanced our outreach and engagement, making our commitment to these values more visible and impactful."
The team also played a key role in developing the College's annual Report to the Community, which shares data collected through Key Performance Indicators and highlights the stories of progress towards the college's commitments. This report is a powerful tool for accountability and transparency, showcasing the college's achievements and ongoing efforts.
"Through storytelling, outreach, internal campaigns, and a focus on diverse voices, the Communications team has helped build a culture that truly celebrates and embraces difference. Their efforts have boosted engagement among employees and students, bringing people together through events and initiatives that reflect our commitment to inclusivity," said Melanie Gudmunson, Chief Human Resource Officer at RRC Polytech in her letter of support.
"The RRC Polytech Communications team is a great example of how strategic communication can drive meaningful progress. Their innovative and thoughtful approach to reconciliation and EDI sets a benchmark for others to follow."
Both nominations were submitted by Emily Doer, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RRC Polytech.
RRC Polytech's goal is to prepare students to become leaders in their fields. Creative Communications and Communications Management grads and staff continue to be recognized for their contributions to the public relations and communications industry. At the 2024 MCOY awards, out of five award categories, four were won by RRC Polytech grads and teams they worked on, and one by a current program chair.
Learn more about the 2025 MCOY Awards: Past MCOY Award Recipients - Canadian Public Relations Society Manitoba
