SAMINA SAMI, CEO, ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW LEADER TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT COSTI.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robina Yasin to the position of Senior Director, People and Culture. In this pivotal position, Robina will help shape the fabric of our workplace, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive culture and supporting the growth and development of our talented team. As we embark on this exciting journey together, the new Senior Director will drive strategic human resource initiatives, foster employee engagement, and contribute to leadership development and succession planning. Robina will significantly contribute to our ability to fulfill our mission and make a positive impact on the communities we serve. 

Robina will assume her role on January 22. Please join me in welcoming Robina to our organization.

I want to thank members of the search committee for their unwavering commitment and support:  Pina Alberelli-Arone, President of the Board and Janet Hallet, Senior Director of Planning and Program Development. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to Julie Mahfouz Rezvani and Marcelina Galvan, Board members, for generously sharing their expertise in HR, and for providing invaluable counsel.

Robina is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in human resources and people development. Her personal enrichment and professional journey have been shaped by her belief in the potential of individuals, which has been the driving force behind her commitment to creating vibrant and engaging work environments.

Robina joins COSTI after dedicating 16 years to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, where she held various leadership positions in HR, including Associate Leader, Learning and Development, and Senior Director Human Resources (Professional and Digital Learning, Health & Safety Lead).  In these roles, she was instrumental in advancing transformational change in human resource management and organizational development. She has a deep understanding of the social impact sector through her work with the YMCA. Robina started her career as an Employment Training Specialist and has also held HR roles in the private sector.

A lifelong learner at heart, she holds certifications in User Experience Design, Adult and Professional Learning, Instructional Design and e-Learning, Health and Safety, Positive Applied Psychology, and Intercultural Relations from various institutions, including the University of Calgary, University of Washington, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria. She is also recognized as a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP). With a passion for knowledge sharing, she teaches Human Resource Management at Sheridan College.

We are confident that Robina’s wealth of experience and passion for positive change will significantly contribute to the success of COSTI.