Julia Beltrano

Outgoing PMA President, Julia Beltrano joined the PMA in 2012 volunteering with the Communications and Marketing Committee in 2013. She has since held the positions of Communications and Marketing Committee Co-Chair, Second Vice-President, Vice-President, President and has been a member of the Personnel Policies, Negotiations, and Support & Equity Committees. As an active member of not only the University community, but also her beloved neighbourhood of OEV, she amazingly finds time to volunteer with quite a few city and provincial organizations (including the Ontario Art Council, Forest City Gallery, and the Green Party), teach at Western’s Continuing Studies, and work toward completing her Master’s Degree.

According to one of her nominators:

As President, Julia has provided steadfast support to members through various changes and challenges, reviewed policies and put forward amendments based on member feedback. Julia completely devotes herself to ensure results. Her research and advocacy for the salary grade review for PMA eligible staff – resulting in revisions as part of the 2018 MOA – is just one example of how her hard work and determination have paid off. Julia is an exemplary PMA member who genuinely cares. She brings passion and professionalism to her work with PMA. This has benefited members greatly and has enhanced the PMA’s image. The Nancy Kendall Award was established to recognize exceptional and unwavering service and commitment to the membership of the PMA. I believe Julia truly embodies this in every sense.

Michelle Stubnya

Michelle has been a PMA member since 2007, joining the Communications and Marketing (now Membership Engagement) Committee, in 2012. She served on this committee for many years and became co-chair in 2015. She was a driving force behind the re-branding of the PMA, and was integral in introducing a number of family-friendly events such as the Knights hockey games and Storybook Gardens Skate. Her extensive knowledge of best practices within the marketing and communications field as well as her ability to put her team members at ease with her friendly and helpful demeanour, were an incredible asset to the PMA.

One of her nominators writes:

Michelle always demonstrated great support of her PMA colleagues and she ensured that all ideas were heard and people felt valued. It was clear that her leadership skills were always highly respected by others on the PMA team and she was a true team-player. She was highly organized and professional and I admire her ability to balance her role with the PMA alongside her full-time position at Western and her home life. On a personal level, she was very supportive of me as I worked to find balance returning from maternity leave and she was very understanding and always able to step-in and help.

Michelle exemplifies all of the characteristics of service dedication to the PMA and is a deserving recipient of this award.