Centenary Award from De Beers for Outstanding Contribution to the Americas
President’s Award from Canadian Public Relations Society for Public Relations Professionalism (for script writing)
Lewis Beaton Scholarship Award from Durham Board of Education
Silver Medal Award from Durham Board of Education
Words from Others….
“I have known Kim for many years within the context of her communications work in the fine jewellery industry, and most recently through the writing support she provided to the Diamond Bourse of Canada. I know that Kim has worked in many other sectors, such as banking and insurance. It is this versatility and ability to transfer her skills from one business to another that inspires me to highly recommend Kim as much more than a communications generalist. I see in Kim someone who doesn’t view her contributions as things that happen in isolation. She’s truly part of the business – lives it, breathes it, and “gets” that her role as a communicator requires that she review and impact every part of the business, including the bottom line.” David Gavin. President of Diamond Bourse of Canada
“Effective communicator” is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Kim. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kim for the past year, during which time she was the Senior Communications and Events Advisor at Desjardins. Above all, I appreciated Kim’s written communication skills; she was able to communicate in a clear and effective manner to intended individuals and groups, including employees and managers. Kim also demonstrated commitment to her assignments, with a focus on delivering quality work and meeting all deadlines. I enjoyed Kim`s sense of humour and wish her success in all future endeavours.” Marianne Morton, Director, Sales & Loyalty, Desjardins
“I’ve known Kim for many years – – from when she started out in the public relations industry to today as a seasoned professional. Kim is a hard working, diligent practitioner who brings her experience and expertise to bear on a wide range of communications challenges. Regardless of the role she fills in an organization she can be depended upon to deliver high quality work with a focus on results and the bottom line. She would be an asset to any organization looking to build a solid communications team.” Carol Panaskiuk, MBR, APR, FCPRS, LM, Communications Consultant
“I worked with Kim for approximately 6 to 8 years during her time with De Beers. Partnering with Kim on any type of project is a pure pleasure. She’s highly organized, delivers everything on time, is very creative in terms of the promotions and advertorials we executed, and is extremely professional. I was also impressed with her understanding and knowledge of advertising sales in the publishing industry and other disciplines. She is a well rounded communicator who excels at every part of the public relations and marketing mix. Having said all that, she has a great sense of humour, is fun to work with, and doesn’t panic easily!” Rui Costa, Former Marketing Manager, Transcontinental Publications
“In the past, I had worked with Kim on a media buying project. In fact, I’ve worked with Kim over the years on several projects. And I always have the same experience. She delivers. She’s a pleasure to work with. She’s down to earth and always makes you feel confident that the job will be done right. And it always is. It’s hard NOT to become Kim’s friend when you work with her. It says something about her personality – it’s simply what comes naturally to her. And it works. I have nothing but great things to say about her.” Catherine Town, AVP, Victoria’s Secret
“It is my pleasure to recommend Kim. As National Director of Communications for the Diamond Trading Company, she was always passionate about her work, combining exceptional organizational and communication skills with her ability to lead effective and successful programs. Kim is an intelligent, dedicated and detail oriented communications expert, spokesperson and team player.” Leeanne Smart, VP, Insight & Strategy Consultant, Insync
“Kim and I were colleagues at RBC with very similar regions and roles. Her ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast paced, results oriented environment was always evident. Whether it was executive speech writing, media relations, issues management or employee communications, Kim’s expertise and industry knowledge positioned her for success.” Greg Skinner, Director of Communications, RBC
“Kim’s professionalism, delightful personality and outstanding preparations for all television media work was and is unforgettable. As a spokesperson and a knowledgeable expert in her field, she is a true leader in a marketplace that requires more like her. Engaging. Real. Smart. It’s who she is as a professional and as a person.” Genevieve D’Souza, Content Writer & Producer
“Kim and I worked together for five years on a challenging, detail-oriented, research-driven business with internal and external stakeholders who had high standards, expectations and demands. Kim did a superb job of using media and public relations to create awareness of and demand for diamonds in general as well as specific products, to meet strategic objectives for the brand and to build partnerships within the industry in Canada. She was very highly regarded within the worldwide DeBeers network and added value beyond the Canadian market. As a colleague she was fun, loyal and hard working. It would be a true pleasure to work again with Kim.” Lou Clements, Managing Director at Clements United Inc.
“I had the pleasure of working with Kim for several years in which she proved to be an incredible role model and conscientious instructor. She’s intelligent, dedicated and a consummate professional in every way. As a communicator she is efficient, insightful and excels in growing relationships as well as forging new ones. She’s a leader who can work independently, or bring strength and focus to any team. In truth, I can’t endorse her enough.” Jeff Robinson, Group Account Director, Jan Kelley
“Kim served with distinction as the National Director of Communications for De Beers and the selling arm, the Diamond Trading Company. In that position she acted as the conduit between this huge multinational and the Canadian Jewellery Industry consisting of independent and chain retail jewellers, manufacturers and diamond dealers, quite a disparate group. She also represented De Beers and the industry to the media, from coast to coast. Despite head-office downsizing, forcing her as manager to do more and more with less and less, her level of service and that of her staff did not diminish. She is organized, motivated, well spoken and highly people-oriented.” Anne Neumann, Proprietor & President, Harold Weinstein Ltd.