RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - KRYSTAL ABOTOSSAWAY

Describe your job in just under four sentences.

Diversity Recruitment Coordinator at RBC. Krystal is committee volunteer for APAC from Aundeck Omni-Kaning First Nations. She works in downtown Toronto.

Connect with Krystal on LinkedIn and Twitter (@kabotoss).

As a Diversity Recruitment Coordinator, I source diverse talent into RBC. My role is aligned specifically with Aboriginal candidate recruitment from a national perspective. I manage programs designed to help RBC attract and recruit diverse talent, including the Aboriginal Summer Internship Program and Aboriginal Student Awards Program. I am also a subject matter expert for managers on performance managing and engaging Aboriginal youth.

Why did you start working in your industry?

I started working in RBC Canadian Banking in my first year of university. After completing two summers within retail banking, I became proficient in the Account Manager/Customer Service Representative hybrid role. During my second summer, I proactively sought out an individual within Human Resources who was establishing a national Aboriginal Summer Internship Program. It was through this relationship that an opportunity arose to intern with her for a summer in the Recruitment department. I’ve always had an interest in employment diversity through my university studies. After graduating last April, I landed my first full time position within our diversity recruitment team.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? What aspect makes you learn the most while on the job?

I manage two programs that target Aboriginal youth. I enjoy the mentoring aspect that comes with my role. Dealing with the youth segment as well as Aboriginal outreach is what I enjoy most about my job. Aspects that make me learn the most at work are navigating through a complex and large organization, as well as communicating effectively to different audiences with clear messages.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in a leadership position. One day I hope to manage a small team within diversity recruitment.

What does success look like to you?

We all see success differently. To me success is having purpose in the work that I do. It’s about working hard to ensure my contributions have made a significant and positive impact on my employer and community.

What has been the most outstanding moment thus far in your career?

My most outstanding moment thus far has been attending a leadership conference where I had the opportunity to meet Phil Fontaine. The leadership conference was extremely informative and gave great insight into the world of leadership. Having the opportunity to speak with such a leader was an experience I will never forget.

Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?

Volunteering feeds the soul. I started volunteering at a young age before I could work. I enjoy helping the community in my leisure time.

I have volunteered with a number of organizations. Here are a few to date:

  • APAC Committee Volunteer 2014
  • Native Women’s Resource Center (Gift Box Program) 2014
  • Treasurer, Aboriginal Student Association of York University 2012-2013
  • RBC Student Partner Program 2012
  • President, Aboriginal Student Association of York University 2009-2012
  • Aboriginal Mentor for the Centre of Aboriginal Students at York 2011-2012
  • Powwow Committee Organizer 2010-2012

Do you have any advice for other Indigenous professionals in Canada?

My advice would be to become involved with social communities online, resource centers, and employment organizations for Aboriginal communities. There is immense opportunity across different industries and across Canada. Do your research before making career decisions, as well as career moves. Seek help from others and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and share your career aspirations. This will ultimately set you up for success and career advancement in the right direction.

What do you think is the most unique challenge for an Indigenous person in your industries?

I would say a unique challenge in the banking industry is the high standard expected in providing excellent service and financial expertise to clients in a highly competitive market. To help assess whether a career in banking is right for them, a person should speak with Aboriginal professionals who thrive in a variety of sales and service jobs and to recruiters who source for those positions. I would also talk to employees who work in other banking career streams; for example, operations, information technology, risk management and human resources. Not everyone will be suited to a banker role, but there are many other options. Try to match the career stream with your abilities, experience and interests. It’s best for an Aboriginal person to be self aware and be informed of their choices within the banking industry which is stimulating, satisfying and very connected to their community.

What made you interested in joining the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and why would you encourage others to join?

I believe in IPAC’s vision. I think for us to grow as a community we need to support each other. I find comfort in the fact that I am not alone in this journey, and that I have peers and mentors I can turn to. Without IPAC… how could we sustain our true nature to be “one community”? I don’t think we could.