Employee Profile: Amina El mantari - People & Culture Specialist
When Amina El mantari moved to North Vancouver from Morocco in 2006 she had no idea the direction her life would take. Fast forward 14 years and she’s an active, happy member of her community, with a thriving career and growing daughter. Fluent in three languages and conversant in two more, Amina is not only a skilled linguist but a talented professional with a knack for identifying and nurturing talent.
In 2009, Amina began studying at Capilano University (CapU). She spent a total of seven years there, attending classes while working to support herself and her now 12-year old daughter. Her goal? To achieve her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (BBA) with a focus on human resources. It was during her time at CapU that she became familiar with Neptune Terminals, through our sponsorship of student business association events. As President of the CapU Human Resources Association and Vice President of Internal Development for the Capilano Student Union (CSU), Amina drew on the Human Resources degree she earned in Morocco, and her ongoing studies, to support her fellow students.
After graduating in 2016 Amina took a job with Mountain Equipment Co-op. Then, when a new role in human resources was created at Neptune in 2019, she leapt at the opportunity to work at an organization “that invests in people and community,” she recalls. Neptune, it seems, has been part of Amina’s life for the past decade, and not only at Capilano U. Athletics4Kids, a long-time community partner of Neptune’s that provides funding for children in sports, supported her daughter’s gymnastics study. Joining the company as an employee a decade later is the culmination of years of hard work and belief in herself. And she’s not content to simply work: Amina has continued serving her community. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Capilano Alumni Association, and volunteers for both the North Shore Crisis Services Society and the Parkgate Community Services Society. Amina was the first place Winner of Soroptimist International Award of the North Shore in 2016, an organization working to improve the lives of girls and women on the North Shore. In 2018 she was awarded the Capilano University Alumni Association Unified Award of Excellence.
Amina’s role of People & Culture Specialist at Neptune is relatively new and she is working hard to make it her own. She is the driver behind internal staff engagement events, and she leads the coaching of Neptune staff at all levels. Already a Certified Coach and candidate to be Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Amina is continuing her professional development with plans to pursue certification as a Master Engagement Strategist Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
When asked what makes her most proud about working at Neptune, the list is long. But the theme is clear--community. Amina believes deeply in Neptune’s support for everything from youth sports and seniors to educational institutions, because she believes in the power of the community at work. The enthusiastic and inspiring leaders she works with and volunteers with every day inspire her to better herself. Amina is incredibly proud to work at Neptune and honoured to tell others where she works, because ‘we are so well regarded in the community’. It is fair to say that the community feels that same about her.
After just one year, Amina’s impact at Neptune is already being felt. Her positive demeanor and commitment to our community are exceptional. We are so thrilled that Amina is part of our team!