One of J.D. Irving, Limited's summer students, Kylie Ellis, has been named the recipient of the WE-CAN LEAD Scholarship with Astellas Pharma Canada valued at $2,500. Kylie is a fourth year HR and Marketing student at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, and is returning for her second work term with J.D. Irving, Limited in a new role as an HR Administrator with NBMR Railways. 

WE-CAN LEAD is an employee resource group with a goal of empowering women to lead, mentor, influence, and excel. As a railroading student in a historically male-dominated field, Kylie is an advocate for female excellence, bringing the same energy to her role as Vice President of the Women in Business Society at UNBSJ. 

“Being a leader for the Women in Business Society is going to be an amazing experience as I continue aiming to encourage skill improvement, provide networking opportunities and make sure the society is an inclusive environment.”

Coming into NBM Railways, Kylie found two role models that she works very closely with every day, Shannon Hayes and Jennifer Forbes-Macdonald. Jennifer is an HR Business Partner and serves as a leader on the Transportation & Logistics Division’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Shannon is Kylie’s supervisor and NBMR’s HR Director. She is also the only female director with NBM Railways. 

“These two women are very important to me as they push, educate, and encourage me to do anything I put my mind to!”

Kylie has impressed the NBMR team, working on recruitment, the weekly newsletter, and the safety committee. She has earned certifications in DEI and HR. She has attended multiple events this summer, including our Women Driving Forward Panel discussion. Long-term, Kylie hopes to continue working with J.D. Irving, Limited in an HR role and obtain her CPHR designation.

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J.D. Irving, Limited’s Transportation & Logistics Division encompasses one of the world’s most diverse array of transportation companies. These include Marine, Rail, Trucking and Logistics operations. 

Are you interested in joining our team? Visit JDI Careers to view openings across our transportation division.