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Michael Dha
Managing Director
Michael Dha is the Founder and Managing Director of STRIVE Recruitment, bringing nearly 20 years of expertise to the recruitment industry. He founded STRIVE in 2008, during the global recession, where he quickly adapted to the challenging business landscape. Through resilience and innovation, Michael has transformed STRIVE into a leading recruitment firm and trusted partner for top organizations across British Columbia and Ontario.
In addition to his leadership in recruitment, Michael is passionate about public speaking and sharing his industry insights. He has delivered speeches at the Make-A-Wish Annual Golf Tournament and featured on podcasts such as Professional Selection’s “Titans of Talent” and Ascend Leadership.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Michael is often seen spending time with his wife, son and daughter, exploring new travel destinations, or staying active through his men’s league soccer.
Pearl Dha
Director, Internal Operations
Pearl Dha has been a pillar at STRIVE Recruitment since 2010 when she joined the team! Her journey started in the Operations & Manufacturing division where she succeeded in sourcing top talent across Canada for the major manufacturing and distribution industries. During her tenure, Pearl had developed a keen eye for talent and a proven track record of delivering successful recruitment solutions.
Today, Pearl is our go-to-gal for everything administrative! From Internal Recruitment, Onboarding and Training to Payroll, Administration, and Accounting (plus much more!), Pearl manages it all. You can always find her being cheerful, personable and willing to help others, gaining her the award for “Team Player of the Year 2018 and 2021”.
In her spare time, Pearl enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, long walks on the water, and catching up with friends and family. Pearl has been a long-time supporter of BC Children’s Hospital and has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation Canada since 2016.
Mackenzie Smith
Marketing Specialist
Mackenzie is our Marketing Specialist here at STRIVE Recruitment. She utilizes her Marketing Management Communication Diploma and Business Degree, with her industry experience to connect with STRIVE’s clients and candidates, provide marketing support to our recruiters, and continue propelling STRIVE’s online presence forward.
She is a social person who loves to be surrounded by friends and family, including her two pups Ringo and Ozzy. In her spare time, she can be found trying new restaurants, visiting a happy hour, playing a round of golf and snowboarding (on the bunny hill).
Ben de la Fosse
Division Director – Accounting & Finance
Ben is a real people-person who enjoys working with candidates and clients alike, ensuring he takes the time to truly understand their wants and needs from a recruitment point of view. This is one of the reasons Ben enjoys working in recruitment; a service based around people.
Ben is an experienced consultant who started his career working for the largest independent recruitment firm in the UK, before deciding to pack his bags and move to sunny Vancouver, a place he now calls home. Ben was welcomed into the STRIVE family and is now an integral part of the Accounting and Finance division.
Ben typically recruits for designated positions within Accounting & Finance. Designated roles include Controllers, Senior Accountants & Analysts, finance management roles, and directorate-level finance roles.
In his spare time, Ben likes to make the most of Vancouver’s beautiful landscape and is often found snowboarding, hiking, surfing, playing soccer or out on the golf course.
Derek Chan
Recruitment Consultant – Accounting & Finance
Derek Chan is an Accounting & Finance Recruitment Consultant at STRIVE Recruitment.
Derek considers himself a true Vancouverite, having grown up in Vancouver, however, when he was presented with the opportunity to work in Hong Kong, he took on the challenge head-on! Upon arrival in Hong Kong Derek immediately integrated himself into a new culture and working environment, ultimately helping him grow as an individual and gain new perspectives.
Derek is an experienced consultant with over seven years of experience in the field. Freshly back in Vancouver, Derek has now decided to take on his newest challenge of Managing the Accounting & Finance accounts at STRIVE Recruitment. Derek will focus on Accounting & Finance roles such as Controllers, Senior Accountants, Assistant Controllers, Accounting Managers, Accountants, and Accounts Payable & Receivable.
In Derek’s spare time, he likes to play basketball, go hiking, grab some great food around the city, and hang out with friends and family.
Jessica Volpe
Recruitment Consultant – Corporate Administration
Jessica (Jess) spent her first year as a Recruitment Consultant within the Accounting & Finance team here at STRIVE Recruitment, and has since transitioned into the Corporate Administration Division!
Born and raised in Vancouver BC, she completed her Communications degree from Simon Fraser University along with a minor in publishing. Jess brings 14+ years of experience in hospitality and customer service, having started her career as a people-person working in large-scale restaurants and hotel chain operations. She loves creating and nurturing genuine relationships with everyone she meets, so she decided to take her career over into the world of recruiting in 2021.
With experience in roles from Accounting Clerks to VP of Finance and everything in between, her focus is now primarily on recruiting for Legal/EA/Administration/Sales/Marketing, etc. – essentially anything in an office.
In her spare time, she enjoys a variety of different things. She has backpacked 3 continents, can usually be found in the gym, or boxing/doing martial arts, and is always in the kitchen experimenting with different cuisines while blasting Hip Hop and R&B. A self-proclaimed foodie, you’ll probably spot her on a restaurant patio with friends (and her dog).
Leting Cheong-Dunford
Senior Recruitment Consultant - Corporate Administration
After working at STRIVE for over 5 years, Ting made the move to Singapore where she continued working in recruitment. We’re excited to have her back in Vancouver and rejoining the Corporate Administration team as our Senior Legal Recruitment Consultant.
Since graduating with her Law and Sociology degree from UBC in 2016, Ting has accumulated over 7 years of experience in the recruitment industry, focusing in Accounting & Finance and Corporate Administration.
She is a foodie and traveler, who loves hotpot, the beach, yoga, shopping and the gym
Maggie Jones
Recruitment Consultant - Corporate Administration
Maggie is a Recruitment Consultant within the Corporate Administration division at STRIVE’s Vancouver office. After starting her career in banking, she transitioned into hospitality management where she gained valuable leadership experience. Now in recruitment, Maggie excels at connecting talent with the right opportunities, combining her customer service skills and passion for helping people succeed.
When she’s not working, Maggie enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, traveling, and riding horses. Her love for animals and the outdoors keeps her grounded, and she brings that same enthusiasm and energy to her professional life.
Sarah Monahan
Recruitment Consultant – Manufacturing & Operations
Sarah is our Recruitment Consultant within the Manufacturing & Operations division here at STRIVE Recruitment. Sarah brings years of experience in the Food Manufacturing Industry and Customer Service to the team alongside a bachelor’s degree in food science & Health from the University of Limerick.
Sarah got the travel bug over two years ago and decided to head to Vancouver with her partner & friends and has not looked back since. Sarah is determined, always enthusiastic and has a never say die attitude. Sarah prides herself on building and nurturing relationships. She comes to STRIVE new to the recruitment space but is determined to make a difference from the get-go. She has always thrived working in a fast-paced environment, so naturally, recruitment felt like the next step in furthering her career path.
In Sarah’s spare time she can be found chilling at Sunset beach in the summer with friends, walking the seawall or planning her next trip or festival. Sarah is an avid foodie and can often be found in the kitchen blaring grime or disco while testing new recipes or visiting one of Vancouver’s many great restaurants that it has to offer.
Jose Carmona
Recruitment Consultant – Manufacturing & Operations
Jose is a Recruitment Consultant within the Manufacturing & Operations division here at STRIVE Recruitment. Jose is originally from the beautiful, vibrant county of Mexico, however, has been residing in British Columbia for over ten years and now calls Vancouver home. Jose brings over five years of sales and customer service experience to the STRIVE Recruitment team which he gained from several industries including fashion, recruitment, and media.
In his previous Recruitment role, Jose focused on hiring for positions within the operations field before transitioning into supporting inbound clients. Jose joined STRIVE Recruitment to continue his career path within the recruitment industry and build genuine relationships with clients and candidates alike.
In his spare time, Jose enjoys kayaking for long hours, camping, swimming, and exploring the various remote cities BC has to offer.
Desmond Hynes
Recruitment Specialist - Manufacturing & Operations
Des is our dedicated Recruitment Specialist who manages all temporary/contract aspects within the Manufacturing & Operations division. After completing his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Business Management at Dublin Business School, he began his career in recruitment. Starting as a Recruitment Coordinator managing over 1300 temps within a Big Four bank, he has accumulated over 5 years of experience spanning from Dublin to Vancouver.
When he’s not working he can be found outside playing sports such as Gaelic football or soccer, hiking or snowboarding. He also loves travelling and hanging out with friends at Vancouver breweries.
Layla
Peer Support Specialist
Layla is our Peer Support Specialist here at STRIVE Recruitment. She’s an office dog, and has a very important job! Her main responsibilities include morale boosting, reducing employee stress through cuddles, supportive tail wags, and lots more! Layla is a very important member of our team and knows how to make everyone smile wherever she goes!
Most days when she’s at the office, Layla can be found participating in meetings, snoozing in the middle of the office, and making sure everyone feels loved – she thrives in an environment where belly rubs are supported! While it may seem like Layla spends a lot of time sleeping on the job, she is a very essential part of the STRIVE Recruitment team and our company culture.
When she’s not napping in the office, she’s joining in on client and team meetings, and calls with potential candidates – she has a great judge of character!
Out of the office, Layla enjoys going for walks and playing outside, making new friends on a local patio, and spending time with her human, Jessica Volpe!”
GTA
Kim Tocher
Managing Partner
Kim Tocher is the Managing Partner of STRIVE Recruitment and has over 17 years of experience in the staffing industry. Kim has worked her way up from a Staffing Consultant/Recruiter to a Vice President of one of the largest staffing firms in the world. She has provided staffing solutions to companies across Ontario, specifically in the manufacturing and logistics world. She has had 5 branches report to her in the Southwestern Ontario market, including a special projects team. Kim is an expert in customizing recruitment solutions to meet the needs of her customers, with experience in RPO, MSP, SME and large accounts.
She is known for being a people-oriented leader who builds trust with her teams. Giving back to the community is important to Kim. She has been volunteering with the Breakfast Club of Canada for over 10 years.
Outside of the office, you can find Kim at the arena or ball field. She plays co-ed hockey with her husband every Saturday in a beer league. Plus both her kids Liam and Hannah play hockey in the Hamilton area. In the summer she is busy watching her kids play rep baseball and flag football; and enjoying the weekends at her trailer.
Chanel Brasseur
Director, Business Development - Eastern Region
As the Director of Business Development, Chanel Brasseur brings over a decade of sales expertise, with five years focused on the staffing industry for one of the largest staffing firms in the world. Known for her pleasantly persistent approach, she quickly advanced into leadership roles and recently worked on a national team driving enterprise-level sales. Chanel is celebrated for elevating sales approaches, combining innovative strategies with a consultative methodology to deliver exceptional results and foster lasting client relationships.
Chanel is deeply committed to community engagement, actively serving on committees that promote diversity and inclusion, and mentoring women in the workplace through the Women Inclusive Network. Her strong appetite for pursuing new business and elevating clients’ recruitment strategies has earned her notable achievements, including the Rookie of the Year Award, and a Culture Award.
An adventure enthusiast at heart, Chanel loves traveling with her family, playing beach volleyball, snowboarding, and embracing the great outdoors.
Destina Okanovic
Division Director, Corporate Administration
Destina is the Division Director of our Corporate Administration division in Ontario. With over four years of specialized experience in Business Operations and Administration recruitment throughout Southwestern Ontario, Destina is dedicated to providing tailored staffing solutions for businesses across the region. She is passionate about connecting candidates and clients, ensuring success and longevity in their endeavours.
Beyond her professional achievements, Destina is a proud dog mom to her beloved pup, Banx. She actively contributes to her community by coaching youth basketball camps across Ontario and collaborates with current and former Toronto Raptors players.
When she’s not in the office or on the court, you can find Destina enjoying the great outdoors through biking and hiking, or exploring the local coffee scene at new cafés. Her commitment to fostering relationships and creating opportunities drives her work and enriches her personal life.
Oksana Chanas
Division Director, Manufacturing & Operations
Oksana is a Division Director at the Ontario office, where she manages the Operations team and provides recruitment solutions for both temporary and permanent roles for various manufacturing and logistics companies. After completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Brock University and a postgraduate diploma in human resource management, she took to the recruitment industry, where she’s gained over 5 years of experience specializing in industrial recruitment all over Southwestern Ontario.
She is an avid traveller, who loves to explore new places and cultures. When she’s not jet-setting around the world, she can be found playing beach volleyball, snowboarding, and spending time with my friends and family.
Melissa Zicarelli
Recruitment Consultant, Manufacturing & Operations
Melissa is our new Recruitment Consultant within Ontario’s Manufacturing & Operations team. She brings years of leadership, training and customer service experience. In her most recent role with one of the largest global recruitment companies, she finished as one of the top national performers 3 years in a row.
Melissa has experience supporting skilled trades, manufacturing and logistics and light industrial roles, her passion lies in finding the best match for her clients and contributing to a successful career for her candidates. She also enjoys getting involved and supporting the community with employment opportunities, coaching and employment solutions as much as she can.
When she’s not working, Melissa spends her time as a proud mother of two university students and wife. Her joy is routed in the happiness of her family and those around her. You can also find her tending to their 25 chickens, reading on her hammock, enjoying nature, or dreaming of expanding her farm.
Cynthia Akinsola
Recruitment Specialist - Manufacturing & Operations
Cynthia serves as the Recruitment Specialist and Payroll Administrator at the STRIVE Recruitment Ontario office. Her role involves managing the recruitment processes and ensuring smooth payroll administration.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Postgraduate diploma in Human Resources, which provides her with a solid foundation for work in HR and recruitment.
Outside of work, she enjoys watching Korean movies and listening to music, as well as exploring new places and spending quality time with her family.
