Founders Statement of Intent
"I believe that kindness and professionalism can co-exist powerfully—this conviction guides every step of Career Professionals of Canada’s journey."
-Sharon Graham, Founder of Career Professionals of Canada, Former Executive Director & Current Chair
The Inspiration Behind CPC
When I founded Career Professionals of Canada (CPC) in 2004, I was guided by a heartfelt vision: to unite and uplift career practitioners across the nation. Too many talented professionals were working in isolation, each doing meaningful work, yet lacking a sense of collective community and national support. CPC set out to change that.
CPC was built to be more than a professional association. I imagined a space where we could come together not only to learn and grow, but also to encourage and champion one another. I believed, and still believe, that when we lead with kindness and integrity, we all rise.
Our world is always changing. Although we can’t predict the future with certainty, this founding statement anchors our purpose while illuminating the path for continued growth and evolution.
The Values That Guide Us
From day one, CPC has stood for quality, ethics, and community. Our founding members created a caring, sharing community where career professionals can connect, find support, and thrive. Our vision was to raise the profile of career professionals, elevate the standards within our profession, and help each practitioner feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We remain guided by values that reflect the best of who we are:
- Professionalism and ethics, grounded in quality service and lifelong learning.
- Community and collaboration, with a spirit of generosity and support.
- Inclusivity and respect, welcoming diverse voices and perspectives.
- Purposeful kindness, which we believe is not only a strength, but a strategy for success.
Our Call to Action
Our call to action is clear: work together and model kindness, inclusivity, and engagement in everything we do. Our programs, resources, and community initiatives equip career practitioners across Canada to advance their professional goals. We:
- Support the success of career professionals.
- Promote quality, ethics, and expertise in our field.
- Elevate the capabilities, profile, and visibility of our members.
- Foster meaningful professional relationships and enduring friendships.
- Encourage members to reach their career and service aspirations.
- Create opportunities for connection, recognition, and impact.
- Champion leadership, learning, and legacy within the profession.
- Give back to Canada’s career community and labour market.
A Legacy for the Future
On Canada Day in 2022, CPC became a nationally incorporated not-for-profit association. This defining milestone honoured our past while preparing us for the future. We now stand strong as a national voice for career professionals from coast to coast to coast.
Looking ahead, my intention is for our community to continue modelling our shared values and call to action. I believe in the brilliance and potential of every member. By investing in each other, we’re creating something that will endure.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, staff, board members, and friends. Each of you have helped shape CPC’s story so far. Our community’s strength lies in remembering where we began. CPC’s Board has adopted a Legacy Framework to guide us forward. Together, we are preserving a proud legacy and building an even brighter, kinder future for Canada’s career development profession.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Our community is shaping a more compassionate, ethical, and empowered future—for our profession, our clients, and our country.
With purposeful kindness.
Your number one fan,