Michelle (Gill) Banik, BA’92

Recipient of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Alumni Award of Achievement

Michelle (Gill) Banik is an enthusiastic advocate for liberal arts education and with her successful career in human resources leadership, many companies have benefitted greatly from her business savvy, valuable expertise and authenticity.

As a current member of Western’s Board of Governors and through her involvement with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Michelle has demonstrated aspirational commitment to her alma mater.  

Michelle is proof that an arts degree offers versatility and can take graduates in unique career trajectories. After completing her undergraduate education at Western, Michelle discovered a passion for enabling employees to do their best work and pursued human resources credentials, as well as a Chartered Director designation from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.

Throughout her career, Michelle has effectively established systems and experiences for employees to be successful, ensuring their efforts are supported by positive and inclusive company cultures that value their contributions.  

Michelle promotes equity and diversity in her work and her out-of-the-box thinking, and natural curiosity have enriched her role as a business leader with commitment to continuous learning and improvement.  

Since 2016, Michelle has been an active member of the Advisory Council at Western’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities, where she mentors students and advocates for work-integrated learning opportunities. A regular guest speaker at Western, she is known for modeling the highest standards of professionalism for a new generation of students who benefit greatly from her insights. 

Michelle is currently on the Board of Directors for Empire Company Limited, the parent company of grocery retail chain Sobey’s. She is also on the national Board of Directors for BGC Canada (formerly the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada). By working with these organizations at the executive level, Michelle continues to influence tangible changes within today’s workforce.