Valerie Helbronner
Partner
Torys LLP
As Vice-president, Partner Resources, Sara is responsible for leading Starbucks Canada’s partner (employee) experience and integrated talent management initiatives. Under her leadership, a team of HR business partners support more than 19,000 partners in over 1,300 retail locations and regional offices across Canada. A 13-year Starbucks partner, Sara has been instrumental helping significantly grow the Canadian business during her tenure.
With more than 15 years of human resources experience, Sara has been a vocal champion for Starbucks values and culture and has helped the company achieve external recognition from Best Workplaces in Canada and Canada’s Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures. She has is an active ambassador for women and launched a Women’s Development Network, is a member of the advisory council for the Ryerson School of Retail Management and mentors youth with the Yonge Street Mission.
Sara holds a Masters of Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).
