Skills that thrill: RRC Polytech awards Skills Manitoba Executive Director with Honorary Diploma
June 19, 2025
Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – After dedicating decades of service to Manitoba’s skilled trades industry, Maria Pacella has added another impressive title to her toolbox: recipient of RRC Polytech’s 2025 Honorary Diploma.
RRC Polytech recognized Maria Pacella with an Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management as part of its 2025 Spring Convocation ceremonies this week. Pacella has served as Executive Director of Skills Manitoba since 2006, establishing an impressive portfolio focused on creating opportunities for students, apprentices, and underrepresented groups in the trades.
“Maria Pacella was a clear choice for receiving this honour this year. Her passion for strengthening inclusive programming, building partnerships, and centering students’ experience is in line with RRC Polytech’s strategic vision. Countless students have received door-opening opportunities thanks to her dedication and drive,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President & CEO. “RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Maria and to work alongside her as we continue our joint mission of empowering students in Manitoba to build impressive careers in the skilled trades.”
Pacella works closely with educational institutions, including a long-standing partnership with RRC Polytech, which hosts the annual Skills Manitoba competition at its Notre Dame Campus. She has led two of the most successful National Skills competitions to date, each drawing more than 13,000 students while breaking national records for school tours from Manitoba schools.
Skills Manitoba’s programs span secondary institutions as well as all four Manitoba colleges, including schools in both urban and rural communities to ensure that programming reaches students throughout the province.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this recognition from RRC Polytech, an organization I’ve been proud to partner with for many years,” said Pacella. “I’m especially grateful to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about. Connecting young people with the trades is my life’s work, and this recognition serves as further inspiration to create even more impacts for students throughout Manitoba.”
In addition to her work with the Skills competitions, Pacella has launched many important initiatives throughout the province, such as the Northern Young Women’s Conferences held in Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon, along with innovative programs like the Extreme Sledding Challenge, the Skilled Trades & Technology Olympics, Northern Manitoba Skills Challenge, Model Wind Turbine Competition, Youth in Manufacturing and various skilled trades awareness programs within the city of Winnipeg.
Partnering with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, she led the development of the Indigenous Skills Showcase – an initiative that celebrates Indigenous culture through skills like woodcarving, cooking, beading, and design – empowering youth to explore trades careers in a culturally safe environment. The showcase was featured at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition.
RRC Polytech awards Honorary Degrees and Diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements locally, national, or internationally.
The award honours individuals in diverse fields who are distinguished by their significant accomplishments and contributions and whose receipt of the award will bring honour and distinction to RRC Polytech.