Employee Highlight: Sabrina Cellupica
- Paulina Ramirez
- Mar 2
- 8 min read
Meet Sabrina. She brings a strategic, dynamic approach to her role, blending high-level executive support with a focus on business development and client relations. Beyond traditional administration, she manages client-facing communications and coordinates hosted events that strengthen partnerships within the property management and insurance sectors. By streamlining processes and aligning priorities, Sabrina ensures the team is prepared for both planned opportunities and unexpected emergencies, keeping business development moving forward seamlessly behind the scenes.
Integrity shows up in how we represent ARS Responds Canada at meetings, conferences, and events, being professional, transparent, and making sure our clients receive accurate information and dependable service. - Sabrina Cellupica
PART 1: Meet Sabrina
What is your role at ARS Responds Canada, and how long have you been with the company?
I’m Sabrina Cellupica, Executive Assistant to Jimmy Valais, and I work with the Business Development Team at ARS Responds Canada. Having joined ARS in April 2024, I support our leadership team in building strong client relationships and advancing key business development initiatives. My background spans executive support, nutrition and corporate wellness, event management, and operations, allowing me to bring a well-rounded approach to my role. I’m passionate about helping teams operate smoothly and creating meaningful connections, both internally and with our clients.
What makes your role unique?
My role blends high-level executive support with strategic involvement in business development and client relations, ensuring every day is dynamic and fast-paced. Beyond traditional administrative responsibilities, I assist with industry and BD-hosted events, manage client-facing communications, and support initiatives that directly impact our partnerships in the property management and insurance sectors. I also help streamline processes, align priorities, and ensure our team is prepared for both planned opportunities and unexpected emergencies. There is a vital behind-the-scenes element to my work that keeps our business development moving forward seamlessly.
What’s your favourite part of your job, and why?
I love being in a role where I can build strong relationships—whether with clients, colleagues, vendors, or leadership. ARS Responds Canada operates in a fast-paced environment, and I enjoy the challenge of keeping everything coordinated, organized, and moving in the right direction. Helping create clarity, structure, and connection in the midst of constant activity is incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, I value being part of a team that helps clients navigate situations that are often challenging or unexpected.
How do you define success in your role?
Success for me is when Jimmy, our team, and our clients feel supported, informed, and aligned. It’s reflected in smooth operations, proactive planning, and the ability to anticipate needs before they become challenges. I measure success through strengthened client relationships, well-executed events or meetings, and improvements in efficiency that help us work smarter. Ultimately, success means contributing to an environment where our business development efforts can thrive.
Can you share a recent challenge you faced at work and how you handled it?
Recently, I took on some additional responsibilities during a very active time of year for our team. With holiday gifts, client events, and our gala all occurring simultaneously, balancing those demands alongside my regular role required careful organization and prioritization. Jimmy and the BD team were extremely supportive throughout, stepping in to help manage the workload. I was also incredibly grateful for colleagues who set aside their own work to lend a hand. It reminded me how fortunate I am to be part of a team that truly shows up for one another when it matters most.
Teamwork is a big part of what we do. How do you help create a strong, collaborative team environment? I strive to keep communication clear so that everyone has what they need to do their best work. I make a point of building strong relationships across different departments, as collaboration is much smoother when those connections are already established. Whether I’m coordinating meetings, helping set priorities, or jumping in to support colleagues, I want people to feel supported and included. A strong team truly depends on trust, and that’s something I work to build every day.
What skills have helped you succeed in your role?
Organization and attention to detail are essential in my role, especially given how quickly priorities can shift within business development and during high-pressure coordination. While things often move fast behind the scenes, I focus on maintaining a calm, steady presence to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. I am committed to getting the job done—whether that involves staying late, handling last-minute requests, or managing fast-moving projects. Strong communication and the ability to build relationships have been key to supporting both our team and our clients. Furthermore, my background in events and training has taught me to think ahead, multitask effectively, and adapt quickly—skills that have become increasingly valuable as our BD team grows and takes on more client-facing initiatives.
How do you keep up with industry trends and best practices?
I stay connected by attending industry events, conferences, and networking sessions within the property management and insurance sectors. I also keep a close eye on updates from industry associations and thought leaders to understand how emerging trends may impact our clients and services. Internally, I learn a great deal from our operational teams, using those insights to better support our business development initiatives. Continuous learning is essential in a fast-moving industry like ours.
Our core values are Trust, Integrity, Exceeding, and Teamwork. Where do you see these values in action at ARS Responds Canada?
I see our core values reflected every day in the way our Business Development and Events teams operate. Trust is built through consistent communication, follow-through, and the relationships we’ve developed with clients, property managers, and industry partners. Integrity shows up in how we represent ARS Responds Canada at meetings, conferences, and events—staying professional, transparent, and ensuring our clients receive accurate information and dependable service. We demonstrate our commitment to Exceeding by going the extra mile with event execution, last-minute client needs, and the level of care we put into every interaction. Finally, Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do in BD, especially when multiple departments come together to support events, client visits, or outreach initiatives. These values guide how we show up for our clients and for each other.
PART TWO: Work & Growth
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Give to Gain.” Looking back on your journey at ARS, what advice would you give to other women looking to build a successful career?
My biggest advice is to stay open to learning and never underestimate the value of showing up consistently. Giving your time, effort, and support—even in small ways—always comes back to you in the form of growth, trust, and new opportunities. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take on challenges that feel a little outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, believe in the strengths you bring to the table, even on the days you’re still figuring it all out. Growth often happens quietly, long before you notice it.
Since joining ARS, what have you observed about the impact women are making in the restoration, insurance, and property management industries?
I’ve been inspired by how many women are stepping into leadership roles in these industries and driving real change in the way teams collaborate and communicate. Women bring a strong combination of professionalism, empathy, and practical problem-solving that fits naturally into client-focused work. I’ve also seen a growing sense of community among women across restoration, insurance, and property management; there’s a lot of support, encouragement, and shared experience. Hosting our recent Women of Influence event alongside so many accomplished women was a great reminder of the collective impact we’re making. It’srefreshing to see more women represented, and even more exciting to watch how our presence continues to shape the future of the industry.
What’s one piece of advice that has made a big impact on your career?
One piece of advice that has made a significant impact on my career is: 'If you want it, your actions have to match your ambitions.' Working in events and executive support, I’ve learned that showing up, following through, and putting in the effort makes all the difference. Opportunities arise when your work ethic aligns with your goals, and that mindset has guided me through every stage of my career. It’s a reminder that consistency and commitment matter just as much as talent. When you hold yourself to that standard, doors start to open in ways you might not expect.
What’s one skill or lesson you’ve learned at ARS Responds Canada that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson I’ve truly learned at ARS Responds Canada is how important it is to stay flexible while maintaining a sense of structure. Whether in business development, meetings, presentations, or events, plans can change quickly—schedules shift, last-minute requests come in, and priorities evolve throughout the day. Being able to adjust while staying organized has become one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed. I’ve also learned how essential strong communication and reliable relationships are in ensuring everything runs smoothly, whether it’s an event, a client meeting, or day-to-day support. These are lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay focused or motivated?
One small habit that makes a significant difference for me is taking a few minutes at the start of the day to map out my priorities before everything begins moving. With meetings, presentations, and fast-moving requests, knowing what needs attention first helps me stay centered and prepared. I rely on quick notes, reminders, and checklists throughout the day to keep things organized, especially when plans shift. Even pausing for a moment between tasks to regroup makes a huge impact; those simple routines help me stay grounded and keep everything moving smoothly.
PART THREE: More About You
What’s a hobby you’ve picked up that surprises people?
A hobby that often surprises people is my passion for creating custom gift baskets and my love for detailed, decorative gift wrapping.
Favourite ice cream flavour?
My favourite ice cream flavour is pistachio.
Favourite type of cuisine?
It’s hard to choose just one, but Italian, Thai, and Greek cuisine are definitely my favourites.
Do you have a favourite way to stay active?
My favourite way to stay active is through Reformer Pilates.
What’s one thing you’re really excited about in the future?
One thing I’m truly excited about for the future is the idea of retiring in Italy. As an Italian with a background in nutrition and wellness, I’ve always appreciated the European lifestyle—a slower pace focused on fresh food, balance, and meaningful daily routines. Italy embodies that philosophy perfectly, and embracing that lifestyle in the future is something I sincerely look forward to.
What’s something you’re grateful for today?
I’m grateful for the incredible team I get to work with every day; they’ve become more than colleagues and truly feel like family. I’m equally grateful for the support of my boyfriend and my family, as their encouragement is a big part of why I’m able to show up and do what I do.
What is your favourite season and why?
My favourite season is fall because I love the colours, the cooler weather, and the sense of reset it always brings. There’s something about 'sweater weather,' crisp mornings, pumpkin-spice everything, and the overall coziness of the season that brings so much comfort this time of year.
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