Team

(She/Her/Hers)

Consultant, Reconciliation and Inclusion

What does Reconciliation mean to Angel: Anti-violence and decolonizing Western/colonial ways of thinking and doing. 

About Angel: Angel is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta and a proud Black woman. Finding out she is of Métis heritage in high school, Angel became passionate about people-centric approaches that focus on bringing justice to Indigenous and Black communities and dismantling systems and processes that are harmful to others.  Angel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount Royal University and a Master’s in Industrial Relations from Queens University. Angel’s love of supporting and uplifting women has led her to become the Director of People at Ask Her YYC, a nonprofit organization that advances inclusive and equitable representation by preparing women of diverse backgrounds to engage in municipal politics. Angel prides herself as a lifelong learner and collaborator and is continually unlearning and relearning as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

(She/Her/Hers)

Founder and Principal

What does Reconciliation mean to Annie: Respectful relationships that support Truth, connection and healing. 

About Annie: Annie is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and member of the Métis Nation, dedicated to enriching relationships between Indigenous and corporate communities. Inspired by Reconciliation in Canada and her own Métis ancestry, Annie founded Rise in 2013 to respond to the call to Reconciliation and advance Indigenous inclusion with a focus on economic development. Annie holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary, and she is proud to serve as a Director on numerous boards including the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business and Canadian Business for Social Responsibility. Bringing together Indigenous and corporate communities to create shared value, Annie champions a values-based approach to strategic inclusion. She creates undisputed space for her clients to realize their vision and establish inclusive relationships, advancing Reconciliation, the creation of value and impactful outcomes.

(She/Her/Hers)

Consultant, Reconciliation and Inclusion

What does Reconciliation mean to Crystal: Understanding the past to create a better future.

About Crystal: Crystal is a proud member of the Peguis First Nation located in Manitoba, Canada. Her passion for working with Survivors of Indian Residential School (IRS) and Day Schools (DS) comes naturally – from her family’s own personal experience – as a first-generation IRS Survivor, she appreciates the importance of being trauma informed. Coupled with her work as a Gladue Report writer, striving to house homeless Indigenous people, ensuring that the Rights of the Mikisew Cree are upheld, and cooperating alongside Chiefs and Councils in various roles, Crystal is fully aware of the need to create respectful, ongoing relationships and does so with ease. Crystal holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Calgary, along with a Diploma in Professional Writing from Mount Royal College. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary and understands that we must build connections in order to build communities.

(She/Her/Hers)

Director, Reconciliation, Inclusion and Strategy

What does Reconciliation mean to Gillian: Spending time to listen, learn and understand my place, role and responsibility as a settler, a white person, and a non-Indigenous person on this land, to then commit to my own actions.

About Gillian: Gillian lives her belief that healthy and sustainable organizations require trust, community and connection. She is passionate about an equitable and inclusive society for equity-deserving groups. As a settler, Gillian is doing the work to listen, learn, reflect and act in Reconciliation. Gillian holds a Masters of Business Administration as well as a Certificate in Social Impact from Queens University, she maintains a designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, and is proud to serve on Boards and volunteer for organizations including Ask Her YYC and Fora. Gillian brings experience from the energy industry, the non-profit world and small to mid-size growth organizations, specializing in people, talent and business strategy. With her multi-passionate approach, she advances diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces; connects people to build vibrant communities; explores how innovation can elevate our purpose; and develops creative organizational and community solutions. 

(She/Her/Hers)

Associate, Economics and Supply Chain Management

What does Reconciliation mean to Najah: Living my Canadian dream as an immigrant does not come at the expense of the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples.

About Najah: Najah is passionate about finding common ground where everyone can prosper. She believes that good business that respects people and resources can provide abundant opportunities for all. Najah has over ten years of experience working in the supply chain in both the public and private sectors across multiple industries. Najah completed her MBA in 2021 where she focused on data analysis and sustainability. She is a Project Management Professional and Certified Supply Chain Professional.  Najah was born and raised in Syria. In her early twenties, she moved to Canada and studied economics with a minor in computer science at the University of Calgary. She knows firsthand the effect that conflicts, and poverty have on societies, and she believes that we all have a responsibility to improve the lives of our fellow humans and supply chain is a great instrument to offer fair business opportunities for all.

(She/Her/Hers)

Coordinator, Reconciliation and Inclusion

What does Reconciliation mean to Nicole: Reconciliation means acknowledging and understanding the shared history between Canada and Indigenous People by coming together in safe spaces to learn, listen, and uplift Indigenous voices for the prosperity of future generations.

About Nicole: Thriving communities drive Nicole’s passion for bringing Reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion to fruition. Being of Métis descent, Nicole grew up with deep understanding and strong roots in the Métis community where she has volunteered with Métis Elders and Métis Local 87. Nicole has completed courses from the Oil and Gas Administration Program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and she holds a Human Resource Management Certificate from the University of Calgary. Her understanding and ability to communicate the why support her success in guiding organizations to create and act on the how. From personal experience and project work, she has so much knowledge to share and is able to create a constructive space for sharing, learning and meaningful action.

(She/Her/Hers)

Consultant, Reconciliation and Inclusion

What does Reconciliation mean to Patti: The People are my direct report. As such, I express gratitude to be in kinship with Siksikess’tsuhkoom (Blackfoot Lands) and to be contributing to the resurgence of Siksikaitsitapii, Cree, Algonquin and Toisnot Skaru:re values, language, knowledge, and ceremony in the communities where I have been invited to do so. I am humbled by the Aawaahskataikiksi, ceremonialists, scholars, peers, and friends who have shared nitsitapissini, teachings, and guidance, for close to 30 years. I was taught to share what I know, to be generous intellectually, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Fulfilling my obligations includes working with reciprocity and commitment to Indigenous futurity.

About Patti: Patti is a non-Indigenous team member at Rise, situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples of the qiqéyt (Qaygayt) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nations, and alongside the North Fraser Métis community. Patti joins Rise with 25 years of experience as an educator and working with and for Indigenous communities, organizations, and programs. She works from a place of unsettling colonial memory while following the guidance and local ethics of Indigenous communities where she is called to do so. 

She completed a Master of Education (M.Ed) at the University of British Columbia where she studied human ecology and the impact of land kinship on the restoration of family integrity. She earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Peace & Conflict Studies from Royal Roads University, working with educators and Muslim, Sinhalese, and Tamil youth on adolescent peace circles during the war in Sri Lanka.