OUR STORY
Since early 2019, we’ve been building RaiseHER Co.—an inclusive, intergenerational movement and community of people that aggressively supports the advancement of women and girls into leadership roles and behaviours, no matter their race, ethnicity, culture, political and spiritual beliefs, social or marital status, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, health status, place of origin, lifestyle, mental or physical ability, socio-economic status, or any other attribute. We aim to create opportunities for guidance, collaboration and insightful conversation with luminaries, allies and supporters. We want to empower our community to empower others. When we support one another, we can change the world.
What started as a couple of mother-daughter duos in the pursuit of ensuring all women have leadership opportunities has quickly morphed into a broadened social advocacy movement. We launched this vision to build communities rich in female leadership that empower future generations to do the same. However, it is only possible to uphold the RaiseHER Co. values by having and sharing diverse perspectives and welcoming support from all individuals. We are committed to change and will hold ourselves accountable to consistently and actively support others daily.
To unleash the leadership potential of women and girls in Saskatchewan through meaningful connections, professional growth and inspiring experiences.
MISSIOn
OUR VALUES
ADVOCACY
We believe in empowering women and girls to use their voices, amplifying the voices of other like-minded groups and causes and using our platform to speak up to ignite meaningful change for the women of today and tomorrow.
INCLUSIVITY
We embrace and encourage all individuals who are supporters of women, regardless of background, gender, age, or ability, to be part of our community. We work to create equitable spaces that showcase diverse perspectives and offer opportunities for everyone to feel valued and empowered.
CONNECTIVITY
As relationship brokers, we are dedicated to connecting women and girls to other local female luminaries that they may not have access to in their usual circles. Through our programming, services and events, we provide opportunities for relationship building, sharing of knowledge, and driving collective impact.
TRANSFORMATION
We believe in the power of personal and societal transformation. Through our programs, events and initiatives, we inspire individuals to reach their full leadership potential by raising up those around them to become leaders. Transformation is the result of our collective efforts to create a brighter future for women and girls.
INNOVATION
We believe the status quo isn’t quite cutting it. Because of that, our methods and approach to advocacy and education push boundaries, cross into uncharted territory, and rely heavily on continuous, reciprocal learning from a wide variety of diverse perspectives. This allows us to stay at the forefront of change.
COLLABORATION
We understand that by uniting with other like-minded organizations, we can achieve much more and have a much larger impact than we ever could alone. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations, individuals and community members.
VISION
To build communities rich in female leadership that empower future generations to do the same.
RAISEHER CO-FOUNDER
TALITHA MCCLOSKEY (SHE/HER)
Talitha (she/her) is passionate about building relationships and supporting others. She’s a cheerleader for everyone’s hopes and dreams, and makes it a mission to support everyone she can. Talitha wears many hats—as Co-Founder of RaiseHER Community, as Manager of Communications and Public Relations for the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, as Freelance Writer with Nova Creative Co., as a board + committee member for community organizations including the YWCA and SYPE, as a Masters student, and as mama to Haven, her son, partner to Mitch and friend to many. Talitha likes to refer to herself as a relationship broker through her many community roles. She’s passionate about people and the pursuit of making the world a better place. Raised to stand up for and with those who need it most, Talitha knows there’s an opportunity to create and shape a community of women dedicated to supporting one another.
RAISEHER CO-FOUNDER
SKYLAR GERARD (SHE/HER)
Skylar (she/her) considers herself a multi-passionate power planner and lover of inspirational books, Kate Spade, travelling, wine and cats. She currently spends her days raising her two young children, Eden and Tobias, and her nights reading her latest book club book, planning and facilitating events and coming up with BIG ideas for RaiseHER Co. She developed her love of building relationships and leading others throughout her career as a Marketing Manager, over ten years working the frontlines in retail and multiple years volunteering on various community event committees and non-profit boards for organizations including Saskatchewan Fashion Week, YWCA Regina, Dress for Success and Regina Transition House. In both her professional and personal life, she has come to experience the power of the proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Based on that, Skylar is compelled to cultivate a community of women who are more powerful individually because of empowering each other.
RAISEHER CO-FOUNDER
GWEN KEITH (SHE/HER)
Gwen (she/her) grew up in southwest Saskatchewan on a farm and is delighted to return to rural roots where she is CEO of Weyburn Catholic school division. Her school system has a "family feel" that is connected strategically across Canada and the U.S. Gwen has been a CEO in education for 25 years. She has two Masters degrees and has been connected to the University of Regina since the 1970s as a student, sessional and senator. Gwen's best title is "Gramma” to five awesome grandkids!
RAISEHER CO-FOUNDER
DR. MARLENE SMADU (SHE/HER)
Marlene (she/her) has been a registered nurse for 45 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles in health, nursing and education during her career. She has practiced nursing in all domains in a variety of settings in Canada, Papua New Guinea and Qatar, and has served on a number of international, national and provincial boards and committees. She enjoys gardening and travelling with her husband, Dr. George Smadu, and her three amazing children, and two grandbabies, Finley and Haven.
qualifications
The founders of RaiseHER Co.—alongside the RaiseHER Co. Advisory Committee—comprises a diverse team of thought leaders from various fields, each bringing a unique set of qualifications and experiences to the table. In addition to their lived experiences, the RaiseHER Co. founders hold backgrounds in leadership, governance, education, health, business, advocacy, and more and are well-equipped to provide valuable insights and educational services that drive the continued success of other small to large businesses and groups, RaiseHER Co. and the community at large.
Some of the founder’s collective credentials include:
Bachelor of Commerce (BCOMM) degree with a major in marketing from the University of Saskatchewan
Founding member of the Board and Chair of the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council
Certificate in Women in Leadership from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto
Dare to Lead™ trained
Six years as Chair, Vice-Chair, Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the University of Regina Board of Governors
Doctor of Education from the Nova Southeastern University
Certificate in Women in Leadership from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame
Certificate in Public Relations and Communications
Masters of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University
Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, from the University of Calgary for Leadership in Canadian Nursing and International Health Care
Board member and Vice-President for the International Council of Nurses, an organization that represents 20 million nurses in over 130 countries, for 8 years
President-Elect and President of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Communicators from Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council
Certificate of Completion from the Government of Canada for Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus
Bachelor of Education Student Services from the University of Regina
Masters of Education Counselling from the University of Regina
Masters of Education Administration from the University of Regina
Past National President of the Canadian Evaluation Society
Past Provincial President of LEADS~Senior Educational Administrators
Member of C21, a national group of senior administrators working on innovation in Canada
The RaiseHER Co. Advisory Committee is a dedicated group of individuals who offer valuable guidance and insights to help shape the direction and growth of RaiseHER Co. They provide thoughtful feedback on a wide range of topics, themes, questions, and educational services, ensuring the organization's ongoing impact and evolution. Read more about them here.