OUR Team
The RaiseHER Co. Advisory Committee (RHA) 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.
The RHA’s composition is intentionally as diverse as possible, with members volunteering to be on the committee. This diversity ensures that the advice provided is well-rounded and reflects a wide range of experiences and expertise. Their lived experiences provide unique perspectives that inform the organization's path forward.
The RHA regularly assesses the effectiveness of existing programs, initiatives, and services, and this continuous evaluation helps RaiseHER Co. refine our offerings. They have played a role in developing curriculum and activities to ensure that the content remains relevant and engaging for the various communities we serve. The RHA also assists in addressing critical questions and challenges faced by the organization.
Overall, the RHA plays a vital role in guiding the organization, ensuring that RaiseHER Co. remains responsive to the needs of the community, and maintaining a solid commitment to our mission and values. The committee holds the founders accountable and ensures that the organization adheres to its mission and values. This ethical and strategic oversight is crucial in maintaining the organization's integrity and reputation.
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
The RHA
TANESSA BOUTIN (SHE/HER)
Tanessa Boutin (she/her) is the Manager of Privacy and Access Program at Farm Credit Canada and a sessional Professor at the University of Regina's Faculty of Social Work. With over 15 years of public service leadership experience in Saskatchewan and Canada, she's dedicated to human services and social policy. Tanessa is an active community volunteer, serving on multiple boards and coaching sports teams. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work with honors from the University of Regina, completed her Master’s of Public Administration while working and raising a family, and is a proud wife and mother of three children and one dog, Diesel. She's received various academic awards, Deputy Minister awards, the 2022 IPAC National Award of Excellence, and most recently the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Gold Medal. Passionate about sound public policy and community support, Tanessa is committed to making a positive impact.
PATRICIA CROWE (SHE/HER)
Patricia Crowe (she/her) works as an Indigenous Economic Development Specialist within Treaty 4 Territory and shares her knowledge of cultural practices and an understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. She has been immersed in Economic Development, including three years as Co-Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance. Her work life spans over 30 years in Territorial, National, Provincial and Municipal public and private industries and working with community and non-profit organizations. Combined with over fifteen years of volunteer experience, including women advocacy groups, MMIWG2S+ and inner-city early-learning children’s programs.
She brings with her strong leadership, relationship-building, networking and communication skills combined with strategic, advisory, planning, project and process management services.
DAWNA HARMAN (SHE/HER)
BIO COMING SOON!
KRYSTAL KOLODZIEJAK (SHE/HER)
Krystal Kolodziejak (she/her) is on a continuous learning journey to be a better ally, accomplice and activist for human rights. She is a volunteer in the community with the Women’s March Regina, an agtech Advisory Board Member, the Prosperity Project and previous Grey Cup Festival Committees in 2022 and 2013. Over the past 25 years, she has been in leadership roles in technology, innovation, strategy, research and is currently the Sr Director, Customer Strategy & Insights at FCC.
JENELLE KRAHENBIL (SHE/HER)
Jenelle Krahenbil (she/her) is an experienced HR leader with a passion for people and culture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Regina, a diploma in Adult Education and a Certified Compensation Professional designation. Throughout her career, Jenelle has helped design and lead the implementation of an intentional leadership culture for a large organization, re-designed compensation frameworks and managed several large corporate projects.
Jenelle is a quiet leader who leads with strength, poise, empathy and concern for others. She is passionate about supporting young women in their own growth and development and enjoys coaching and mentoring others.
JESSICA McNAUGHTON (SHE/HER)
Jessica McNaughton (she/her) is the founder and CEO of memoryKPR technology Inc., an interactive, digital time capsule tool to save, store, protect and design your story. She recently earned an EMBA from the Levene Graduate School of Business.
Jessica was born and raised in Saskatchewan. Her early years included working in the tourism industry in Canada and abroad. Settling in Banff and Calgary for a period, she worked for some of Canada’s most respected corporations, including WestJet, RBC, and Shell Canada, and was recognized among Calgary’s Top 40 under 40.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur in 2019, she held an executive position at Concentra Bank as Chief People Officer.
Jessica resides in Moose Jaw with her partner Bill and two children. She was a board member with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and Credit Union National Benefits and volunteers with a number of local non-profits.
MARI PETROSKI (SHE/HER)
Mari Petroski (she/her) was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and spent time in Lesotho, South Africa as a child. She is passionate about people and learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion. Mari has a Masters in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Sociology and Religious Studies. She also has training in Portfolio and Change Management practices. Mari has worked in many different fields and has experience in marketing, policy, project management, and leadership.
ELISHA SEABROOK (SHE/HER)
BIO COMING SOON!
LEAH SHARPE (SHE/HER)
Leah Sharpe (she/her) is Director, Culture, Leadership and Employee Experience at Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Leah and her team lead FCC’s approach to organizational development, including FCC’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
Leah has been with FCC for 10 years working in leadership roles related to corporate communication, enterprise strategy and human resources. Prior to joining FCC, Leah started her career in the public sector, working mostly in areas related to public policy development and media relations. Leah also spent time in the non-profit sector leading programs and services designed to help newcomers to Canada successfully settle and build meaningful futures in Regina.
Leah’s passion for equity and inclusion extends beyond her work. She is an avid volunteer and presently serves as the Chair of the YWCA Regina, a local non-profit organization committed to empowering women, youth, and children to realize their full potential.
COLLEEN STRAUCH (SHE/HER)
Colleen Strauch (she/her) joined Luther College in 2018 and commenced her role as the Director of the NVSSN in late 2021. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Regina. Colleen has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector both in Regina and internationally and is passionate about contributing to learning and growth in our community.
BRE WALKEDEN (SHE/HER)
Bre Walkeden (she/her) is a Regina-based leader, passionate about all things community and connection. In her role at Cultivator powered by Conexus, Bre helps to grow the SK tech ecosystem and support innovation startups and founders. She loves the community of fierce leaders RaiseHer has built and is excited to play a small part in their amazing work through the Advisory Committee and as a past mentor in the She’s Here: Owning the Table mentorship program. One word of advice: dive in and get involved!
CYNTHIA PENNER (SHE/HER)
Cynthia Penner (she/her) serves as the Vice-Principal at Regina Public Schools, where she champions inclusive education and cultivates vibrant classroom spaces. With over three decades of experience in the field of education, Cynthia's impact has reached diverse communities in Prince Albert, Regina, Montreal, Winnipeg, and internationally in Kenya and The United Arab Emirates.
Cynthia's steadfast belief in the empowerment of women as a means to strengthen entire communities is the driving force behind her work. Her rich life experiences have equipped her with a diverse skill set, enabling her to support and uplift women throughout her career in education. Additionally, as an entrepreneur in Montreal, Cynthia has played a pivotal role in assisting immigrant families with their transition to Canada.
This passion for empowerment is not confined to Cynthia's professional endeavors; it permeates into her personal life as well. She is deeply committed to empowering her neighbours within her community, as well as her two adult daughters. Furthermore, Cynthia has recently extended her family by embracing the role of a foster parent, exemplifying her dedication to nurturing and empowering others in all facets of her life.
FOLASHADE OWOEYE (SHE/HER)
Folashade Owoeye (she/her) immigrated to Canada with her partner and three children in 2016. Fola works with the Government of Canada and volunteers as a secretary and member of the board of directors for a religious/charity organization. She derives joy in helping people and giving back to her community.
She is currently running a Master's degree in Public Administration at the University of Regina. She is passionate about making a difference wherever she finds herself and brings with her positivity, possibility and productivity.