Renae is a seasoned executive with a career spanning over three decades in startup leadership and non-profit management. Since joining Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) in 2010, she has been pivotal in crafting programs that propel entrepreneurs toward success. Her expertise in developing strategic initiatives and enhancing systems and processes ensures that founders receive the support they need. Through meticulous planning and targeted coaching, Renae and her team empower entrepreneurs and their companies to thrive.Renae's entrepreneurial spirit also led her to establish three consulting firms specializing in organizational development, diversity, and women wellness/coaching programs. Recognized for her significant contributions to the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, Renae was honored with the 2018 YWCA Woman of Distinction award and nominated for WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women in 2020. Her leadership at Tecconnect, a start-up technology incubator, and her founding role in the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) includes oversight of the $1M 3-year project budgets since 2012. Under her guidance, RINSA unites over 14 organizations to democratize access to entrepreneurial resources for diverse groups, including First Nations, rural communities, women, BIPOC, and new Canadians.Renae's strategic leadership has significantly bolstered Lethbridge's standing within the Alberta Innovation Corridor through key projects like the ElevateIP Alberta program in 2023. This initiative, in partnership with the University of Calgary and Innovate Calgary, successfully secured $9.9M for intellectual property protection for Alberta companies. This in addition to funding of $1.68M in 2019 for the Women Entrepreneurs in STEM (WESTEM) program and an additional $.5M in 2022 for the Rural Women Entrepreneur in Technology (RWEIT) program. These programs have received acclaim at both provincial and national levels, and have made a substantial impact on diverse women entrepreneurs, further highlighted by initiatives such as the award winning WESTEM podcast that celebrate their stories. https://westem.ca/project/wecast-episode-5/ Renae's commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship is evident in her successful development of the Tecconnect+ED program, which provide entrepreneur centric support to all founders including rural, women, Indigenous, and new Canadian entrepreneurs.Renae's strategic leadership in startups and nonprofits has driven significant innovations and support for entrepreneurs across Alberta.