I serve as the Communications and Development Manager at Rising Above, located in Grande Prairie, Alberta, a non-profit organization that provides recovery support for individuals trapped in cycles of defeat. Rising Above delivers a comprehensive 6-month addiction program addressing issues such as homelessness, addiction, and criminal behavior. Through this position, I have developed a passion for advocating for marginalized individuals within these disadvantaged demographics.My responsibilities encompass the acquisition of grant funding, community engagement, and future development. Additionally, I oversee the coordination of fundraising events, notably our annually sold-out Hope Lives Banquet with an attendance of over 700 patrons. Concurrently, I manage the upkeep of our accreditation and licensing status, juggling major projects with the essential day-to-day tasks integral to my role. In 2021, I successfully led a team through the rigorous accreditation process, from policy development to implementation. Rising Above has achieved accreditation from the Canadian Accreditation Council, solidifying our status for a three-year term. I have recently pursued a peer reviewer role with the Canadian Accreditation Council where I will assist other organizations in navigating and completing the accreditation process.Prior to my role at Rising Above, I held a position at Pattison Media, formerly the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, in Grande Prairie. Beginning in 2014 as a writer, I collaborated with numerous business owners across the Peace Region to craft compelling radio branding. During my career, I had the opportunity to assume the role of Creative Director for Big Country 93.1 and 989 Rewind Radio during a maternity leave in 2016. My experience in radio instilled a profound passion for writing and supporting local economies, particularly small businesses.