Owaiz grew up in Mumbai, India and is now settled in Calgary with his wife, parents, and grandparent working in the area of Risk Management for a global energy company. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is working towards his MBA at the University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business. Owaiz is passionate about helping individuals realize their self-worth and full potential by providing any support within his capacity. He hopes to leverage this passion, coupled with his business knowledge and extended Calgary-based network, to enable Riseup’s mission and contribute to its continued success.

Shawn was raised in Leduc and is currently a practicing lawyer in Edmonton. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree and obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) from Dalhousie University. Early in his career Shawn witnessed first hand the detrimental effects of intimate partner violence as well as the lack of resources and advocacy for those impacted by intimate partner violence. He has extensive experience serving a wide range of clients in the Edmonton and Leduc communities and hopes to use this experience to help Riseup continue its success

Rachel Whipple works for a professional theatre company in Edmonton, Alberta. Her connection to the Leduc community stems from her passion for the performing arts and taking part in several shows in the area. Rachel has formerly worked as a bookkeeper and hopes to bring her experience to the treasurer role. She has experienced first hand how important these types of organizations are for people who experience intimate partner violence. Rachel is pleased to be dedicating her time to such an organization.

Jen Aspelund graduated from Grant MacEwan with a Diploma in Child and Youth Care. She has worked with high risk youth exposed to or living with addictions and mental health issues including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, family violence, gang affiliations, and criminal behavior. She currently works for McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association as a group home Supervisor in Edmonton while residing in Beaumont. Jen’s experience in the twenty-five years she has worked with youth and their families, many of whom were victims of severe trauma, motivates her to want to make further contributions in addressing the negative impact of violence.

Brighid Aime is a student at MacEwan University, diligently moving toward the goal of working as a registered psychologist. Brighid also has experience working in the field of Interior Design. Brighid is an alchemist with lived experience navigating the mental health system.

Catherine grew up and currently resides in Beaumont with her husband Bob, two beautiful children and their two dogs.

Catherine has had a professional career working in non-profit and private sectors and is currently a City Councillor in Beaumont.  She has had opportunities to help some of society’s most at-risk citizens, create programs from the ground up, manage a large territory and implement security and loss prevention programs for large corporations among many other skills and projects. During her time with the Edmonton John Howard Society she was able to support and refer clients who had experienced intimate partner violence. Catherine has also volunteered in her community in a variety of capacities.

Some of her hobbies include outdoor activities such as skiing, biking with family, exploring the trails around Beaumont and time with friends. Some of her favourite time is spent at her family’s cabin and camping with her family.

Catherine brings a passion for equity and community building and a willingness to grow and support Riseup’s mission in any she can.

Kaela Hendra serves as the Director of Programs at the Edmonton John Howard Society. With a career dedicated to community well-being, Kaela has firsthand experience witnessing the profound impact of intimate partner violence on families and communities. Her passion lies in supporting the health of communities and breaking down barriers for individuals in need. Kaela’s commitment to creating positive change is evident in both her professional leadership and her frontline experience. Drawing on her expertise, she strives to contribute to the success of the Riseup Society, leveraging her insights to further the organization’s mission of providing essential support and empowerment.

Kaylene, an dedicated social worker with nearly a decade of experience in the Leduc region, seamlessly weaves her formal education with a specialized focus on family violence and best practices. Kaylene believes in services that show a commitment to providing non-judgmental support, advocating passionately for women navigating the complexities of intimate partner violence. Rooted in Leduc with her family for the past decade, Kaylene contributes a rich blend of experience and passion to the Rise Up board. Beyond her professional dedication, she finds solace in the tranquility of camping, hiking, and kayaking, particularly relishing moments exploring the mountains.