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Get to know RISE, our story, and the passionate people dedicated to making a difference through research, design, and community engagement.
“We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness.
– Abdul Kalam
RISE Results began in 2015 with a simple yet powerful focus: to provide high-quality research and analytics for impactful business planning and decision support to businesses across Cape Breton – Unama’ki. What started as a research company soon evolved into something more profound. Working closely with our clients, we recognized the need for creative solutions that extended beyond data alone. We listened, adapted, and expanded—adding marketing services to our toolkit to help tell our clients’ stories in more engaging and impactful ways.
But we didn’t stop there. As our reputation grew for stepping up wherever clients needed support, we expanded into event planning. Whether orchestrating a large-scale conference or crafting an intimate community gathering, we embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit. At every turn, when our clients needed something new, we filled that gap—adding the skill sets to our team to confidently take on new projects.
From these humble beginnings, RISE has grown into a full-service firm working with clients across Atlantic Canada. Our team of seven, complemented by our three Mi’kmaw cultural advisors, brings a unique blend of talents and expertise to the table. This growth led us to a period of deep reflection and rebranding. It wasn’t just about a new logo; it was about understanding who we are at our core and what we truly stand for. Through collaborative sessions, we explored the work that ignites our passion and how we could continue to thrive—both individually and collectively.
Our rebranding represents our collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to each other’s well-being, as well as the success and happiness of our clients. We’re driven by a shared purpose: to be partners in growth, to be problem-solvers and creators, and to help others rise and thrive.
Today, RISE stands as a dynamic and unique firm offering a comprehensive suite of services—from research and strategy to visual design, content development, facilitation, and event management. We blend strategic insights with innovative solutions, helping our clients make a meaningful impact in their communities.
While we work across multiple sectors, our hearts lie in empowering those who drive positive change and make a difference in their communities. Our chosen clients reflect our deep commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and community development. As a support organization for many Indigenous communities in the Atlantic region, we are committed to decolonization by fostering relationships built on trust, respect, and cultural understanding, and ensuring that our strategies uplift Indigenous voices and perspectives in every project we undertake.
Our journey has taught us that we’re more than just a company—we’re a team of “unicorns” whose skills overlap, complement, and create magic together. We believe in turning challenges into opportunities, always with integrity, empathy, and a belief in the potential for greater impact. That’s the RISE way.
We empower businesses, organizations, and communities to reach new heights through strategic insights, creative solutions, and meaningful engagement. As a group, we decided on the values we hold dearest in our dealings with each other and with our clients:
Building Trust in Every Relationship
Integrity guides all our actions. We lead with honesty and transparency, ensuring we remain true to our word and your vision.
Open Dialogue and Clear Communication
Every project begins with listening deeply, understanding fully, and sharing genuine feedback. We keep our clients in the loop at every step, ensuring alignment, clarity, and trust in all that we do.
Embracing Diversity and Celebrating Differences
We respect every voice and perspective. By honoring the unique traditions and values of our clients and partners, we create solutions that truly resonate.
Seeing Through the Eyes of Our Communities
Empathy drives us to see beyond the data. We listen deeply to understand the stories and needs of our clients and communities, shaping solutions that matter.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Creativity fuels our approach to every project. We turn challenges into opportunities, exploring fresh ideas that go beyond the expected.
Working Together for Greater Impact
We believe in the power of collaboration. By blending diverse talents and perspectives, we co-create innovative solutions that align with your goals.
A visionary leader with a passion for community impact, Noelle excels at turning big ideas into meaningful action. Noelle thrives on engaging with clients, understanding their needs, and finding innovative solutions. With her expertise in strategic insights and creative thinking, she has brought together our team of what she calls “unicorns”, working together to transform community.
#NumbersNerd
Core Focus Areas: Client Relations, Strategic Planning, Market Research, Assessments & Feasibility Studies, Sector Research & Analysis, Conference & Event Management, Communication Plans, Facilitation
As described by Noelle, the RISE team is made up of ‘unicorns’ – talented business professionals with diverse skill sets that are as creative as we are committed to your success.
How we work with clients
We care deeply about our clients and their project results. RISE is not just a service provider; we’re your versatile, full-service business partner made of go-getters and problem solvers.
How we work with each other
We don’t view the company through a hierarchy; we see ourselves as a collective of colleagues, each bringing a unique “sparkle” to the table. We support each other in both our professional and personal goals.
A creative mastermind, Steven breathes life into projects with his innovative design and storytelling skills. Our visionary, Steven lives for creating captivating and immersive experiences. With a keen eye for design and a talent for thinking outside the box, he brings creativity to the forefront of our projects, infusing them with his unique artistic vision.
#FullOfSurprises
Core Focus Areas: Conceptualizing, Visual Arts, Artistic Direction, Marketing, Website Design, Printing, Event Management, Course/Workshop Delivery, Graphic Facilitation
A design powerhouse, Gayle transforms complex information into stunning visual experiences with unmatched creativity and knack for seeing the bigger picture. Our problem-solving extraordinaire, Gayle combines her love for words & design with strategic thinking to create visually stunning designs that resonate with audiences.
#ContentIsKing
Core Focus Areas: Visual Arts, Website Design, Branding, Communication Plans, Writing & Content Development, Curriculum Development
A talented photographer, Georgia captures the essence of every moment with her quiet dedication and artistic vision. Georgia is our multitasking maestro who seamlessly manages administrative and logistical tasks while capturing exquisite photographs during events and projects.
#CapturedCreatively
Core Focus Areas: Photography, Visual Content Creation
A project dynamo, Leslie specializes in research, strategy, grants & funding applications, data analysis, community development, and logistics. Our master coordinator, Leslie excels at bringing diverse elements together. With a focus on supporting entrepreneurship and effective communication, she plays a crucial role in shaping our team’s vision and delivering seamless experiences.
#NonprofitOrganizationQueen
Core Focus Areas: Project Management, Economic Research & Impact Analysis, Market Research, Communication Plans, Feasibility Studies, Strategic Planning, Writing & Content Development
A visual storyteller, Charles brings stories to life with his keen eye for detail and dynamic videography skills. Charles is our master of the lens and screen. He produces visually stunning narratives that captivate and engage. His commitment to excellence elevates each project, reinforcing our reputation for delivering immersive and interactive visual experiences.
#VidWizard
Core Focus Areas: Videography, Visual Arts, Marketing, Copywriting
Megan MacAulay is a seasoned business development professional with a talent for crafting growth strategies and building strong client relationships. Megan is our marketing queen, with a background in marketing, project management, and community engagement. She leads RISE’s efforts to identify new opportunities and drive impactful results.
#MarketingGuru
Core Focus Areas: Marketing Strategy, Communication Plans, Strategic Planning, Content Development
Integral to our success are our treasured Mi’kmaw advisors. They help us bring authenticity and proper protocols to our projects across all of Mi’kma’ki.
Eileen plays a vital role in community engagement and collaboration. Her responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with local communities, ensuring that projects positively impact the areas they serve.
Jeff excels in creating memorable event experiences. He takes charge of our stage, ensuring that all aspects of entertainment run smoothly, from performers to audience engagement, making each event extraordinary.
As an Authenticity Liaison, Susan ensures that all projects and events align with cultural authenticity and respect. She serves as a bridge between the company and Indigenous communities, fostering connections and promoting cultural integrity.