
Rachel Forbes
Canada Bridges Social Development
Hi, my name is Rachel (she/her) and I was raised on the land known as Mohkinstsis. From a young age I was pulled into positions of leadership, wishing to create safe and inclusive spaces. This took me to Xixi'ai, Chengdu to collaboratively create a framework for running youth summer camps. Locally, I am a founding member of Empirical Freedom, and have used my experience in the wellness sector to run youth programs at the Mustard Seed's Neighbour Centre. I'm driven by a desire to help people feel better in their day-to-day lives and believe that starts with being seen and heard.
As the program assistant for Canada Bridge's social enterprise development, I hope to leverage the knowledge gained from my General Studies BA from Athabasca University to inform the discourse surrounding structural and systemic inequality as we work toward sustainable and equitable social development. Canada Bridges is currently exploring the development of a social enterprise to diversify our revenue and fund our programs. Our vision is a world where youth can show up, stand up, and be heard. Working by invitation, our mission is to listen, learn, and collaborate with Treaty 7 communities for unveiled youth potential. We believe that all youth are well-positioned to go beyond societal, cultural, and institutional barriers. Youth can enliven and connect the wisdom of their communities to strengthen the social fabric of Treaty 7 and the world. Youth have an important perspective, potential, and incredible motivation to make change in their communities. Through various initiatives, we support these youth leaders to create change and share their voices. We do this by providing skill building, mentorship, coaching, and supporting organizations to create more opportunities for diverse youth-led change.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, movement, concerts, video games, and being by the river or under the stars.
Workshops
Other speakers & attendees
.jpg)
Laura Keating Elske
People & Planet Consulting
Decision strategist, facilitator, and community builder with expertise in structured decision-making
more
Tonya Surman
Centre for Social Innovation, CEO
Tonya Surman is a leading Canadian social entrepreneur and founding CEO of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI). She’s known for creating visionary ideas, collaborative models, and spaces that drive systemic change. Tonya co-developed the Constellation Model and the Community Bond, which has raised over $10M to support social purpose real estate. Under her leadership, CSI has supported 6000+ changemakers. She also founded Social Innovation Canada, uniting innovators nationwide. Tonya is an award-winning leader recognized by Ashoka, the Trillium Foundation, and others.
more.jpg)
Barb Rallison
Institute for Community Prosperity / MRU / StartWork
Social innovator, community economic development leader, and impact investor with deep roots in Moh’kinsstsis and Métis-settler heritage, working at the intersection of systems change, equity, and place-based prosperity.
more.jpg)
Michelle Lee
Mount Royal University
Coordinator of StartWork at MRU, supporting refugees and newcomers through inclusive employment and social innovation
more
Adrienne Furrie
Adrienne Furrie Beauty
Professional makeup artist and beauty brand founder with over 20 years of experience working in beauty, fashion, and business
more
Kira Hunt
Adaptive Ecosystems
Landscape technologist, biomimicry researcher, and artist with a broad range of knowledge that includes urban planning, ecology, biology, design, machining, and mapmaking.
more.jpg)
Philip Lozano
Be Local YYC
Manager of Be Local YYC, with almost 10 years of experience working in social enterprise, with a focus on community and grassroot initiatives
more.png)
Karina Birch
Rocky Mountain Soap Company, CEO
Karina Birch is the co-owner and CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Company, a Canadian natural beauty brand based in Canmore, Alberta. Since taking over the business in 2000, she has grown it from a small shop into a national brand with over a dozen retail locations and a 25,000 sq. ft. workshop where all products are made in-house. Karina is known for her authentic leadership and commitment to sustainability, natural ingredients, and community. She is also a strong supporter of youth-focused initiatives like Fast and Female and Spirit North.
more