Meet the WESK Team
From start up to scale up, your success is our only goal.
Since 1995, WESK has helped thousands of women start, purchase and expand their businesses. Now, we’re taking an even bolder approach focused on innovation and excellence. We’re stepping up our training, engaging with great partners, and bringing you even more resources to generate success.
As a non-profit, membership-based organization, we keep our services affordable — and many are FREE! The return, however, is priceless. Join us!
Our Vision
All Saskatchewan entrepreneurs have an equal opportunity to achieve success and recognition.
Our Mission
To close the gender entrepreneurship gap through economic and social empowerment of women in Saskatchewan.
Our Values
People – We care. We collaborate. We embrace the power of community
Spark – We ignite passion. We seize opportunities. We are catalysts for change.
Aspire – We dream big. We lead. We make an impact.
Bold – We ask “why not?” We see possibilities. We act despite fear. We. Are. Resilient.
Helping people follow their dreams of business ownership is a privilege and a pleasure. We’re here to do everything we can to support you!
Saskatoon
Prabha Mitchell, (Hon.) CPA, CGA, M.S.W
Chief Executive Officer
Prabha is passionate about driving change to close the gender entrepreneurship gap and the resulting gender economic gap. To read more on Prabha Mitchell click here.
Lori Jestin-Knaus, MBA
Regional Manager North
Lori leads and supports WESK’s team of business and lending advisors. She also leads and develops specific entrepreneurial projects and programs. To read more about Lori, click here.
Danielle Grimes, MBA
Business Advisor
Danielle is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals by working one-on-one with entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. To read more about Danielle, click here.
Josie Fries, MBA
Marketing Advisor
Josie enjoys spreading the WESK buzz throughout the community, being hands-on with the planning and execution of events, and values building strong relationships with partner organizations. To read more about Josie, click here.
Kaurie May, CPA, CA
Manager of Finance & Administration
Kaurie assists WESK in the daily financial processes and is responsible for leading five key areas of the organization: finance, accounting, lending, administration, and IT. He also leads various strategic projects. To read more about Kaurie, click here.
Grace Lam
Lending Advisor
As WESK’s lending advisor, Grace is responsible for assisting clients during the lending process, from initial stages of gathering client information to completing the loan application and providing after-care support to the clients. To read more about Grace, click here.
Jodi Macmillan, CPA, CMA
Financial Analyst
Jodi is a CPA with over 20 years of extensive management and accounting experience. She is passionate about the stories that financial data can tell. To read more about Jodi, click here.
Boniffer Regier
Office Administrator
Boniffer is responsible for handling accounts payables, accounts receivables, financial reporting, providing support for HR, and juggling Prabha’s crazy schedule! To read more about Boniffer, click here.
Naqsh (Nick) Kochar, MBA
Program Advisor
As a program advisor for The Exchange, Nick provides advice and guidance to clients on all aspects of their business. To read more about Nick, click here.
Colleen Gynp
Matchstick Administrator
Colleen is responsible for the administration of WESK’s Matchstick program for Indigenous female entrepreneurs. including assisting in planning and execution of training workshops and other events. To read more about Colleen, click here.
Carly Beckman
Social Media Coordinator
As WESK’s Social Media Coordinator, Carly’s areas of focus are marketing, communications, and all things social media. Carly is passionate about creating engaging content and connecting with the WESK community. To read more about Carly, click here.
Cara Cote
Business Advisor
Cara is a serial entrepreneur having owned and operated multiple businesses since 2001. She believes in being kind, honest, and helpful in all aspects of her life, and loves helping WESK members put their big ideas to life. To read more about Cara, click here.
Yvonne Dopson
Administrative Assistant
Yvonne is recently retired from a career in office administration, which she loves, and she isn’t ready to quit yet! Yvonne’s role at WESK includes membership, reception, and administrative coordination. To read more about Yvonne, click here.
Regina
Brittany Scott
Project Coordinator
Brittany is responsible for planning all aspects of The Exchange including meetings, workshops, training, and mentoring sessions. You may also see her at many of the Regina events! To read more about Brittany, click here.
Amanda Parkinson
Business Advisor
Amanda’s passion is helping others by identifying their challenges and opportunities and creating action plans to make meaningful and impactful progress. As a self proclaimed “foodie” you can find her at any new restaurant or spending time with her 11-year-old Chihuahua, Ronnie. To read more about Amanda, click here.
