WESK Connect YXE: Networking with Experts

OptimaHR is a Saskatchewan-based, remote Fractional HR agency serving clients across Canada. We simplify HR management for small and medium-sized businesses by providing flexible, customized support that aligns with each client’s unique needs. Recognizing that every organization has its own set of people challenges, OptimaHR takes a deep dive into understanding your business’s unique dynamics. Our tailored solutions are designed to help your team thrive, giving you the HR expertise you need without the one-size-fits-all approach.

Michelle Houlden is the owner and creative director of Maverick Studios, where she builds sharp, strategic brands for small service-based businesses that don’t have time to mess around. Through focused, intensive projects, Michelle helps business owners get clear, confident branding and high-quality design in just a couple of days. With a journalism background and decades in visual communication, she specializes in cutting through the noise and delivering work that connects your vision to your customers.

Rosalie Hughes is the Founder and CEO of Hughes Recruitment & Strategy Collective and the Co-Founder of Catalyst Talent Solutions. She founded these companies on the belief that great organizations start with great people. After establishing her career in corporate recruitment and HR, her entrepreneurial drive led her to launch Hughes Collective with a vision to redefine how organizations attract, develop, and retain talent. More recently, she co-founded Catalyst Talent Solutions to offer professional temporary talent solutions that support organizations through periods of transition, growth, and change.

A passionate female entrepreneur widely regarded as a disruptor in the industry, Rosalie challenges traditional thinking and inspires both businesses and individuals to move away from outdated systems in pursuit of meaningful growth. Her work extends beyond recruitment and HR into marketing, employer branding, talent management, succession planning, and more. She is dedicated to building authentic connections, developing high-performing teams, and empowering others to lead with purpose and confidence.
Rosalie’s energy, insight, and commitment to challenging the status quo make her a dynamic mentor and an inspiring voice for leaders at every stage of their journey.

Karissa Peterson is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of cross-industry experience in retail, financial services, agriculture, and technology, spanning both corporate and startup environments. A passionate generalist, she has led initiatives across HR, Marketing, Finance, Customer Support, and Product Development, bringing a holistic approach to business operations, strategy, and culture. Known for empowering others, Karissa builds trust-based, collaborative environments that unlock individual and organizational potential. She has co-founded two ventures and is the founder of her third, Haus of Ops, a provider of fractional operations services. Grounded in her agricultural roots, Karissa combines hard work, heart, and hands-on leadership to drive meaningful impact.