FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 20, 2022
Regina, SK – Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) is pleased to announce Miriam Johnson as its new CEO, effective August 9, 2022. Johnson will build on the success of Prabha Ramaswamy, who served in the position for over seven years until joining the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Johnson will work strategically towards closing the gender entrepreneurship gap in Saskatchewan. She will oversee WESK’s team of 16 employees located in Saskatoon and Regina. The WESK Board of Directors are thrilled to welcome her to the team.
“On behalf of the of WESK Board, it is my privilege to welcome Miriam Johnson as WESK’s new CEO,” said Colleen Dixon, Chair of the WESK Board. “As a Board, we feel strongly that Miriam will lead WESK into a new, exciting chapter. Miriam has a breadth of experience and a passion that aligns with WESK’s mandate and values; we are confident we have found the right leader for the organization. I also want to thank my fellow board members for their support and commitment throughout recruitment,” acknowledged Dixon. “It was a seamless process, and we look forward to having Miriam guide WESK into the future.”
Johnson recognizes the demands and challenges women entrepreneurs face every day. She is inspired to strategically address gaps, barriers, and identify opportunities to foster a strong community of women entrepreneurs. She believes that supporting women is integral to building a strong Saskatchewan.
“WESK is, at its very core, about creating an environment where anyone can pursue their dreams. This team, this organization has been pivotal in making that idea a reality for so many women in Saskatchewan,” stated Johnson. “This impact is felt across the province by the clients served and their significant contributions to the economy.”
With a growth-focused mindset and diverse experience across multiple sectors, Johnson has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to seeing Saskatchewan flourish. During her recent tenure at the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Johnson was fundamental in securing the bid for the upcoming Grey Cup, launching the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, and developing many successful programs addressing opportunities around the fan experience. Her work leading the Marketing and Community Relations portfolio connected the Riders with fans across the province through community programming such as Cameco Touchdown for Dreams, and the Northern Saskatchewan Football Camp to the game day experience at Mosaic Stadium. Johnson’s community-minded leadership approach will continue to grow and develop the impact WESK makes across Saskatchewan.
Johnson has a strong penchant for giving back. She is currently the Co-Chair Communications for the Grey Cup Volunteer Host Organizing Committee, successfully seeing the process in its entirety from bid to execution. She also held the Vice-Chair Sponsorship position for the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games.
She is honoured to steward the exceptional work being done at WESK and she takes this responsibility seriously. “As a woman who has worked in several competitive industries in this province, I have seen first-hand what can be achieved when we work together,” expressed Johnson. “I hope to support the already exemplary work that has been done by my predecessor and the team here at WESK with my own experiences to achieve the common goal in closing the gender entrepreneurship gap in Saskatchewan.”
Johnson will be available for interviews beginning immediately.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor, WESK
T: 306-477-6286
E: jfries@wesk.ca
W www.wesk.ca
About WESK
WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advising, lending, mentoring, networking, and learning opportunities. WESK is supported by PrairiesCan.
Since 1995, WESK has provided over $40.2 million in financing to women entrepreneurs and as a result, more than $7.3 million has been leveraged.