We’ve been working with the team at Origin Leadership to develop a Strategic Plan to connect certified African Nurses to opportunities in Canadian healthcare facilities. Origin’s Canadian Cultural & Employment Success Program is a stand-out example of next-level support for International Employees as they consider working and living in Canada and

is integral to our African initiatives. We have been impressed by their commitment to designing a program that reflects cultural respect and responsibility. Origin looks at all of its projects from a people-first lens and we look forward to continuing our project with them.

Susan Namulindwa. Founder and Executive Director of Africa Trade Desk,  Vice President, of Canada with The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, and Board Chair of the Afro Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

It was our pleasure to have Raelene kick off our MHPO workshop season with her excellent presentation on Back-to-Work “Normal” Workshop.

Raelene shared with us the main challenges for those re-entering the workplace and methods to resolve them- from the lens of both our clients and ourselves. 

She identified a key theme- that the uncertainty created by the pandemic has activated a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear, including the fear of conflict with colleagues and superiors at the office. 

She reminded us of the power of compassion and how it connects us. She advised us all to be flexible, assume a collaborative approach, a “we versus me” first stance, assume that everyone is doing their best, be kind, practice empathy, and accentuate the positive perspective which was a powerful reminder of how we can influence ourselves and others to achieve a pleasant and effective work environment. She reminded us to see each person as one with their own individual personalities and personal issues as well as ways of being, and that when we see that we are all in this together, we do better.
Raelene covered concrete steps to reduce stress, including preparing oneself emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally,  limiting the amount of decision-making by strategizing ahead, and dealing with children and family members on a host of topics. 

I so appreciated Raelene’s presentation. She was well-prepared, knowledgeable, organized, and enthusiastic, and provided us with a wealth of ideas for assisting both our clients and ourselves in returning to the workplace. In addition to her own expertise, she was flexible and made space for us to ask questions throughout her talk, and engage in sharing our experiences, which allowed the audience to connect with her and each other. I will be putting this information to use in sessions with clients, and for myself. 

I highly recommend Raelene as a speaker. 

Marian Meade Vice-President Mental Health Professionals Ottawa

Raelene Bergen Harder at Origin, supported the OceanEXP initiative between 2019 and 2021. Raelene was dedicated to our mission to create unique opportunities for people to explore beneath the surface of the oceans, empowering them to leave a legacy of ecological sustainability. Raelene’s involvement began by meeting with our Executive Board and over a period of months undertook an intensive research project culminating in a detailed executive report. 

This report, and her work, were invaluable to our efforts in developing stronger relationships with our stakeholders and better defining our strategic priorities. 

In my capacity as Board President of the OceanEXP Project, I worked closely with  Raelene while she completed this monumental undertaking. Raelene proved herself to be insightful, competent, and qualified. I was particularly impressed by her abilities to develop strong connections with our team and overcome the challenging hurdles often associated with facilitating community engagement.  

Based on my personal working experience with Raelene, I can, without hesitation, attest that she is incredibly well-suited interpersonally to excel in any opportunities involving consultation, assessments, and stakeholder engagement for not-for-profit organizations. 

William (Bill) Nadeau, BA (ENV), MAL, FRCGS. Board President -OceanEXP, Canada’s Centre for Ocean Exploration

Supporting the IRTS and two Innu communities to develop their own, Innu-controlled child and family wellness prevention Agency. We take their lead and provide strategic and operational planning, communications support, project management, training and professional development, and program development. development, structural and practice changes, and team capacity building, all based on an Innu voice first and Innu traditions-based approach. 

As a leadership consultant and advisor and founder of Hawco Consulting, I work with organizations, teams, and individuals, supporting social change and Indigenous self-determination. I am currently working with a number of Indigenous organizations supporting their vision of creating and developing an Indigenous-led child welfare agency and child welfare services in their communities. 

Barbara and Raelene from OriginLC have brought tremendous experience and skills to the Child Prevention Services Agency project we are collaborating on. The work involves strategic and operational planning, project management, creative and technical support, and communications resource and documentation development that is responsive to the client’s needs.

They have been highly sensitive to the culture, knowledge, and traditions of our Indigenous partners, bringing these elements in creative ways. They are very responsive to the changing needs of the organization as we support their development, are collaborative, and use a true people-first approach.

The OriginLC team has been wonderful to work with, and are truly passionate about what they do. I am grateful to have them on my team and value their authenticity and heart for the work as well as the skills and expertise they bring to the table.

Michelle Hawco - Participatory Change Leader and Founder of Hawco Consulting