Coldwater Communications

In 2018, I launched Coldwater Communications with one clear goal: to amplify meaningful stories and ideas. PR has always been a passion of mine, building a company that would leverage it for impact has now evolved into a drive to make values-driven PR the norm.

This has paid off in ways I couldn't predict as Coldwater has become a recognized player in the national and international PR scene as the agency that champions organizations and ideas that are building a better world.

We've grown to a vibrant team of four full-time employees and around 20 expert contractors. We collaborate with a range of partners, from government and academia to creative sectors, working with notable clients like Ducks Unlimited Canada, UNIQLO, Telus, and UBC on important issues like climate change, education, and immigration.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the conscious decision to offer our services pro-bono to leaders and businesses facing tough times. This choice to prioritize community support has become a cornerstone of our agency's identity and resulted in a client-roster built on good people doing good work.

I've been fortunate to receive some great recognition for this work along the way, including The Peak's Emerging Leaders Award in 2021 and being a finalist for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce in 2022. I was also named one of the "Inspiring Females Accelerating Change" by North America Women in PR. I've had the privilege of sharing my insights at industry conferences, like Marketing Kingdom and the Canadian Public Relations Society national conference in Whistler.

In 2023, we were thrilled to snag the Bronze for Small Agency Team of the Year at the Canadian Public Relations Society's Awards of Excellence, and we followed that up with the Gold in 2024. These awards reflect our team's hard work and dedication to doing meaningful work.

As an entrepreneur, I focus on community needs over personal accolades. My journey is about more than building a successful business; it's about prioritizing values, causes, and the people behind them. I see the potential for communication technologies to misinform, and I'm dedicated to using them to foster positive change.

I learned long ago the value of a culture that puts learning and authenticity above all else. Building this agency during a pandemic was no small feat, but it's fueled my passion for mentoring the next generation of PR professionals. I'm the go-to person for values-driven leaders because I know the cost of leadership that diminishes its people instead of lifting them up.

At Coldwater, we create a space for honest conversations about pressing issues like equity, diversity, and inclusion. My commitment to these values has meant turning down lucrative projects that don't align with our mission. And I would do it again.

On a personal note, I'm an immigrant and a proud mom of two young boys, Atlas and Leo. Representation matters, and I want my example to represent those women who come from similar backgrounds.