The strategic leader joins Rise at a time when its mission to empower people with mental health and addiction challenges through entrepreneurship is more important than ever.

Rise is pleased to announce the appointment of Adwoa K. Buahene as incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO)! This appointment results from a comprehensive nationwide search following Lori Smith’s departure last year.

Rise, a Canadian charity that empowers individuals with mental health and addiction challenges to become entrepreneurs and transform their lives, has experienced significant growth in recent years. Since 2021, it has more than doubled its client reach, expanded its program offerings, and significantly increased its lending capacity, recently disbursing its 1,000^th loan. As people across Canada face the ongoing impacts of social, political and economic uncertainty, Rise offers crucial training and financial support to help them build economic and mental health resilience. 

“I am inspired by Rise’s work and thrilled to be joining at a time when countless individuals across this country can benefit from its innovative and empowering approach to mental health and financial wellbeing,” says Adwoa. “Rise’s potential to impact individual lives and our collective prosperity is outmatched only by the incredible potential of every one of its current and prospective clients.”

Rise Board Chair, Philippe Savoy, welcomes Adwoa’s enthusiasm and expertise. 

“We’re delighted to have Adwoa joining Rise as CEO,” says Savoy. “As an experienced leader in the entrepreneurial and employment space, we know she’s the right person to guide Rise into its next growth phase. Adwoa brings a wealth of strategic vision and operational expertise, a deep commitment to social impact, and an ability to connect authentically with people.”

Adwoa joins Rise with more than 20 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience in building businesses, program development, and revenue generation. Her past endeavours include co-founding n-gen People Performance Inc., Vice President, Donor and Community Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity GTA, and CEO of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). Her most recent venture was the thought-leadership practice AkB Talent Edge, where she authored position papers and articles on better talent management, worked with clients to create greater equity, and hosted the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing podcast for the Employee Wellbeing Council.

“We have found an exceptional leader in Adwoa,” says Boafoa Kwamena, member of Rise’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. “Our search was extensive, and we’re thrilled to have found someone with a depth of experience in non-profit, fundraising and organizational strategy. She’s an innovator, and her track record of inspiring performance and building diverse, inclusive workplaces will greatly benefit Rise and its clients.”

Adwoa will start as CEO on June 16, 2025. Guided by her mantra ‘learn, own, improve,’ she will conduct a listening tour with Rise’s national team, clients, and donors to learn the “secret sauce” behind the organization’s impact.

“I’m excited to understand Rise’s past and present, so that, alongside the board, we can imagine a future where entrepreneurs nationwide realize their dreams of financial empowerment,” she says. “I’m inspired by Rise clients’ tenacity, strength and resilience. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy and labour market, and I look forward to leading an organization supporting such vital initiatives.” 

Rise would like to thank Chief Operating Officer (COO) Beth Dea for serving as interim CEO since September 2024. With Adwoa’s arrival, Beth will rededicate her care and commitment to her ongoing role as COO.