Our Team
Our board of directors is currently made up of six awesome individuals who have been inspired to do this work based on their own unique life experiences and worldviews. You can read more about them below!
Starla Ginter
President & Interim Treasurer
September 2023 - Present (President & Interim Treasurer)
January 2016 - September 2023 (Treasurer)
Starla was excited about the idea for Rise Above and jumped quickly to get on the founding board. Having lived experience as both a child of a single parent and a single parent herself, Starla understands how life can become a daily challenge at survival. Success and significance can seem out of the reach of many single parents. Educational opportunities are the best way to pave a path to success for not just the parents but also for their children; meaningful help can impact generations. Starla also works in non-profit housing and just wants her life to help others in any small way.
Beci Cartwright
Vice President
September 2023 - Present (Vice President)
July 2019 - September 2023 (director)
From Beci: “I was single parent for many years, but I was lucky to have family around to help support me. Nevertheless I had to wait until 2012, when I was 45, to go to university. I managed to leave with an Advanced Master’s in Psychology. I moved to Canada 3 years ago to start a new life with my wife. Since moving here, I have been looking for ways to give back to the community. I am very excited to work with Rise Above to provide some financial support for mums and dads to improve their lives and the lives of their children through education.”
Faith Gushulak
Secretary
September 2023 - Present (Secretary)
August 2021 - September 2023 (director)
Faith began volunteering with Rise Above in 2019 and joined the team as a director in 2021. She has always had a passion for helping others and is excited to help give back to her community.
Cara Ginter
Director
September 2023 - Present (director)
January 2016 - September 2023 (President)
Cara was an undergraduate student at the University of Manitoba when she helped launch Rise Above. She served as Rise Above’s president for 7.5 years.
Emily L’Heureux
Director
September 2023 - Present (director)
January 2016 - September 2023 (Vice-President)
Emily helped found Rise Above as a student at the University of Manitoba. She is now a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and works with many human rights groups in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys going to festivals and spending time with her family and husband, Trevor. Emily is inspired by the hard work, passion, and sacrifice of our bursary recipients.
Marie Horbas
Director
September 2023 - Present (director)
January 2023 - September 2023 (Secretary)
September 2019 - January 2023 (director)
Marie was inspired to join the board of directors after hearing single parents share their stories at Rise Above
events. The different perspectives made her realize the importance of sharing her resources and good fortune.
These bursaries don't just improve the life of one person; the ripple effect creates a community of empowered
people. Marie is a Registered Massage Therapist and enjoys playing sports, baking and spending time with her
family, as well as adventuring with her husband Steve and dog Terry.