Meet Our NLOWE Staff
With advisors across the province, business advice is never too far away.
Carolyn Wakeham
Chief Executive Officer
Fun Fact:
Carolyn has met 10 actors from the UK soap opera Coronation Street.
Business Tip:
“Cash-flow is the heart of your business. Understand it so you can properly manage it.”
Email: cwakeham@nlowe.org
Krista Hazlie
Director of Administration and Special Projects
Fun Fact:
Krista enjoys spending time by the ocean with her two dogs, who happily make every shoreline their playground
Business Tip:
“Every setback has something to teach you. Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of the process that gets you there.”
Email: khazlie@nlowe.org
Jess Jones
Director of Programming & Evaluation
Fun Fact:
Jess hasn’t purchased a card from a store in over 10 years! She gets so much joy from creating unique homemade cards for each occasion for her friends and family all year round.
Business Tip:
Be open to feedback at any stage of your business and then be willing to adapt if needed — agility and curiosity can be an entrepreneur’s greatest competitive advantages.
Email: jjones@nlowe.org
Judy Raske
Office Manager
Fun Fact:
Judy loves to scrapbook and saves everything from her trips for her albums, including a hot dog wrapper from the San Francisco 49ers.
Business Tip:
“Keep your business information up-to-date online and in any membership directories in which you are listed so you don’t miss out on potential business opportunities.”
Email: jraske@nlowe.org
Vacant
Business Growth Advisor, Avalon
Nanci Corcoran
Business Start-Up Advisor, Avalon
Fun Fact:
Nanci has 3 kids under the age of 5. She has been an advocate for equitable access to fertility services in our province for several years. In her spare time she enjoys refinishing furniture & spending time with her family.
Business Tip:
“Hire a bookkeeper or an accountant to help you stay organized and allow you to keep your focus on your business itself.”
Email: ncorcoran@nlowe.org
Lindsay Mercer
Business Start-Up Advisor, Central
Fun Fact:
Lindsay is a summer person and loves to spend time outdoors swimming, reading a good book, or roasting marshmallows around the fire with family and friends.
Business Tip:
“Make sure you have a business plan. Your business plan will help you map out where you want your business to go, how to get there, and what you will need to help you succeed.”
Email: lmercer@nlowe.org
Betsy Saunders
Business Growth Advisor, Central
Fun Fact:
Betsy is an avid gardener and recently started her first “onion and garlic” garden. She can’t wait to cook up a nice dinner with what she has grown.
Business Tip:
“Use the people around you; build your networks and relationships. If you have a question then ask; if you don’t know something then say ‘I don’t know’, because someone has that answer for you.”
Email: bsaunders@nlowe.org
Trisha Brown
Business Start-Up Advisor, Labrador
Fun Fact:
I’m an avid reader and core member of a book club that does themed parties every month based on our favourite books or stories, complete with costumes!
Business Tip:
“No challenge is too great! Look at the big picture and break up each step to get there into smaller pieces – then celebrate each one you complete!”
Email: tbrown@nlowe.org
Roshayne Mendis
Business Advisor, Western (Start Up & Growth)
Fun Fact:
I cannot make the same dish twice because I never measure the ingredients. I love experimenting!
Business Tip:
“If you have an awesome Idea, START. The first step is the hardest and when you take that, its going to be rollercoaster ride. You will either enjoy it or gain experience. Either way it’s a benefit to you.”
Email: rmendis@nlowe.org
Catherine Iheme
Gender Bias Project Coordinator
Fun Fact:
I’m often called ‘the wise one’ because of my knack for creativity and problem-solving. Whether in business or life, I love thinking outside the box!
Business Tip:
A business isn’t truly successful because of how many customers it attracts, but because of how many it retains and empowers. Growth isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about building trust, delivering consistent value, and creating lasting impact. Transactions drive revenue, but relationships build legacies. The businesses that thrive are the ones that solve real problems, earn loyalty, and evolve with their customers.
Email: ciheme@nlowe.org
Jennifer Samson
Indigenous Growth Business Advisor
Fun Fact:
Jennifer is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan! She was at the last game the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens played at the famous Montreal Forum.
Business Tip:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Connect with local organizations, funding providers, and businesses—they’re happy to offer guidance and help you thrive.
Email: jandersen@nlowe.org
Janice Sheppard
Finance Consultant
Fun Fact:
Janice loves to travel and cruising is one of her favourite types of vacation. She got the cruising bug after winning a 5-day Western Carribbean cruise in 2017. It was a memorable trip and she looks forward to lots of travel again in the future!
Business Tip:
“Don’t be afraid to seek help and advice when needed, and ask for customer feedback. The knowledge you obtain to help you grow and enhance your business is invaluable.”
Email: jsheppard@nlowe.org