Founder / President

Ruth Ravelo is the founder of Roots & Rise Family Services Society, bringing with her more than 40 years of administrative expertise and a lifelong commitment to community service. With a business administration diploma and extensive experience across multiple industries, Ruth has dedicated her career to building programs that uplift, empower, and support individuals and families.

Guided by strong family values and a deep passion for helping others, Ruth envisioned Roots & Rise as a place where compassion, dignity, and community come first. Her desire to see people succeed and her unwavering commitment to meaningful service continue to shape the organization’s mission and impact. As a leader, Ruth strives to be a positive force within the community, creating pathways for growth, support, and long-term wellbeing.

Vice President

Director

Director

Sylvia Simpson is a proud Indigenous woman from Haida Gwaii with over 25 years of experience supporting youth, women, and marginalized communities. She currently supervises Indigenous Initiatives Operations at Douglas College, where she leads staff and student assistants to create culturally safe spaces for Indigenous learners. Sylvia’s work is rooted in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and cultural safety. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a certification in Early Childhood Education, using creativity and community teachings to guide her work. She is a strong advocate and mentor committed to healing, empowerment, and Indigenous resilience.

Director

Director

Director

Naomi Lee brings expertise in brand identity, social media strategy, and community-focused marketing to support Roots & Rise’s mission. With a background in creative direction, nonprofit administration, and fashion communications, she has built a career centered on storytelling, visual identity, and authentic engagement. Since 2016, Naomi has led creative direction for small businesses, managed social media platforms, and developed inclusive, community-driven campaigns, strengthened by her experience in fashion styling and creative production featured in international publications. Passionate about community service, she is dedicated to advancing dignity, accessibility, and inclusivity, using her creative skill set to ensure Roots & Rise’s values are reflected across all communications.