A Commitment Beyond Business
Building Impact, Adding Value, and Fostering Capacity
At Take Roots, our commitment to creating impact, adding value, and fostering capacity is embodied by our Principal and Chief Strategist, Stephanie. Her dedication extends far beyond the confines of her professional endeavours, as she firmly believes that her commitment to the community is an integral part of who she is. It’s not just a part of her work; it’s the heart of her purpose.
Professionally, Stephanie specializes in strategic communication, brand reputation management, and capacity building. But she doesn’t stop there. She takes these skills and applies them with equal passion to her roles in various community boards and organizations.
Chris Cartier
Realtor, Maxwell Devonshire
“Stephanie is one of the most vibrant people I’ve ever met. With one meeting, I knew she was something special. She is a passionate go-getter with tons of ideas that come to fruition if you believe in her and follow her lead. Her storytelling is genuine and heavily researched to allow for excellent readability with informative, factual details. She is a great communicator, quick and concise, which to me is number one. Her coaching is sincere and direct so that you leave her session knowing exactly what to do on your end to get the ball rolling. I’m so glad I met her as I see her as a mentor for my own business dealings: how to motivate, how to inspire, how to communicate and how to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! I highly recommend calling Stephanie if you are looking to take your business or organization to the next level!”
What We Do
Driving
Membership
Stephanie serves as a catalyst for growth and engagement, leveraging her expertise to drive memberships and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organizations she serves. It’s about expanding the community and fostering connections.
Fund
Development
Stephanie’s impact in the realm of fund development is profound. She has meticulously crafted numerous fund development plans that have led to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations, both at a local and national level. Her strategic approach and commitment to securing the resources needed for these organizations to thrive is a testament to her dedication to making a tangible difference.
Marketing &
Communication
Strategies
Stephanie’s professional knack for developing impactful marketing and communication strategies finds its perfect match in the community. Whether it’s promoting a local event, sharing inspiring stories, or rallying support for a cause, her strategies bridge the gap between vision and action.
Volunteer
Engagement
Nurturing a pool of dedicated volunteers is vital for community initiatives to flourish. Stephanie understands the dynamics of volunteer engagement and contributes her insights to create meaningful opportunities that enrich the community.
In the Media
Canadian Trail Running Magazine
Canadian Running Magazine
Dave Proctor set to start TransAlberta run on Friday
Medical concerns force Dave Proctor to stop short of TransAlberta FKT
Whitby, Ont., runner sets second Canadian record in third ultramarathon
Catrin Jones breaks Canadian 50-mile, 6-hour records weeks apart
B.C. runner to shoot for 129-year-old Canadian 6-day record
Running for local hospitals, Victoria marathoner raises $20,000 in 10 days
Victoria woman to run 10 marathons in 10 days for local hospitals
This family has three generations racing the Quarantine Backyard Ultra
Other
Papaschase First Nation explores drone soccer as a way to open doors
Edmonton Police Service Papaschase Mural a step forward: Chief Bruneau
Papaschase First Nation adopts new drone technology for farming and security
April 24-29 was Canadian Fertility Awareness week.
ELIXR celebrates new partnership with EON Reality
Covenant Health Palliative Institute hosts Compassionate Communities Forum
Backyard Ultra bringing unique race to Okotoks
Runners battle the elements for over 24 hours in Backyard Ultra
Data a gold mine of knowledge and opportunity — if we knock down barriers
Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard, Founder and Chief Strategist, Take Roots Consulting
Big’s Backyard Ultra Has a New Format and a New Live Stream This Year
Health Matters: Dental injuries on the rise thanks to e-scooter use
Lazarus Lake provides an epic update on this fall’s Big Dog Backyard Ultra and it’s very exciting
Information in front of us: Home-based health monitoring trial for rural patients
Quarantine ultra bring out runners’ bests
Kamloops’ 90 year old ultra marathon man
In a time of lockdown ultra runners had to get creative……..very creative.
The Quarantine Backyard Ultra Is Returning for a Second Edition in July
Michael Wardian set out virtual ultra marathon he kept running 2 days
Quarantine Backyard Ultra: mid-race update
An Arctic Backyard instead of Barkley Marathons, an Interview with Ultrarunner Anna Carlsson
63 Hours, 262 Miles, and Zero Sleep: Michael Wardian Wins the Quarantine Backyard Ultra
Amazing Grace of the Quarantine Backyard Ultra
For more than 24 hours, long-distance racer ran laps inside Alberta town’s coffee shop
An Ultramarathon… in your living room?
Injury ends runner Dave Proctor’s cross-Canada speed attempt in Manitoba
Stephanie firmly believes that success isn’t measured solely by professional accomplishments. True success encompasses the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. By actively participating in community boards, leveraging her skills, and applying her strategic mindset, she aspires to create a lasting, positive impact in the community.
At Take Roots, we’re not just passionate about what we do professionally; we’re equally passionate about sharing our expertise and commitment to make a meaningful difference in the community, guided by Stephanie’s vision. It’s our way of giving back, building capacity, and contributing to a brighter future. Together, let’s build a stronger and more vibrant community, one strategic step at a time.
ERIN Steering
Committee Member
Appointed in May 2023, Stephanie was selected from a diverse array of service providers and entrepreneurs in the Edmonton region to the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network’s Steering Committee. This committee represents a wide spectrum of service providers who collectively share a common mission: to accelerate the growth of Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem.
Stephanie’s involvement with the ERIN Steering Committee is more than a commitment; it’s a reflection of her dedication to our community. Her role aligns perfectly with her passion for community service and her professional know-how in strategy, communication, and capacity building.
Past volunteer roles
Fort Edmonton Foundation Board Member:
Preserving Edmonton’s rich history.
100 Women Who Care, Sponsorship Relations on the Board of Directors:
Empowering local philanthropy.
Volunteer Committee, Christmas Bureau of Edmonton:
Fostering community support.
Shadow Theatre Board Member:
Contributing to the vibrant arts scene.
Varscona Theatre Alliance Campaign Cabinet Member:
A commitment to the arts.
Terwillegar Community League Communications Director:
Building community connections.
Terwillegar Community League Board Member:
A steadfast dedication to community building.
Community Give
Back Program
We recognize the importance for charities and non-profits to excel with their fund development program, to raise much-needed funds to advance their mission and deliver programming to deserving clients. We also understand that budgets are tight and the need to do more with less is the norm and not the exception. That’s why we created the Take Roots Community Give Back Program.
Charities and non-profits can apply to receive strategic counsel from Take Roots on a fund development project at 50% of the standard rate. We only accept up to three (3) clients per calendar year. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.
We will consider
Alberta-based charities and non-profits
Charities and non-profits that are federally registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency
Charitable organizations that provide a health, welfare or social service in the local community
We will NOT consider
Individual pursuits
Third-party organizations raising funds for charity
Religious organizations, with the exception of secular activities open to those of all faiths, such as operating a shelter or a group program, or unless the organization is engaged in a significant project benefiting the entire community
Donations to political groups, private schools, pre-schools, elementary and high schools
Endowment or capital campaigns
Donations to groups whose operating areas are outside of Canada
The Community Give Back Program is funded throughout the Calendar year (January 1 to December 31). We reserve the right to consider requests at any time. Our goal is to respond to proposals within two weeks.