Welcome back to Raise & Shine - Spring Edition!

We’re excited to kick off a brand‑new series in Raise & Shine—our Department Spotlight 🎉

In this series, we’ll be highlighting the teams working behind the scenes (and yes, behind the spreadsheets 👀) who help keep everything at Raise running smoothly.

First up: Compliance.

And yes… that Compliance—but not the “no” team. Think of them as the “let’s figure out how to make this work” team. They help us move smarter, avoid surprises, and scale with confidence—all while keeping us on the right side of the rules (their specialty 😄).

Before we meet the team behind it, let’s take a moment to review the highlights from last quarter.

CAP, RAP, WAAP Report:

Number of Successful Processes in the last quarter (January/February/March):

  • RAP: 15
  • CAP: 21
  • WAAP: 1

To learn more about starting a RAP, CAP, or WAAP, please visit our Teal Site for additional information.

New Employees in the last quarter (January - March 2026):

  • Komal Sharma joined DEL as an Associate Recruiter
  • Swasthi Shetty joined DEL as an Associate Recruiter
  • Nica Pancho joined DEL as a Recruiter

  • Julian Silverio joined DEL as a Recruiter

  • Beamie Reyes joined DEL as a Recruiter

  • Khem Limoso joined COR CSL as a Contractor Success Representative

  • Ryan Sullivan joined COR Core Ops as a Payroll Specialist
  • Tamela Adebutu joined COR Compliance as a Compliance & Administrative Coordinator

  • Linda Crnkovic joined COR Core Ops as a Payroll Coordinator

  • Ivy Fuentiblanca joined SHF as a Recruiter

  • Ruby Bonifacio joined DEL as a Recruiter

  • Joana Beleno joined SHF as a Recruiter
  • Keiffer Sotomil joined FUS as a Recruiter

  • Elle Duran joined SHF as a Recruiter

  • Amy Geiger joined Back Office as the Senior VP of Operations

  • Ravinder Singh joined DEL as a Senior Recruiter

  • Nida Waquad joined COR Marketing as a Digital Marketing Strategist

Double Your Impact with Donation Matching

Your generosity can go even further! Through Raise’s donation matching program, eligible personal donations can be matched by the company helping you double your impact and support the causes that matter most to you.

Once you’ve made a donation, submitting for a match is quick and easy. Just upload your receipt in BambooHR and select the Donation Matching option when submitting.

Annual matching limits by region:

  • North America: $250
  • India: ₹6000
  • Philippines: ₱6000
  • Ghana: ₵650 

Every contribution counts, and this is one simple way to make yours go further. If you have any questions or need support submitting your request, feel free to reach out!

Quick Reminders:

Volunteer Spots Are Filling Up

Volunteering is a key part of how we show up as a B Corp—and an opportunity to make an impact beyond our day‑to‑day work.

We’ve curated a list of great volunteer opportunities for B Corp Day this month, with options by region and virtual opportunities available. Spaces are limited, so be sure to visit the B Corp Day landing page and secure your spot soon.

Don’t see an initiative that fits? You can choose your own with a DIY option and log your volunteer hours in BambooHR by May 31st.

Pay Transparency Reminder

With many CAPs completed this past quarter, we’d like to take a moment to remind employees who’ve recently finished a CAP to consider joining our Pay Transparency model, if you haven’t already.

Participating in Pay Transparency helps strengthen our culture of openness and supports our shared commitment to a transparent and equitable operating system. Whether during or after your CAP, it’s a meaningful way to stay aligned as we continue to grow—together.

Confidential Escalations

REMINDER: At Raise, we have zero tolerance for discrimination. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. If you ever feel unsafe, experience inappropriate behavior, or have ideas to strengthen our culture, please reach out to any member of the People & Culture team (Allyson, Cassandra, Grishma H, Kavya C, Sagar, Sanad) or share your feedback through the engagement survey by CLICKING HERE!

For confidential escalations, visit: https://raise.confidenceline.com/

#HIGH5 #HIGH5 #HIGH5 #HIGH5

March #High5 Week Recap

Quarterly #High5 Leaders

Our very first #High5 Week wrapped up with tons of energy, appreciation, and shoutouts across Raise! Thank you to everyone who jumped in, celebrated teammates, and helped spotlight the great work happening every day.

Here’s a quick look at the week’s stand‑out High‑Fivers:

Top 3 Givers:

  • Vishnu Mohan — 74
  • Jebas Christadoss — 53
  • Richa Tandon — 41

Top 3 Receivers (3-way tie!):

  • Princess Hernandez — 14
  • Kimberly Robles — 14
  • Dale Artap — 14

Outside of High5 Week, we also tracked who’s been spreading the most appreciation across Raise this past quarter. Here are the top High‑Fivers from Q1:

Top 5 Givers:

  • Abdallah Larry — 82
  • Vishnu Mohan — 81
  • Jebas Christadoss — 62
  • Brooke Hudon — 54
  • Anisa Haq — 42

Top 3 Receivers:

  • Kimberly Robles — 21
  • Jebas Christadoss — 19
  • Princess Hernandez — 18
  • Dhanisha Shetty — 18
  • Dale Artap — 18

And good news… #High5 Week is now monthly!

We’ll be bringing it back every month to keep the positivity, recognition, and team spirit going strong. Keep the High‑Fives coming — big or small, they make Raise a better place to work.

April - June holidays & events:

  • April 2: Maundy Thursday (PHL, PERU)
  • April 3: Good Friday (USA, CAD (Minus QC), IND, PHL, PERU, GHN)
  • April 6: Easter Monday (QC, GHN)
  • May 1: May Day / Labour Day (BNG, PHL, PERU, GHN)
  • May 18: Victoria Day (BC, AB, MB, ON ,QC)
  • May 25: Memorial Day Day (USA)
  • May 28: Eid El-Adha / Bakrid (BNG, GHN)
  • June 12: Independence Day (PHL)
  • June 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (QC)

Compliance Is the Strategy: More Than Rules, It’s How We Grow

Compliance used to be introduced like the anti-fun police—lights on, everyone on alert: “Careful what you say… Compliance is here.” 

We’re working to retire that mindset. Because the truth is: compliance isn’t the thing that stops the business—it’s what helps unlock growth. 

I joined the team in 2019 and stepped into the Director of Compliance role in 2021. Back then, Compliance was a lean team of three, with Kristy as our longest-standing pillar. Since then, we’ve continued to evolve—and this year has been a big one. 

With our company theme, “Compliance is the Strategy,” we’ve expanded to match: more specialization, more proactive program-building, and more “yes—and here’s how” support—now strengthened by the addition of Adam Sinclair (Health & Safety) and Kim McDade (HR Lead), alongside Kelsey driving SOC 2. 

So what does Compliance actually do?

I hope the team introductions in this article help clarify who does what. At a broader level, Compliance helps Raise make smart, safe decisions that scale. 

That can look like building programs, coaching teams through risk so we can move fast and stay solid, or simply asking the one question that prevents a messy surprise later. 

The goal is simple: build strong habits and scalable systems that make Raise the kind of partner clients want inside their business. It’s not just about placements—when compliance works well, it brings everyone along for the ride: our teams, our partners, and our clients. 

Our Compliance “Cheat Codes”

  • If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. (Yes, this one made it onto a t-shirt.) After a call, send the follow-up. Confirm decisions, owners, and dates. 
  • Assumptions are expensive. When you’re unsure, pause and ask. Misaligned expectations turn into rework, disputes, and strained relationships. 
  • Document the ‘why.’ Future you will thank you. Capture not just what we decided, but the reasoning behind it. 
  • Near-miss = free lesson. Don’t pay for it twice. Small issues are early warnings. Fix them before they become real problems. 
  • If you can’t do it safely, you can’t do it. / Shortcuts cut careers. Speed and convenience never outrank safety. 
  • Security is what we do when no one’s watching. The small, consistent actions are what build (and maintain) trust. 
  • Candor + clarity beats silence + confusion. Raise concerns early. Name risks clearly. 
  • Show them the ugly baby. Let the facts speak. When people can clearly see the gaps, better decisions follow. 

When I joined Raise, Dianne Colling shared something that stuck with me: stories are what people remember. 

My takeaway has always been this—don’t just teach the rule, demonstrate the why through real experience. 

If you ever need a reminder of why we do things the way we do, ask someone from Compliance to share a story that shaped their career—a near-miss, a complaint, or a hard lesson learned. 

Those stories are the real reason “Compliance is the Strategy.” 

– Meaghan N. 

Raise HSE Update:

Department Spotlight: Compliance

We’re kicking off a new series in Raise & Shine—our Department Spotlight.  

This is where we highlight the teams behind the scenes who keep everything running at Raise. 

First up… Compliance. 

We know what you’re thinking—cue the doom music. 

But honestly, they’re the team that helps us find a path forward—keeping us on track and out of trouble. They’re the ones working behind the scenes to help us move smarter, navigate complexity, and keep everything running smoothly. 

Let’s meet the team:

Meaghan Nowicki

Strategic, Sharp, and Unshakeable 

Your go-to External Director of Compliance. 

Supports complex, high-risk areas of the business—from contracts to governance to legal escalations. 

What I Support: 

  • Client Contracts & Risk Reviews 
  • Business Contracts & Legal Oversight 
  • Client Intake & Operational Setup 
  • External Complaints & Regulatory Matters 
  • Corporate Governance 
  • Worker Classification (W2 vs IC) 

Superpower: 

Turning messy, high-pressure situations into clear, structured action plans 

Fun Fact: 

Loves line dancing 

Adam Sinclair

Practical, Proactive, Risk-Focused 

Your go-to Health, Safety & Environmental Specialist. 

Leads all things HSE and safety-related compliance. 

What I Support: 

  • HSE Strategy & Compliance 
  • OSHA, Workers’ Compensation & Insurance Reviews 
  • Client Safety Platforms 
  • Global Expansion & Safety Readiness 
  • Risk Mitigation & Safety Documentation 

Superpower: 

Turning complex compliance into practical, scalable business solutions 

Fun Fact: 

Collects sports memorabilia

David Ballew

Global Thinker, Big Picture Focused 

Your go-to EVP, Compliance. 

Brings a global perspective to compliance and operations. 

What I Support: 

  • Global Compliance & Expansion Strategy 
  • Workforce & Operational Scaling 
  • International Business Operations 
  • Compliance Across Markets & Jurisdictions 

Superpower: 

Seeing what others might miss through experience and perspective 

Fun Fact: 

Visited 50+ countries 

Kelsey Pawlak

Organized, Calm, and Solution-Oriented 

Your go-to Compliance Officer. 

Supports insurance, privacy, licensing, and compliance advisory. 

What I Support: 

  • Insurance Program Management 
  • Cybersecurity & Privacy 
  • Business Licensing 
  • Compliance Advisory 

Superpower: 

Turning “miscellaneous” into organized systems 

Fun Fact: 

Ballroom dancer and Rocky Mountain hiker 

Kim McDade

Empathetic, People-First Leader 

Your go-to National HR Compliance Lead. 

Supports HR strategy, escalations, and process improvements. 

What I Support: 

  • HR Strategy & Escalation Management 
  • Background Check Compliance 
  • HR Programs & Policy Improvement 

Superpower: 

Empathy and active listening 

Fun Fact: 

Hasn’t seen most classic movies 

Kristy Winslow

Thoughtful, Thorough, and Reliable 

Your go-to Compliance Specialist. 

Supports vendor onboarding, insurance, and compliance processes. 

What I Support: 

  • Vendor Onboarding 
  • Insurance Reviews & COIs 
  • Workers’ Compensation 
  • Canadian Employment Standards 
  • RFP Support 

Superpower: 

Anticipating risk 

Fun Fact: 

Also a dental hygienist 

Rustann Steele-Yeo

Calm Under Pressure, Creative, People-First Leader 

Your go-to HR Manager & Compliance Specialist. 

Leads HR and Compliance across Canada and the U.S. 

What I Support: 

  • College Board Workforce & Program Operations 
  • Cross-Border HR & Compliance Strategy 
  • Investigations & Employee Relations 
  • Visa & Immigration 
  • Accommodations & Event HR Support 
  • Policy & Compliance Framework Development 
  • Risk Management 

Superpower: 

Staying calm under pressure and keeping the human in HR/Complaince 

Fun Fact: 

Does it all without coffee 

Sabina Parmanand

Detail-Driven, Always Curious 

Your go-to Compliance Coordinator. 

Supports compliance coordination and audits. 

What I Support: 

  • Workers’ Compensation Codes 
  • Contractor Injuries 
  • Audit Support 
  • Safety Coordination 

Superpower: 

Finding root causes 

Fun Fact: 

From a family of singers 

Tamela Adebutu

Organized, Reliable, Behind-the-Scenes Support 

Your go-to Compliance & Administrative Coordinator. 

Supports compliance triage and Houston office operations. 

What I Support: 

  • Compliance Triage & Workflow Coordination 
  • Cross-Team Coordination 
  • Administrative Operations 
  • Mail & Document Management 
  • Logistics Support 

Superpower: 

Organization and follow-through 

Fun Fact: 

Loves traveling—solo trip to St. Thomas was life-changing 

 

Raise around the globe

Through a Local Lens:

For our latest contest, we asked you to share your best landscape photo from your home country—one image that captures its beauty through a local’s eyes.

We’ve received stunning submissions from 3 locations, each offering a unique perspective on the places our global team calls home. Now it’s your turn to take a look and help us decide the winner.

Scroll through the photos, soak in the views, and cast your vote HERE for the image that speaks to you most. The winning photo will be decided by popular vote—so every vote counts!

Canada (Silverstar):

The Philippines (Big Lagoon):

Peru (Machu Picchu):

Around the Globe Contest: Pet Edition

Our next Around the Globe contest is all about our furry (and not‑so‑furry) friends!

We’re inviting participants to submit two photos:

  • One photo of yourself
  • One separate photo of your pet

We’ll mix things up and challenge our Raise & Shine community to match each pet to the correct owner. 

This round will feature multiple submissions per location, and your votes will decide the outcome. The person who correctly matches the most pets with their owners will help their location take the win!

Please submit photos to sanad.shahrour@raiserecruiting.com to be featured in the next edition.

And the Day Joke Winner Is…

We have a Dad Joke champion! After reviewing all the finalists, the Raise & Shine editorial team is excited to announce that the winning submission comes from Canada—congrats to Emma Sommers! 🇨🇦

The winning joke:
“Every time I go to work I hide. My boss said good employees are hard to find.”

Thanks to everyone who participated—keep the stories, laughs, and creativity coming!

Editors-in-chief of Raise & Shine: Sanad Shahrour & Rustann Steele-Yeo. Special thanks to Meaghan Nowicki, Adam Sinclair and the rest of the Compliance Team for contributing to this edition.