Raissa Espiritu is...

My name is Raissa, I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I grew up in Dundas, Ontario, and until recently lived in Toronto, Ontario for more than half my life. I now reside in Calgary, Alberta, and spend a lot of time traveling across Canada. In fact, since I left Ontario, I have visited more parts of this country in the past 18 months than I did in my first 40+ years.

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I live my purpose daily. It is a reflection of my life journey so far and it is my North star. I am a Philanthropic Leader, managing the Healthy Horizons Foundation focused on empowering youth in Northern Indigenous Communities. I am also a Co-Founder & Serial Entrepreneur, Impact Investor, Advisor, and Bridge Builder – I make the change I want to see in the world by using my personal ambition, skills, and tenacity to solve the world’s biggest and my community’s most dire problems.

I am very passionate about the work I do and have expertise that spans Basic science & Medical technology, especially in FemTech, Social finance & Impact investing, Community Wealth Building & Economic Development, Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and building Innovative Ecosystems. I am a champion for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

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I am also a mental health survivor/thriver. Since my late teens, I have battled depression on numerous occasions and in 2015 was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am grateful to report that since being properly diagnosed, and with the help of my support system, I am successfully managing my mental health.  I know I am very lucky and thank my family and friends, my partner, and my long-time therapist for caring for me.  Without these people in my life, I could not live a purposeful life. Nor have a wonderful home, and four huskies that get me out of the house and into the wilderness.

Putting up my hand is about my passion for life. I hope you enjoy my site and all of the unique content I offer. Take a look around, I hope you find something relatable in my stories that will help you in some way.