Wayfinder Newsletter – May 2025

A note from Paula –

This spring, I’ve been keeping track of a family of great horned owls in the woods near my home. Two owls return to the same area every year, and last month, I was pleased to see three little owlets pop their heads up from the protection of their nest. As the weeks went by, they grew taller and stronger, eventually becoming crowded in their highly-perched home.

Oh, how leaving a nest is hard! At one point, one owlet had fallen out of the nest, and had to hop across fallen logs and lower branches for days, until he could build the wing strength to get higher to safety (all in vulnerable view of circling hawks). In the nerve wracking days that followed, his siblings looked down from the nest with curiosity, until they felt strong enough to make the leap for themselves.

Here’s the thing – we can plan and hope and flap our wings all we like, but our true strength comes when readiness and preparation support a leap of faith. It could be launching a new brand or campaign, stepping into the spotlight, saying yes to a media interview, navigating change, having a tough conversation or managing a crisis. 

I applaud all of you who have recently taken leaps of faith within your organizations and businesses. We see you, we celebrate you. We are here to help you fly. 

Meet our new Interns, Olivia and Bella! 

We’re excited to welcome Olivia and Bella, our summer interns, to the team! Internship season is always a special time at WPRS, and we look forward to supporting Olivia and Bella as they grow professionally and bring fresh energy and perspective to the team. 

Meet Olivia

Q: How did you get your start in marketing/communications?

A: I did a 360 degree turn in my school journey when I transferred from The University of British Columbia studying theatrical arts to Mount Royal University to pursue public relations. As much as I loved theatre, it began to feel more like a chore than a passion. I now look forward to each semester and am enthusiastic about my career path and the opportunities ahead of me. 

Q: What’s your favourite social media platform?

A: I think TikTok is mainly seen as a brain rot platform. While it can lead to that many times, it can be a very informative platform that can teach and inspire you to learn new things. 

Q: What’s your favourite marketing quote?

A: “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.” Seth Godin

Q: What’s your passion outside of work?

A: I am a major sports fan, whether that includes watching events at home, live in-person, or getting the opportunity to work for those organizations, you can always find me getting involved. Outside of athletics my passion lies in reading and literature. You’re guaranteed to find me with a book or two on the go and my Kindle in my purse. For the best book recommendations, I’m your girl.

Meet Bella

Q: How did you get your start in marketing/communications?

A: My communications journey started at Mount Royal University. I was previously pursuing a sociology degree but I didn’t feel like it was the right fit for me. I started looking for a program that offered a chance to flex my creativity and strategic thinking skills.

Q: What’s your favourite social media platform?

A: Instagram helps me stay connected with friends and family, no matter where they are. I love being able to share everyday moments through photos and stories, and seeing what the people I care about are up to makes me feel closer to them. Plus, the creative tools make it fun to express myself in a way that feels personal and real.

Q: What’s your favourite marketing quote?

A: “The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.” – Peter Drucker

Q: What’s your passion outside of work?

A: My passion lies in finding balance and joy through the things I love. I truly value spending quality time with friends and family, whether we’re catching up over a meal or simply enjoying each other’s company. I also love being out in the sunshine, exploring fun new restaurants and cafés or taking a yoga class to unwind. I think the most important thing is to make everyday moments feel special.

Learn more about our amazing new interns by reading their bios here.

Class Dismissed: Learning Lab Wraps Up

Each year, we open our doors to a select group of communications students, offering the chance to gain real-world experience and deepen their understanding of the PR industry and agency life. Our Learning Lab is designed to educate, inspire and prepare the next generation of PR professionals. This year’s sessions explored timely topics such as influencer relations, social media strategy and creative problem-solving. Students rolled up their sleeves and tackled a communications challenge, gaining hands-on experience in strategic planning and learning the pivotal role social media plays in today’s PR landscape, all within the setting of a fast-paced agency environment.

It’s rewarding to be a part of these future industry leaders’ journey as they take their first steps in PR.

WPRS at the 2025 Enactus Canada National Exposition

We were proud to have members of our senior management team serve as judges at the 2025 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where they witnessed firsthand the innovation, passion and purpose-driven ideas of more than 600 young entrepreneurs from 51 universities across the country, each working to create real-world social and environmental impact.

A special congratulations goes out to Paula, who was recognized with the prestigious 2025 Enactus Alumni of the Year Award. This well-deserved honour reflects her commitment to inspiring and empowering emerging leaders while accelerating her own growth as an entrepreneur. Paula’s passion and dedication continue to make a lasting difference, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements.

Soaring with Wild FC

We’ve been cheering for Wild FC since day one, beginning with their launch at last year’s media event. Just one year later, we had the incredible opportunity to witness their very first home game!

It has been an honour to be part of this important chapter, not only for Calgary’s sports culture but also for the advancement of women’s sports. Our team will be cheering them on all season long as we support them as a valued client. 

Taza Unveils Sales & Marketing Centre and Announces First Builders

On Saturday, May 24, Taza will officially open the doors to its Sales & Marketing Centre, marking a significant milestone for one of the largest Indigenous-led developments in North America. This launch offers visitors a chance to explore the vision and community shaping this landmark project. The first three builders, Brookfield Residential, Crystal Creek Homes, and Homes by Avi, have now been announced, representing a meaningful step toward bringing Taza’s bold vision to life.

We are grateful to support Taza with PR, copywriting, social media and more. Congratulations to the entire Taza team on this incredible achievement.

The U/D Night Market Returns for Summer 2025

It wouldn’t be a WPRS summer without the return of the U/D Night Market series! The first market of the season is on Wednesday, May 28, at Central Commons Park. This vibrant community event will feature local vendors, offering everything from artisanal goods and live entertainment. 

Rundle Breaks Ground on New School Building

In a historic moment for the Rundle community, ground has officially been broken on the new Rundle Academy school. The Rundle Academy is a specialized school dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities through personalized, well-supported education. This milestone reflects not only the start of construction but also a thoughtful investment in a learning environment where all students can thrive.

The Dorian Launches Lunch on 27 

Whether you’re looking for a midday reset, a business lunch, or simply a quiet moment away from the downtown rush, The Dorian now offers Lunch on 27, a new lunch experience with a relaxed, elevated touch on the 27th floor. It’s a welcoming space to unwind, connect and enjoy good food in good company. We’ve loved seeing this project come together and hope you’ll stop by and enjoy it for yourself.

Looking Forward

It’s been a season of fresh starts here at our agency. Thank you for supporting our journey and championing us through our growth. We are tremendously grateful for your partnership and support. 

 

For more updates on our team and our work, follow us on our social media platforms.