Our Team
Angelique LeBlanc
Chief Executive Officer
CEO since August 2014 – Angélique has a natural ability to lead teams and develop partnerships. To strengthen this innate talent, Angélique has dedicated herself to gaining both education and experiences that provide great value to her regional economic development contribution.
Her economic and business development experience in Nova Scotia have equipped Angélique with an acute understanding of the challenges faced by local business communities. She has built a solid network of regional and provincial contacts and has worked with all levels of government in the process.
A native, bilingual Nova Scotian, Angélique also spent 6 years teaching abroad, and acquired a global perspective along with the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
Angélique has an MBA through Université de Moncton.
Directrice générale depuis août 2014 - Angélique est naturellement douée pour la direction d’équipes et le développement de partenariats. Pour renforcer ce talent inné, elle s’est consacrée à l’acquisition d’une formation et d’une expérience qui apportent une grande valeur à sa contribution au développement économique régional.
Grâce à son expérience en matière de développement économique et entrepreneurial en Nouvelle-Écosse, Angélique a acquis une compréhension approfondie des défis auxquels sont confrontés les milieux d’affaires locaux. Elle a tissé un solide réseau de contacts régionaux et provinciaux et a travaillé avec tous les niveaux de gouvernement dans le cadre de ce processus.
Cette femme bilingue née et élevée en Nouvelle-Écosse a également passé 6 ans à enseigner à l’étranger, ce qui lui a permis d’acquérir une perspective mondiale ainsi que la capacité de s’épanouir dans des circonstances éprouvantes.
Angélique est titulaire d’une maîtrise en administration des affaires de l’Université de Moncton.
Tel/Télé: 902-740-5099
Email: aleblanc@westernren.ca
Brenda LaGrandeur
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator since May of 2023- Brenda originally joined the team at the Western Regional Enterprise Network in 2017 as the Connector Program Manager. In 2021 she took on the role of Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator and also oversaw the REN’s first Succession Program.
Brenda brings her proven abilities in project management and working with diverse stakeholders to the team and manages regional initiatives from start to finish. Her experience includes 8 years of Community Development with the Municipality of Argyle and 2 years as Communications and Professional Development Officer with a Provincial Association of Economic Development organizations in Ontario.
Brenda is a proud bilingual Acadian and applies her extensive networking and organizational strengths to all aspects of her work.
TelTélé: 902-653-0369
Email: blagrandeur@westernren.ca
Wade Cleveland
Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator since July 2024 - Wade comes to the table with over 40 years of experience in Communications work. He is a long-time radio personality locally and in both New England and Cape Breton. He recently hosted a successful podcast, “Ignited” that celebrated local entrepreneurs and change-makers in rural Nova Scotia.
Wade is a passionate community leader and volunteer. He serves as a member of Yarmouth Town Council, currently chairs the town’s Planning Advisory Committee and is past chair of both the Mariners Centre Management Board and YASTA. He still serves on both of those boards as well as the board of HOPE and the Transit Committee to name just a few. In 2023 he won the Community Impact Award at the Chamber of Commerce’s Yarmouth Business Awards.
When he’s not working Wade can be found singing in local bands, and playing with his two granddaughters.
Tel: 902-774-2943
Email: wcleveland@westernren.ca
Jessica Chant
Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator
Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator since 2023 – Jessica graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work.
She started her career in Social Work and brings over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, most recently being the Executive Director of a Community Learning Organization before transitioning to the Western REN team.
Originally from Clare, she and her family moved back from Massachusetts in 2021. With a first-generation immigrant spouse and second-generation immigrant infant, she is passionate about Canadian Immigration and creating a diverse and welcoming space for newcomers in the Western Region.
Tel: 902-740-0182
Email: jchant@westernren.ca
Alex Rios
Global Talent Coordinator
Global Talent Coordinator since December 2025 - Alex has a background in HR, including recruiting, onboarding, developing retention strategies, and navigating several immigration programs. In his previous role as the Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator, he helped strengthen and expand partnerships with community organizations in the settlement and retention sector.
Alex immigrated to Nova Scotia in 2017. As someone who has lived in all three counties, he has developed a genuine passion for seeing the Western Region grow. He’s eager to put his skills to work by helping employers stay connected and informed, and by linking them with partners who can provide one-on-one support.
Outside of work, Alex is always learning new skills through various courses, and he recently joined the Barrington Fire Department as a volunteer to give back to the community. He loves spending time with his family, exploring the region’s culture, and playing soccer—his favorite sport. Alex is committed to helping newcomers put down roots in our community and is excited to share his passion for this region with them.
Tel: 902-778-3005
Email: arios@westernren.ca
Darshini Arogyaswamy
Western REN Board Coordinator
Board Coordinator since February 2022 - Darshini brings several years of expertise in Event Management and Customer Service with her. She has worked with cultural non profits and has experience organizing large scale community engagement events in Toronto. She also runs her own business. Originally from India, she moved to the town of Yarmouth in 2020.
Tel: 647-787-2015
Email: darshini@westernren.ca