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
Hélène D’Eon
Accounting and Finance Coordinator
Accounting and Finance Coordinator since September 2021. Holding a Business Administration diploma with a concentration in Accounting from NSCC, Hélène boasts extensive experience in the administrative field.
Born and raised in Pubnico, Hélène is deeply proud of her Acadian heritage and is bilingual in French and English. Her roots not only enrich her cultural identity but also imbue her with a strong sense of community and dedication to her work.
With a solid professional background and years of practical experience, Hélène is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of finance and administration, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to the success of the Western REN.
Tel: 902-881-3008
Email: hdeon@westernren.ca
Keval d’Entremont
BusinessNow Lead
BusinessNow Lead since November 2024 - Keval joined the team in 2018 as the Accounting and Finance Coordinator. In 2023, she pivoted to the role of Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator, being promoted to BusinessNow Lead in November 2024.
After obtaining a Business Administration Diploma from NSCC, Keval began her career in the seafood industry, briefly leaving to complete a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Saint Mary’s University. Keval brings a unique blend of financial and industry experience to support local business development. She’s excited to forge strong connections within the business community and encourage growth through BusinessNow and its main programs, Continuous Improvement (CI) and Business Transition.
Tel: 902-740-0151
Email: businessnow@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, hosting Yarmouth Mariners home games and playing with his two granddaughters.
Tel: 902-774-2943
Email: wcleveland@westernren.ca
Miranda MacLean
Connector Program Manager
Connector Program Manager since April 2021 - Miranda’s passion for supporting the community and previous experience in community outreach, program development and management continues to grow the connector program while helping clients build their networks and connect talent with local employers. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Sociology from Acadia University. Her past career roles have included: Residential Supervisor at the Conway Workshop, Outreach Worker for the Tri-County Women’s Centre and SHYFT Youth Services and Aquatics and Youth Manager for the Fundy YMCA. Miranda is active in various volunteer roles, including Advisor to the Worker’s Advisory Committee at Inclusion Clare, board member of the Digby Housing Coalition, past co-chair of the Digby and Area Community Health Board, and past member of the Digby and Area Welcoming Committee.
Tel: 902-340-8136
Email: mmaclean@westernren.ca
Alex Rios
Interim Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator
Interim Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator since November 2024 - Alex has a background as a foreign worker liaison and working in HR. He has found love and passion for Western Nova Scotia and is excited to be a part of creating a welcoming place for Newcomers here.
Tel: 902-740-0182
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
Jacqueline LeBlanc
Get Side-Tracked Program Officer
Having relocated from Ontario, when Jacqueline first arrived to Yarmouth, it "immediately felt like home."
After visiting this vibrant seaside town, with all its beauty and potential, she and her husband knew they wanted to start a business in Yarmouth that could contribute to the progress of the tourism industry in the area.
With a formal education in Business Marketing, and a vested interest in the economic development of the community, Jacqueline is dedicated to fostering relationships with local business owners and visitors alike. Through her work with the Western REN, she aims to make a meaningful impact by supporting and driving sustainable growth in the region.
Cell: (902)740-3483
Email: getsidetracked@westernren.ca