Hi, I’m Rachel
The long version of how I got here…
I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, spent my school years moving across the Prairies, studied Geography at the University of Calgary, and eventually built my career there. Looking back, the locations matter less than the pattern—they all led me toward work that combines problem-solving, creativity, and helping people make ideas happen.
After university, I followed the traditional path into environmental consulting, starting as a junior technician writing reports and creating maps before gradually taking on project coordination and management responsibilities. It was valuable experience, and I eventually realized I was far more energized by improving the way work happened than by the technical work itself.
After ten years, I left the corporate world to join a small business, where I found my sweet spot. My business card said Operations Manager, but in reality I wore whatever hat was needed—human resources, finance, accounting, client relations, project management, reporting, and countless other responsibilities. Small teams don't have the luxury of silos, and I loved that. Every challenge became an opportunity to build a better system, streamline a process, or create a tool that made everyone's life easier.
Ready for a new challenge, I transitioned into organizational and leadership development. Once again, I found myself surrounded by passionate people working toward something bigger than themselves. I had the opportunity to design and build an online leadership learning hub, combining strategy, technology, and creativity in ways that reminded me how much I enjoy bringing ideas to life.
That work eventually opened the door to healthcare quality improvement, where I've spent the last several years partnering with physicians, non-profit organizations, and government to improve surgical care across British Columbia. It's incredibly rewarding work—not just because of the impact, but because it lets me do what I love most: take complex ideas, work with great people, and turn them into practical resources that make someone's job easier.
Over the years I realized the work I enjoy most isn't tied to a particular industry or job title. It's joining a small team, understanding where they're trying to go, and helping them get there. That's what led me to start Milledge Consulting—a chance to work alongside passionate people across different organizations, bringing ideas to life wherever I can make the biggest impact.
Outside of work, I'm endlessly curious. I have a habit of discovering a new hobby, diving in headfirst for a year or two, and then adding it to the collection while I chase the next adventure. Photography, quilting, running, yoga, cross-country skiing, paddle boarding, knitting, board games, rock climbing—you name it, I've probably given it a serious attempt. The same curiosity that leads me to try new hobbies is what keeps me excited about new projects, new challenges, and finding better ways of doing things.
A few fun things about me…
I love organizing things—spaces, information, cutlery drawers.
There’s a good chance I’ve already built a spreadsheet for it.
I get way too excited about finding a better way to do something.
I love leaving things better than I found them.
I'm happiest working with happy people.