Duncan McFadzean
- Tell us what about yourself and your venture?
I’m Helen, the CEO/Founder of Rise. I have a background in Education but made a career change after working with refugees in Sicily and Lebanon. I currently work in the Third Sector advocating for and supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Glasgow. We established Rise after seeing women face barriers to gaining employment, such as low self-esteem and self-worth, lack of UK qualifications and experience, as well as lack of confidence in English, especially around regional accents. We offer a six month training programme in food and hospitality, where the women we work with have the opportunity to gain new skills, qualifications and experience through our food trailer, catering and events.
- How did you get involved with Creo?
CREO was recommended to me by one of our Directors. I have no idea how he found it, as it was so new at the time. He sent a link, and I contacted about getting involved.
- How did you find your experience of Creo? How did it help your venture?
I really enjoyed CREO, it was great to immerse yourself in Biblical principles and approaches for tackling social issues. I found the topics and videos really helpful, but it was working with my coach that I found most impactful. Our project has evolved since it was established, and it was really helpful to tap into the wealth of experience and expertise that Duncan has to see our project flourish.
- What are you most excited for in your venture?
I am excited to see women empowered and moving on to bigger things with a sense of purpose and increased self-esteem and confidence in themselves, and what they have to offer to the people of Scotland. We want to see refugees in our city valued and their experience, qualifications and potential recognised and utilised.
- What are some of the things you’re thinking about/questions you are asking as an entrepreneur?
How to scale our project. We believe that Rise has the potential to impact the lives of many more refugees, not just in Glasgow but potentially across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Helen is originally from Northern Ireland, but has lived in Scotland for over 13 years. She has a background in education, gaining her teaching qualification and a Masters in Education at Magdalene College, Cambridge. Helen taught in the independent sector, before going on to work with refugees and asylum seekers in Sicily and Lebanon, which led her to leave education and work with refugees and asylum seekers in the Third Sector. Helen has relished the challenges that starting Rise has presented, especially the need to innovate through Covid restrictions, and cannot wait to see what next 12 months will bring.