Rael Brown

For Rael Brown, giving back is not a side project. It is a way of life.

Born in Middle Arm, Newfoundland, Rael moved to Fort McMurray when she was eight years old. Like many families who found their way to the region, her parents came seeking opportunity and a better future. What was meant to be a practical decision became a blessing. Rael grew up surrounded by possibility and community spirit, and those early experiences shaped the path she walks today.

Now 32, Rael works as an Administrative Assistant at Canadian Natural Resources Limited. She supports leadership across the company’s oil sands mining operations and is known in the workplace as someone people can count on. From coordinating schedules to assisting with training initiatives, she takes pride in being a reliable point of connection for her colleagues.

The most meaningful part of her role is the chance to contribute beyond her daily tasks. Rael is actively involved in Canadian Natural’s United Way campaigns and uses her position to encourage others to participate. In 2024, she helped lead one of the company’s most successful fundraising efforts. She also organized a secondary collection for The Children’s Centre through the Stuff the Bus initiative. Delivering the items herself allowed her to see the impact first-hand, which reaffirmed her commitment to service.

“It is not just about totals or goals,” she says. “It is about seeing how people’s lives are affected.”

Family is at the heart of Rael’s drive to serve. Their constant encouragement allows her to dedicate time to community initiatives, and she now passes those values on to her daughter. She wants her to grow up knowing that helping others is not an obligation but a privilege. Rael leads with that belief in everything she does.

Her motivation comes from connection. She enjoys bringing people together and creating pathways for generosity. In her experience, most people want to help. They simply need someone to organize the opportunity and show them the difference it makes. Whether it is through fundraising, volunteering, or delivering donations in person, Rael finds purpose in uniting others around a common goal.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing as a trusted leader. Professionally, she plans to strengthen her skills in communication and coordination. Personally, she wants to remain active in community initiatives and guide her daughter through example. Her long-term vision is to continue serving in roles that create real impact.

Rael believes one of the most significant challenges facing Fort McMurray is ensuring that support reaches people in meaningful ways. Families may need childcare resources, mental health supports, or financial relief. Engagement is another hurdle. Some people feel disconnected from their community, which makes it harder for them to get involved.

Her solution is straightforward. Keep showing people exactly where their efforts go. When impact is visible, participation follows. When people feel welcomed, they are more likely to contribute.

In her own words, Rael sees herself as a connector. She supports leadership inside the workplace and drives action outside of it. She bridges intention with outcome, generosity with results.

Above all, she remains humble. She does not chase recognition. She simply wants to make a difference and raise her daughter in a place where kindness is the standard.

“I believe in leading by example,” she says. “Every effort counts, no matter how small.”