August 10, 2015

Trailblazer: Rachel Baaske

Wallis Evera Hemp Eco Fashion - 3-Piece Suit in Black Silky

Founder, Link2Life Emergency Training

I am the founder of Link2Life Emergency Training located in Vancouver.  Through university I worked as a lifeguard which is where I started teaching CPR to co-workers between shifts.  When I finished school I kept teaching on the side while I started working in a bank full time.  I loved both but in the end I choose to pursue running my own business because I believe that everyone should be trained in CPR! 

My company, Link2Life has been providing quality first aid training for companies, individuals, and communities in Greater Vancouver for more than 10 years. We offer a variety of first aid certification and recertification classes including First Aid, CPR, AED and Mask Fit Testing.  Our students are healthcare providers, fitness professionals, childcare workers and others who need certification for work or school programs.  We also have public classes for members of the community who want to learn lifesaving skills such as our Infant CPR Workshop for new parents.  Link2Life instructors are passionate about teaching and are certified by Red Cross, Lifesaving Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Our goal is to make necessary training as fun and convenient as possible.

Most meaningful achievement: Opening our office and teaching space in June of 2012.  Signing a lease was a big step but once we were committed having a full time space allowed us to be more creative and run more programs.  

Lessons learned: Get a mentor.  I have been a part of the FWE mentorship program for 4 years now and I cannot recommend it enough.  

Best advice: Get help.  Value your own time and know what your strengths and weaknesses are.  Build a team of great people and empower them to do great work.  

The future is: bright.  

Wallis Evera Hemp Eco Fashion - 3-Piece Suit in Black Silky

Photo by Vairdy Photography; Jewelry by Stephanie Ann Studios