Our Team

Ryley Hawkeswood

Community Engagement Coordinator

Ryley enthusiastically guides our clients through the steps of starting a co-op – from helping them define their vision to filling out their incorporating documents, setting up their bylaws, and boosting their confidence to see their business through.

As a people-person who wants to see rural communities thrive, he loves the innovative ways people use the co-op model to make that happen. He feels honoured to help make that process easier for motivated entrepreneurs and appreciates learning something new from each group of clients he works with.

How he got here

Ryley grew up in Prince Albert and came to Co-operatives First in 2023 after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Saskatchewan. During his graduate studies, he was a research assistant for the School of Public Health, studying rural and remote homelessness and housing security – something he continues to be passionate about. He was also introduced to co-ops when he worked for a credit union for over four years.

In his free time, you can find him…

  • Playing softball, slo-pitch, or golf
  • Trying new restaurants with his wife
  • Listening to music

Fun facts

  • Once ate 54 chicken wings in one sitting – a record he hopes to never break

Favourites

  • Artist: Mac Miller
  • TV show: How I Met Your Mother
  • Food: tacos
  • Sports team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Back

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block