Meet Rhonda –
Your Guide to
Purpose-Driven Leadership
From Frontline Leadership to Uptrack Leadership
My own leadership journey began long before I founded Uptrack Leadership. Since 2004, I’ve held formal leadership roles, navigating the complexities of team management, organizational change, and strategic development. My passion for leadership was ignited when I took on the responsibility of supervising a multi-disciplinary team of social service professionals. I quickly learned that leadership isn’t just about management—it’s about fostering connection, inspiring growth, and creating the right conditions for people to thrive.
Learning to Leading: A Passion Ignited
In 2013, I attended Leadership 2020, a program developed by the BC Government and the BC Federation of Community Services. This transformative experience deepened my understanding of visionary and progressive leadership, particularly within the human services sector. It was the catalyst that led me to pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Leadership in Human Services at the University of Calgary, which I completed in 2018.
As I moved through my career and leadership journey—from frontline leadership to director-level roles in government and non-profits—I saw firsthand the challenges leaders and organizations face: navigating change, maintaining alignment, and fostering engaged, collaborative teams. In 2018, I transitioned into teaching leadership and social work at the post-secondary level, where I developed a passion for facilitating learning and helping others maximize their leadership potential. That’s when I knew: empowering leaders to rise was my true calling.
"Leadership is about vision, connection, and the courage to navigate change. Leaders who empower others transform organizations and communities."
What is an ‘Uptrack’?
As an enthusiastic backcountry skier, I’ve learned to appreciate the value of a skillfully laid uptrack. In skiing, an uptrack is the path in the snow set by the leader of the group. An effective uptrack sets a course for progressive upward movement that safely and efficiently leads the group to the summit. In much the same way, leaders must do the same for the people they work with.
I’m Not a “Coach”—I’m a Leadership Guide.
The world of leadership development offers endless options for coaching. My approach to leadership development incorporates 30 years professional training and experience in social work and leadership development, which gives me a unique perspective about what people need to thrive. I provide tailored, evidence-based leadership development that is grounded in experience, research, and real-world application. My approach is strengths-based, participatory, and deeply relational, ensuring that both individuals and organizations walk away with clear strategies, practical tools, and meaningful growth.
Why Work With Me?
Leadership is a journey, and every great leader needs a guide—someone who has walked the path, understands the obstacles, and can help you navigate with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re:
- A leader seeking to enhance your skills and impact.
- An organization looking to develop a strategic vision and align your team.
- A workplace striving to improve collaboration, culture, and engagement.
Uptrack Leadership is here to help you rise to the challenge and lead with purpose.
Should we work together?
- 20+ years of real-world leadership experience in government and non-profits.
- A Master’s degree in Social Work (Leadership Specialization)—formal academic training in leadership theory and organizational change.
- Experienced educator and facilitator—teaching leadership and social work at the post-secondary level, mentoring future leaders with practical, real-world applications.
- Formal training in Reflective Supervision, Strengths-Based Leadership, and Appreciative Inquiry.
- Recognized expertise in strategic planning, leadership facilitation, and team development.
- Award-winning leadership contributions, including the Premier’s Award (Emerging Leader Category), Community Impact Award, and SCOPE Award for Professional Excellence.
Awards & Talks
BC Premier’s Award (2014)
In 2014, Rhonda was recognized provincially for her ‘lead by example’ approach to supervising her team and supporting her community. In her work with the Public Service, Rhonda was instrumental in creating new services, inspiring collaboration among her team and beyond, and providing support and mentorship to her staff, community agencies, and her peers. Rhonda has been recognized by the Castlegar community and by her colleagues as someone who demonstrates leadership above and beyond the norm, always with the best interests of clients at the core of service delivery.
SCOPE Award (2022) “Rooted in Relationships”
In 2022, Rhonda received the Standing Committee on Professional Excellence (SCOPE) Award for her contributions to Selkirk College and was recognized for her deep commitment to supporting students and inspiring them “to do the hard work required to ultimately serve others to the best of their abilities. Rhonda teaches through story-sharing from her past experiences with social work,” wrote a graduate of the program. “She encouraged us to attend learning separate from the classroom and is extremely inclusive in her classroom.”
TEDx (2023)
At the TEDxSelkirkCollege Countdown event, Social Worker Rhonda Belczyk delves into the significance of leadership in combating climate change. She examines what individuals require to navigate change effectively and how societal factors like individualism hinder existing leadership efforts. Belczyk’s talk explores relational approaches that leaders can adopt to effectively manage and influence change.
