Leeds & GrenvilleDiversity Day Immigrants, Employers, Service Providers andCommunity Members of Leeds and Grenville
HOSTED BY:LEEDS & GRENVILLE IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIPCITY OF BROCKVILLE
07 Facilitated Discussions
03 What is the Leeds & Grenville
Immigration Partnership?
04 Diversity Day 2016
08 Economic Development & Labour
Market
09 Community Awareness & Community
Support
CON
TEN
TS
2
12 Service Providers & Community
Resources
03 Council Members
05 Participants
06 Welcoming Communities vs. Inclusive
Communities
14 The Way Forward
15 Event Evaluation
16 Appendix
W H A T I S T H E L E E D S & G R E N V I L L E
I M M I G R A T I O N P A R T N E R S H I P ?
2016The Leeds & Grenville Immigration Partnership is a coalition of
organizations working to make Leeds & Grenville an attractive
place for immigrants to live, work, study and invest in. Funded
by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the
Immigration Partnership was established in 2010 after
extensive consultations with newcomers from
Leeds & Grenville and nearby urban centres, and various Leeds
& Grenville service providers. Making Leeds & Grenville
communities welcoming and inclusive for immigrants was an
underlying priority of these consultations, and as a result,
became one of the objectives of the Immigration Partnership.
The Immigration Partnership is led by a Secretariat consisting
of a Program Manager and a Project Coordinator who work
closely with a Council of 20 (2016) individuals and
organizations from across Leeds & Grenville. The Council
shares best practices, develops initiatives that support
immigrants, and raises the awareness of the importance of
creating welcoming and inclusive communities.
C O U N C I L M E M B E R S ( 2 0 1 6 )
Brockville & District Multicultural Council
Chinese & Canadian Heritage Cultural
Association
City of Brockville Economic Development
CSE Consulting
Employment + Education Centre
Francophone Immigration Support
Network of East Ontario
Fulford Academy
KEYS Job Centre
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health
Unit
Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise
Centre
Parks Canada
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food &
Rural Affairs
St. Lawrence College
1000 Islands Region Workforce
Development Board
TR Leger Immigrant Services/TR Leger
Services aux Immigrants
The Works Events Canada Inc.
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
Upper Canada Leger Centre
Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau
YMCA of Brockville & Area
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D I V E R S I T Y D A Y 2 0 1 6
On October 26, 2016, Leeds & Grenville Diversity Day was held at the
Brockville Memorial Centre. The event was hosted by the Leeds &
Grenville Immigration Partnership and the City of Brockville and was
facilitated by Elizabeth Green, a private consultant based in Brockville
(see Appendix B for full biography). Fifty-eight participants came together
to learn from keynote speaker Hindia Mohamoud (see Appendix C for full
biography), Director of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership, who
spoke about creating welcoming communities in Ottawa. Participants
also heard from a panel of local individuals who shared their
experiences about welcoming newcomers to their community and
settling in Leeds & Grenville as a newcomer.
To make Leeds and Grenvillea more inclusive region fornewcomers by discussing
ideas, strategizing for action,and pledging to participate.
Diversity DayObjective
Hindia Mohamoud, Directorof the Ottawa Local
Immigration Partnership,spoke about creating
welcoming communities inOttawa.
KeynoteSpeaker
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P A R T I C I P A N T S
A variety of stakeholders and partners participated in Diversity Day. The full list
can be found in Appendix A.
Representatives from municipal, provincial and federal government agencies
Service providers representing 8 different sectors (Education, Refugee Support,
Employment, Public Health, Recreation, Public Libraries, Volunteering,
Immigrant Services, Community Safety)
Newcomers
Faith communities
Employers
Post-secondary students and community youth
Representatives from four different Immigration Partnerships
Individuals representing organizations from Merrickville, Kemptville, Perth,
Brockville and Augusta Township
Organizations who serve all of Leeds & Grenville
The panel included: Julie Case, Settlement Worker, TR Leger Immigrant
Services/TR Leger Services aux Immigrants; Brandy Smith, Community Engagement
Coordinator, Brockville Public Library; Tony Komery, newcomer; Monique van
Someren, newcomer; Samia O’Day, Founder and Director of the Canada Music
Academy, All You Need Music and the Montreal Academy of Music; Linda
Chadwick, CEO, Brockville Public Library.
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W E L C O M I N G C O M M U N I T I E S V S .
I N C L U S I V E C O M M U N I T I E S
COM
MUN
ITY
WHAT IS A WELCOMING COMMUNITY?
A welcoming community is one where there is a positive attitude
toward immigrants, cultural diversity, and the presence of
newcomers in the community. This positive attitude can come in the
form of feelings, opinions and/or behaviours towards newcomers.
Positive attitudes towards immigrants are closely related to other
characteristics such as lack of discrimination in the workplace, social
engagement and relationships with the police and justice system.
A welcoming community and an inclusive community are defined
differently. Using an immigrant context, the Diversity Day facilitator
explained the differences between them.
Reference: http://p2pcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Characteristics-of-a-Welcoming-Community-11.pdf
WHAT IS AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY?
An inclusive community is one where there is social involvement and
intercultural understanding between newcomers and local members
of the community. Members reach out to engage newcomers and help
them connect to social, political and cultural opportunities.
Opportunities to build social connections, increased intercultural
understand and respect between newcomers and the local
community, inclusion and common identity, increased exposure to the
labour market, improving language skills, increasing knowledge of
local culture, feeling more connected to other residents
and, increasing a sense of identification with the local community are
all results of an inclusive community.
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F A C I L I T A T E D D I S C U S S I O N S
Led by the event facilitator, small group discussions provided
an opportunity for all participants to discuss key questions
pertaining to the current and future inclusivity of Leeds and
Grenville communities. The following section provides an ‘as
was said’ overview of those discussions organized under the
themes of Economic Development & Labour Market,
Community Awareness & Community Support, Service
Providers & Community Resources. Points marked with an
asterisk (*) were recorded numerous times by various
participant groups.
Within each theme, strengths and challenges were identified
by participants as factors that either hindered or helped Leeds
& Grenville communities become more inclusive for
newcomers. The Participant Pledges reflect what participants
felt they or their organization could do to enhance the
inclusivity of local communities. The reader is encouraged to
use and share these ideas with others who may be interested
in creating open and inclusive workplaces, schools,
neighbourhoods, towns and cities.
Groups discussed ways to makeLeeds and Grenville a more
inclusive region for newcomersby discussing ideas,
strategizing for action, andpledging to participate.
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E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T &
L A B O U R M A R K E T
What strengths in our community
can improve inclusiveness?
Economic development and smallcommunity support for smallbusinessesTourism destinationEconomic development - encouragingpeople to come to our communityProcess of growth is improving
What challenges in our community
prevent inclusiveness?
"WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING
NEWCOMERS TO THE AREA VIA
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT AND THE TOWN OF
SMITH FALLS."
"SHARE JOB POSTINGS WITH
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS MORE
BROADLY."
"RAISE THE ISSUE RE:
HIRING/EMPLOYMENT
SPECIFICALLY IN THE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SECTOR
AS AN OPPORTUNITY."
"WORK ON READYING MY STAFF
FOR A REFUGEE WORKER."
"CONNECT BETTER WITH THE
CITY OF BROCKVILLE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT."
"HIRE NEWCOMERS WHO
ARE EQUALLY SKILLED AS
OTHERS."
Lack of employment*Provincial jurisdiction in tradesLicensing
PARTICIPANT PLEDGES
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C O M M U N I T Y A W A R E N E S S &
C O M M U N I T Y S U P P O R T
What strengths in our community
can improve inclusiveness?
Visible commitment (media coverageof refugees)Changing mindsets - progress,immigrants, names, preconceivednotionsWe know where Aleppo and Liberiaare!Worldview is changing - opening!Embracing diversityStrong desire in the communitySmall community - welcoming andapproachableWelcoming, warm attitudesLocal faith communityGood partnerships and goodwillWillingness to discuss, share, improveour inclusivenessGenerosity ($$)Refugees have been welcomedChurches are getting together / gottogether!Municipal supportLeadership (change inattitude/coming from the top)
What challenges in our community
prevent inclusiveness?
Biases exist (can be subtle, culture,systemic racism, assumptions)*Inclusivity based on differentenvironmentBeing a visible minority can play afactor in acceptance - don't judge abook by its cover.Labels (us vs. them, race, poverty,disability)*Our communities haven't beenchallenged in inclusivenessVisibility* - there aren't manyvisible minorities hereMisinformed - media creates aculture of fear*Lack of culturalknowledge/education awarenessMedia vs. individual portrayal ofthe situation - is it the wholepicture?*Connecting to the idea - focussingon details blocking the path the toideaAttitudes and beliefsSocial media - not enough goodstoriesOvercoming culturalobstacles/cultural sensitivityBusy lives prevent social inclusion
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PARTICIPANT PLEDGES
EVENTSNEWCOMER
SUPPORT
COMMUNITY AWARENESS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
"THROUGH STAYINGINVOLVED WITH OUR
MULTICULTURAL &DISTRICT FESTIVALS."
"SPEAK TO THE DIRECTOROF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND CITYMANAGER TO DISCUSSTHE CITY HOSTING ANEVENT TO CELEBRATE
IMMIGRANTS &INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS."
"CONTINUE TO MAKECONNECTIONS -
INTERFAITHGATHERINGS."
"PARTICIPATE IN FUTUREIMMIGRATION
PARTNERSHIP EVENTS."*
"I WILL PAY ATTENTIONTO WHEN THE NEXT
MULTI-CULTURAL EVENTIS AND ATTEND."
"I PLEDGE TO ALWAYSWELCOME AND GREETNEWCOMERS WITH AN
OPEN MIND."
"I PLEDGE TO FIND NEWIDEAS AND WAYS TO GET
INVOLVED IN THECOMMUNITY TO HELP
NEWCOMERS."
"BUILDING OURCOMMUNITY INTO A
STRONGER INTEGRATEDCOMMUNITY."
"GET INVOLVED IN THECOMMUNITY, MAKE THEM
FEEL WELCOME."
"WELCOME NEWCOMERS,HELP THEM AS MUCH AS
POSSIBLE."
"HELP FAMILY MEMBERSWHO FEEL ISOLATED, TO
FIND THEIR COMMUNITY."
"TALK WITH A NEWCOMERIN OUR COMMUNITY."
"HELP A NEW FAMILY ON APRACTICAL LEVEL
(SHOPPING FOR A PROPERCOAT - DOWN FILLED!)"
"TO ENLIGHTENNEWCOMERS AND DO
WHAT I CAN TO SHOW MYAPPRECIATION AND
WELCOME THEM WITHOPEN ARMS."
VOLUNTEERING
"VOLUNTEER AT THEBROCKVILLE PUBLIC
LIBRARY, VOLUNTEER ATTHE DIVERSITY DAY
CELEBRATION. I WILL ALSOINCLUDE NEWCOMERS IN
ACTIVITIES & HOPE TOENCOURAGE NEWCOMERS
TO GET INVOLVED."
"CONTACT THE LOCALREFUGEE COMMITTEE TOVOLUNTEER OR DONATE."
"LOOK FOR WAYS TO BEINCLUSIVE THROUGH
VOLUNTEERISM."
"VOLUNTEER IN MYCOMMUNITY, BE AN
AMBASSADOR OFCULTURAL DIVERSITY AND
SOCIAL INCLUSION."
"MORE HELP - THE PEOPLEIN OUR COMMUNITIES."
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ADVOCACY &
AWARENESS RAISING
COMMUNITY AWARENESS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
"AT THE CITY OF KINGSTON LEVEL,TRY TO GET SOME MORE SUPPORT
AND BUY-IN."
"PERSONALLY ANDPROFESSIONALLY, I FEEL WE HAVE
TO DO EVERYTHING TO MAKEINCLUSION MORE OF A PRIORITY."
"SPREADING WORD OF MOUTHABOUT THIS DIVERSITY MEETING."
"HELPING HAND, PATIENCE,EXPRESSING TO OTHERS WHO ARE
OPEN MINDED, THE BENEFITS OFHELPING."
"LEARN MORE ABOUTSUPPORTING NEW CANADIANS
AND THEIR QUEST FOR BUILDINGA NEW LIFE IN VERY SMALL
COMMUNITIES WITH LITTLEDIVERSITY."
"CONTINUE TO DISPEL MYTHSREGARDING DISABILITIES AND
DIFFERENCES WHENEVER I SPEAKWITH PEOPLE."
"CONTINUE TO EDUCATE MYSELFON MULTICULTURAL ISSUES."*
"CONTINUE TO EXPLORE MY ROLEIN PRIVILEGE/EQUITY."
"STRENGTHEN OUR EXISTINGOUTREACH TO COMMUNITYPARTNERS ON THE TOPIC OF
INCLUSION."
"I WILL CONTINUE TO HAVEDISCUSSIONS WITH MY FRIENDS
AND COLLEAGUES."*
"TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED INTHE COMMUNITY AND EVENTS TO
UNDERSTAND MORE OFDIFFERENT CULTURES AND
BELIEFS."
"CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FORMINORITIES."
"LEARN COMMON GREETINGSAND WELCOMING PHRASES IN 3
NEW LANGUAGES."
PARTICIPANT PLEDGES
"SHARING POSITIVE STORIES;
RAISING AWARENESS WITH
THOUGHT PROVOKING
CONVERSATION."
"BE AWARE OF AND
CALL OUT
UNCONSCIOUS BIASES I
MAY HAVE."*
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S E R V I C E P R O V I D E R S &
C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S
What strengths in our community
can improve inclusiveness?
VolunteersService agenciesLeeds & Grenville ImmigrationPartnership*Francophone Initiative (FrancophoneImmigration Support of East Ontario)Supportive institutionsSmall community vs. citySharing of resourcesAddiction and Mental Health OpenAcess Walk-In DaysCommunity policing
What challenges in our community
prevent inclusiveness?
How to connect the resources toimmigrants? (proactive)HousingTransportation*Easy access to language servicesLack of child careAccess to $ for translators - arethere services that can be shared?Time of day demand for servicesLanguage and communicationbarriersIsolationLimited advancement to leadershiproles for newcomersAssimilation vs. connecting*Lack of knowledge - rules andregulationsAwareness of resourcesTrying to always overcomeobstacles, adaptability
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ADVOCACY &
AWARENESS
RAISING
COLLABORATION
& SHARING BEST
PRACTICES
PERSONAL
INITIATIVES
SERVICE PROVIDERS & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
"TALK ABOUT THE LEEDS &GRENVILLE IMMIGRATION
PARTNERSHIP."*
"INCLUDE A POSITIVERECOGNITION OF BRAVERY
DEMONSTRATED BY ANINTERNATIONAL STUDENT,EACH TIME I ENGAGE WITHA TEACHER QUESTIONING
THEIR WILLINGNESS TOENGAGE."
"ADD DIVERSE IMMIGRANTSTORIES TO THE
BROCKVILLE ARTSWEBSITE."
"OFFER WORKSHOPS &COMMUNITY EVENTS TOEXPAND KNOWLEDGE OF
'OTHERS'."
"SPEAK TO VARIOUSORGANIZATION OF WHICH I
AM A MEMBER - RELATINGSTORIES AND ANECDOTES
SHARED TODAY - WITH THEGOAL OF PROVIDING MORE
RESOURCES TO HELPNEWCOMERS."
"I WILL HELP DEVELOPTOOLS AND RESOURCES INMY ORGANIZATION THAT
WILL HELP RAISEAWARENESS OF HEALTH
EQUITY TO BETTER SERVENEWCOMERS."
"I WILL WORK WITH MY STAFFAND VOLUNTEERS TO ENSUREOUR YMCA IS INCLUSIVE AND
ACCESSIBLE. I WILL ALSOWORK TO BUILD
PARTNERSHIPS/RELATION-SHIPS WITH COMMUNITY
SERVICE PROVIDERS."
"TO CONTINUE TO BECOMEMORE AWARE OF RESOURCES
AND CULTURES OFIMMIGRANTS IN THE
COMMUNITY."
"WORK ON 'LIVING' LIBRARYWITH IMMIGRANT
COMPONENT FOR CULTUREDAYS 2017."
"I PLAN TO BRING THIS TOPICTO LIGHT IN THE
FACILITATION OF MY YOUTHPROGRAM."
"IN MY ROLE AS ESL SUPPORTIN A SCHOOL BOARD, I WILL
WORK TO UNDERSTAND HOWNEWCOMERS ACCESS THE
SERVICES OUTSIDE OFSCHOOL THAT ARE AVAILABLE
TO THEM."
"IMPROVE MY PERSONALQUALIFICATIONS IN
LANGUAGE SUPPORT."
"WORK MORECOLLABORATIVELY WITH
OTHER IMMIGRATIONPARTNERSHIPS IN OUR
COMMUNITY."
"WORK MORECOLLABORATIVELY WITH
OTHER COMMUNITYAGENCIES TO INCREASE
OUR CAPACITY TO BEINCLUSIVE."
"SHARE BEST PRACTICES -KEYS AND ACROSS THE
PROVINCE."
"BE IN CONTACT WITHOTHER EMPLOYMENTSERVICE PROVIDERS -
KEYS."
"CONNECT WITH LEEDS &GRENVILLE LIBRARIES TO
'SPREAD THE WORD."
"PROVIDE SUPPORT ANDIDEAS TO THE EEC, THE
CITY, IMMIGRATIONPARTNERSHIP AND OTHER
COMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERS BASED ON
OUR EXPERIENCES,SUCCESSES AND LESSONSLEARNED IN KINGSTON."
"SUPPORT THE EXPANSIONAND SPECIALIZATION OF
EMPLOYMENT ANDRELATED SERVICES (I.E.
MENTORING) INGANANOQUE AND
BROCKVILLE. CONTINUETO PARTICIPATE & SHARE."
PARTICIPANT PLEDGES
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T H E W A Y F O R W A R D
The strengths, challenges, and participant pledges
identified in this report, will enable the Leeds & Grenville
Immigration Partnership to work with partners and
stakeholders to develop community initiatives that address
inclusivity issues throughout Leeds & Grenville. This
report will also feed into the development of a 2017/18
work plan for the Immigration Partnership.
Event participants are strongly encouraged to examine the
challenges, strengths and ideas for improvement presented
in this report. If a participant is interested in pursuing an
initiative, they are encouraged to reach out to the
Immigration Partnership for access to relevant best
practices research, connections to community partners,
funding ideas and general support.
Melissa Francis
Project Manager
613-498-2111 ext. 244
Project Coordinator
613-498-2111 ext. 261
Vivianne White
www.leedsgrenvilleimmigration.ca
www.facebook.com/LGimmigration
@LGimmigration
2017
514
EVENT EVALUATION
All participants were asked to complete an event evaluation.
The following is a summary of the results.
When asked if the workshop met their expectations:
Key suggestions for event
improvement included:Participants were most
interested in the:
Group table discussionsPanel discussionKeynote speakerImmigration Partnership Presentation
Providing more time for personalnewcomer stories.Including a larger number ofnewcomer participants & panelmembers.
metexpectations
'somewhat' metexpectations
didn't meetexpectations
of participants felt the event was 'very
good' or 'excellent'.
of participants felt that the workshop
achieved the objectives outlined at the
beginning of the day.
of participants felt the event organization
was 'very good' or 'excellent'.
93%
100%
84% 14% 2%
92%
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A P P E N D I X A :
E V E N T P A R T I C I P A N T L I S T
Alexis Green Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health UnitAudrey Bridge The Merrickville Bridge to CanadaAustin Bennett Youth Job ConnectionBea Singh Leeds & Grenville Immigration Partnership Council, Brockville and DistrictMulticultural FestivalBill Bannan Employment + Education CentreBill Buckler Augusta TownshipBrandy Smith Brockville Public LibraryBrianna Conlon Youth Job ConnectionChristine Kennedy St. Lawrence College (student)Dean Brown Upper Canada District School BoardDebbie Blair Leeds & Grenville Addiction and Mental HealthDeborah Alarie Employment + Education CentreDerek Grise Youth Job ConnectionDiana Liu Immigration, Refugees and Immigration CanadaEileen Doner Wall Street United ChurchEmily Wimpenny Brockville and Area YMCAEric Gingras Youth Job ConnectionEvan Treff Youth Job ConnectionGeorge Elliott Augusta TownshipGillian Jackson Developmental Service of Leeds and GrenvilleHarold Hess Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence RideauHindia Mohamoud Ottawa Local Immigration PartnershipHunter Coates Youth Job ConnectionJacqueline Schoemaker Holmes City of BrockvilleJames Lucas Youth Job ConnectionJudith Haddad Refugee support, PerthJulie Case TR Leger Immigrant Services/TR Leger Services aux ImmigrantsKara Turner Smiths Falls Local Immigration PartnershipKatie Nolan Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsLesley White City of BrockvilleLinda Chadwick Brockville Public LibraryLori Taylor Upper Canada District School BoardMadeleine Nerenberg KEYS Job CentreMarion Daley Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence RideauMatthew Raby Upper Canada Leger CentreMatthew Robertson Youth Job ConnectionMeghan Sample CSE ConsultingMichael Harris KEYS Job CentreMike Steacy Youth Job Connection 16
A P P E N D I X A :
E V E N T P A R T I C I P A N T L I S T C O N T ' D
Monique van Someren NewcomerMorgan VonBylburg St. Lawrence CollegeRyan Gilbert Youth Job ConnectionRuss Disotell Brockville Culture DaysSamia O’Day All You Need MusicStephanie Dunbar City of BrockvilleSue Higgins North Grenville Public LibrarySunita Gupta Kingston Local Immigration PartnershipSusie Pettifer Youth Job ConnectionTara Kelly Employment + Education CentreTeresa Shevchenko KEYS Job CentreTony Komery NewcomerTrudy Kennell Community MemberTyrell Haye Youth Job ConnectionWendy MacLean Christ United ChurchWendy Onstein Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre
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A P P E N D I X B :
F A C I L I T A T O R B I O G R A P H Y
A P P E N D I X C :
K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R B I O G R A P H Y
Hindia Mohamoud is the Director of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership. She has
close to twenty years of experience with building community solutions through research,
partnership development, and program design. She is currently the Director of the Ottawa
Local Immigration Partnership, where she is responsible for facilitating the establishment
and implementation of a community-wide vision and strategy for improving the settlement
and integration of immigrants in Ottawa. Previously, she worked as the Director of
Research at the Social Planning Council and as a Director of Impact and Investment at
United Way/Centraide Ottawa. Hindia’s academic background is varied, she holds a
Master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa and various diplomas in
business, management, technology, and communication. She is also fluent in four
international languages, including both official languages. Hindia is widely engaged with
local social development process and activities. For example, she is a member of the City
for all Women’s Initiative (CAWI) and a regular volunteer at a local food bank.
Elizabeth Green is a management consultant and facilitator, working with public and non-
profit organizations to help them to problem solve and plan for success. She has facilitated
events for organizations including community-based non-profits, community health centres
(CHCs), government ministries, international NGOS, software companies, and national arts
coalitions. She offers consulting services including strategic planning, program evaluation,
organizational reviews, fund development, community needs assessments, human
resources and risk management policy development, and more. Elizabeth has a Master's
Degree in Comparative, International and Development Education from OISE at the
University of Toronto.
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