Ahmed Hussein is the CEO of TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization multi-services agency in Toronto since 2014. With over 20 years of experience in various management positions within the organization, Ahmed has been instrumental in the evolution of the settlement and community-based sector. He has actively contributed to transforming the sector to align with changes in immigration selection processes and services for newcomers.
Ahmed has also been involved in overseas development programs in Africa and the Middle East. His senior executive experience and involvement in settlement and immigration forums, such as OCASI, IRCC, and the Canadian Council of Refugees, have further enriched his contributions. Ahmed holds a Master of Infrastructure Planning (MIP) from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and has studied Public Policy at the Caledon Public Policy Institute.
Since joining Centre for Newcomers, Anila has grown the agency by $12M, adding nationally recognized programming such as LGBTQ+ refugee supports and indigenous education for newcomers. She co-chaired the Calgary COVID Care Table, where she led the civil society response to assist over 50,000 vulnerable Calgarians.
Anila is the Chair of Ag Media at the Calgary Stampede, volunteer with Calgary Foundation, member of International Women’s Forum, Rotary and enjoys training in martial arts at Pamana Kali.
Bob Baker is an Elder, co-founder and Spokesperson for Eagle Song “S’pakwus Slolem” dancer troupe, the most reputable Dance Group of the Squamish Nation. Bob has been exercising his culture through singing, dances, and various presentations for over 35 years. Accomplishments range from revival of sea-going canoes and traditions, to cultural projects such as the 27 ft. grandmother welcome figure at Ambleside Beach Park in North Vancouver.
Bob was also proud to be part of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies.
Peter Wong is the current Chairperson of the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society.
He has paddled on the men’s national team in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Peter has coached for corporate teams and for his multi-generational family Dragon Boat team. He is currently the portfolio manager with Raymond James based in Vancouver.
Dr. Gerard Roberts, traditional name Abouyou, is of the Karina nation, and his wife Peta-Gay Roberts, traditional name Tayaliti, is of the Taino/Arawak First Nations. Okama is a Taino word meaning ‘listen’ or ‘hear’. The family has an anointing for breakthrough, healing and deliverance.
Gerard and Peta-Gay are international speakers, ordained with Indigenous Messengers International, and as a family the Roberts are ‘Wampum Carriers’ of the Grand River Six Nations.
Peta-Gay is a ‘Song Keeper’ (singer/songwriter) as well as a Worship Keeper (facilitates worship), musician, author and First Nations Fancy Shawl dancer.
Subash Giri is an international musician, scholar, teacher, and community-engaged researcher-activist. He is a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology at the Department of Music, University of Alberta, Canada. He holds Master’s Degree in Hindustani Classical Voice (M MUS). Subash’s specialty and expertise are in South Asian music and culture, particularly that of India and Nepal. He has performed extensively in numerous venues and concerts across Canada, Norway, and Nepal. Some of his remarkable performances include Kaleido Festival, Winspear Centre, Suicide Awareness concert, Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, International Music Week concert, World Music Festival, Inter-faith events, to name but a few.
Joemy Joseph was born and raised in Haiti in the mid 80’s, from a Christian family, of which he is the first born and followed by 3 brothers and a sister.
After high school, Joemy moved to the Dominican Republic where he lived for around 10 years. He studied there for 5 to 6 years and formally started his musical software engineering careers, having recorded several religious albums in English, French, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
He feels honored to be a citizen of this great country, and he looks forward to contributing to the things that make Canada great.
Originally from southern Philippines, Dave Reroma had been to different places internationally until he happily settled here in Canada with his wife. They eventually started a family upon the birth of their lovely daughter. Two memorable experiences are taking the oath of citizenship and a cross-country trip as a family to see the beauty of our provinces from sea to shining sea. Both occasions evoked tremendous pride and joy.
Zophia is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines who started calling Toronto her home 12 years ago. A current policy analyst, she is grateful to live and work on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
Mr. Wilber Huang was born in the city of Nanjing, China. He immigrated to Canada in 2000 and became a Canadian citizen in 2005. With over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, he has been working as a consultant and senior software engineer for various clients and sectors.
Mr. Huang also has actively volunteered for the Chinese Society of Nova Scotia and the local community. He has held multiple leadership positions, including executive member, secretary of the Board of Directors, president, and senior advisor of the Executive Committee. In 2014, he received the Halifax Regional Municipality and Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer Award in recognition of his dedicated service.
His contributions to the community have also been acknowledged by Honourable Geoff Regan, MP of Halifax West, who commended Mr. Huang for his leadership and significant impact in 2019. Furthermore, in 2022, he was honored with the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pin, expressing appreciation for his many years of volunteerism, dedication, and commitment to the Society.
Apart from his professional and community endeavors, Mr. Huang has diverse interests in life. He particularly enjoys activities such as running and the arts.
