Directors

Meet the dedicated team of directors behind AAISA

Our Board of Directors consists of leaders from various organizations who bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting newcomers in Alberta.

Director

Alphonse Ahola

Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle

Alphonse Ahola's engagement in Canadian community life began upon his arrival, initially as Secretary General of the Cameroonian Association of Edmonton. He later served as Vice-President External of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Alberta, and subsequently took leadership roles as President of La Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle (FRAP) and Chair of the Réseau d’immigration Francophone de l’Alberta (RIFA). Alphonse is dedicated to justice, fairness, and excellence, aiming to improve community living conditions through advocacy, awareness, and mobilization efforts. Recognized for his contributions, Alphonse received commendations from Alberta's Legislative Assembly in December 2017 for his work in advancing human rights and inclusion. He currently serves on the National Advisory Committee on Francophone Settlement (CCNEF), holds an executive role at the Canadian Council for Refugees, and is a member of the Premier's Council on Multiculturalism in Alberta.

Director

Amanda Goodnough

The SPEC Association

Amanda became the Executive Director of The SPEC Association in 2021, bringing with her over 20 years of experience navigating both non-profit and government sectors. With a dynamic blend of experience spanning the settlement sector, human resources leadership, non-profit governance, financial competency, and risk management, she is a seasoned professional with a strong commitment to cultivating inclusive communities and driving organizational excellence. Amanda completed her Bachelor’s Degree in social work in 2018 and is in her final year of the Master’s program through the University of Calgary. Amanda has worked collaboratively with various programs and organizations aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees in their integration journey. She has facilitated access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, empowering newcomers to thrive in their new environment. An advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Amanda is passionate about dismantling barriers and fostering environments where all individuals feel valued and respected.

Director

Danielle Barnes

NorQuest College

Danielle Barnes is a Program Manager in the LINC program at NorQuest College where she leads with a focus on collaboration and innovation. She has worked with newcomers to Canada in a variety of roles over the past 20 years. She brings a background in education, faculty development, and in developing programming that meets the needs of diverse learners.

Director

Eoin Murray

Catholic Social Services

Eoin Murray is the Vice President of Immigration and Settlement Services at Catholic Social Services. He previously worked in communications, fundraising, and on human rights in the Middle East and women's rights. In addition to the AAISA Board, he serves on the boards of The WISE Charter School in Edmonton and the New Canadians Health Centre.

Director

Esdras Ngenzi

Centre d'accueil des nouveaux arrivants francophone (CANAF)

Esdras Ngenzi, PhD in Geography from Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, immigrated to Canada in 1997. For 15 years, he contributed to Ontario's college system, holding roles from teacher to administrator at Collège des Grands Lacs, Niagara College, and Collège Boréal. He actively supports French-speaking minority communities in Ontario and Alberta, focusing on francophone immigration. Esdras has served on boards including Niagara Training and Adjustment Board, Employment Help Center, and ACFO-Régionale Niagara. His interest in French health services led to a five-year tenure on the board of Community Care Access Centre-CASC Erie St Clair and leadership roles in health planning entities. In Alberta, Esdras was General Director of the French Canadian Association, Calgary Region, and currently leads Centre d'accueil pour nouveaux arrivants francophones (CANAF). His expertise spans adult training, employability, community development, and governance of public and non-profit sectors. He also oversees the Alberta Health Network and facilitated the establishment of a French-speaking clinic in Calgary.

Director

Hervé Stéclebout

Cité des Rocheuses

Hervé Stéclebout has been the CEO of the Cité des Rocheuses since 2012. Born in France and a Canadian citizen since 2015, Hervé is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Hervé graduated from a French business school. Back in France, Hervé used to work in the banking sector. In Canada since 2011 and in Calgary since 2012, Hervé has given new impetus to la Cité des Rocheuses. After leading a primary renovation phase of the community centre, Hervé has developed settlement services for newcomers. Hervé is fully committed to ensuring that Francophiles and Francophones in Calgary and the surrounding area can access services provided in French, take part in French classes and experience artistic, cultural and community events in French.

Secretary

Lori James

Making Changes

Lori has over 30 years of experience in empowering teams and supporting clients. She joined Making Changes as the Executive Director in October 2022, focusing on empowering women and promoting equal opportunities.

Director

Savanna Prociw

Lethbridge Family Services

Savanna has been working in the Settlement Sector for the last 15 years – coming out of university, working with refugees and newcomers was her dream job, and she was thrilled to be given a position at Lethbridge Family Services in 2011. Since then she has worked in the front-line, welcoming Government Assisted Refugees to Canada, until becoming manager of Lethbridge’s Resettlement Assistance Program in 2020. She is a dedicated learner, and is passionate about working in the nonprofit sector. Outside of her professional life, Savanna takes most the most pride and pleasure in being a Mom to her baby girl, Anya.

Treasurer

Suzana Dumo

Action for Healthy Communities

Suzana Dumo is a senior management professional with 22 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She has extensive expertise in overseeing and leading programs and services for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and other immigrants, both in Canada and internationally.

Chair

Gordana Radan

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

Gordana came to Canada as a refugee and has been with CCIS for three decades. She became the CEO of CCIS in January 2023 and has been instrumental in designing innovative programs for the integration of immigrants and refugees.