Henry Akanko
Project Director of Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO)
Henry Akanko has been the Project Director of Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO), since 2007. An initiative that brings together employers, immigrant service agencies and other stakeholders to develop and champion solutions to systemic barriers around the integration of skilled immigrants into the Ottawa labour force.
As Project Director, he provides strategic leadership and oversees the management of the HIO initiative. Henry leads a team that undertakes employer engagement for immigrant employment, development of employer-oriented tools and resources for creating inclusive workplaces.
Henry has several years of international development experience, managing education, healthcare and institutional development projects. Prior to joining HIO, he was the Executive Director of the Canada-Africa Community Health Alliance; an Ottawa based non-profit-organization that supports isolated community healthcare institutions in Africa. Henry previously worked with the World University Service of Canada on the Uniterra volunteer cooperation program and Catholic Relief Services Ghana program.
He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Collaborative International Development Studies from the University of Guelph.
Email : hakanko@hireimmigrantsottawa.ca
Florina Gaborean
Social and Cultural Diversity Coordinator
Florina Gaborean holds a Ph.D. in anthropology. Her areas of specialization include family transitions (shared custody, blended families), public policies, social and cultural diversity, social and legal standards and social change.
She has several professional experiences at the City of Gatineau and currently holds the position of social and cultural diversity coordinator. She has also been a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa since 2012.
Email : gaborean.florina@gatineau.ca
Chantal Goyette
Senior Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Government of Canada
Chantal Goyette is a pioneering force within the Research and Data Branch of IRCC, where she serves as the Senior Director of Research and Knowledge Mobilization. With over two decades of dedicated service at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Chantal has continually demonstrated her prowess in various research capacities.
As the Senior Director, Chantal spearheads the strategic direction of research initiatives, driving evidence-based policy making at the highest levels. Her pivotal role revolves around three core functions: conducting rigorous policy research in the intricate domain of immigration, forging and nurturing robust research partnerships, and disseminating critical findings to diverse stakeholders.
Chantal’s leadership extends beyond her current role, as she has previously steered initiatives in Data Development, Reporting, and Analytics, alongside overseeing program evaluations of utmost national significance. Notably, her management acumen has been instrumental in evaluations spanning pivotal programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and the rapid assessment of the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Initiative.
Chantal holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan, underpinning her profound understanding of societal dynamics and research methodologies. With her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, Chantal continues to drive impactful research agendas that shape the trajectory of immigration policies and practices.
Muna Osman
Researcher & Impact Analyst, Equity Ottawa
Muna is a research methodologist specializing in equity, inclusion, anti-racist approaches and broadly social and cross-cultural psychology. She has a PhD in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and has published in psychological journals on ethnocultural diversity, mental health, and youth civic engagement. With extensive theoretical and research experience in qualitative and quantitative methodology, she is passionate about the value of data and research in understanding and improving the lives of immigrants and racialized communities in Ottawa. She draws on her training in data analysis, visualization, and statistical techniques to answer timely questions about equity.
Email : muna@olip-plio.ca
Saint-Phard Desir
Author of “Finding a job, practical guide for the French-speaking newcomers”
Email : sdesir@cesoc.ca
Lorna Jantzen
Assistant Director, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Hindia Mohamoud
Former Director of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership
Cristian Penca
Social and Cultural Diversity Coordinator, City of Gatineau
