Our
Team

Leanne is a lifelong learner, researcher, and educator.  She is currently pursuing her PhD in Language and Literacies Education at OISE, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on supporting educators with implementing linguistically and culturally responsive pedagogy through equitable resources in STEM education. In addition to her studies, Leanne also serves as a Grants Liaison at the Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA).

Leanne’s background is in language teaching both in Canada and Chile, and her passion for education expands to digital literacy, technology, and communication. She holds a BA in Intercultural Communication and an MA in Spanish. A common thread through her professional and personal life is a desire to connect with others through stories and shared experiences. Leanne loves hosting dinner parties, cycling, horseback riding, and traveling the world with her husband.

Nicole Eltom, Vice-president of Customer Success at TELUS, is an accomplished leader with 30 years of experience in sales, relationship management and business development. Nicole holds a diploma in Sales and Marketing Management from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and is certified in Pragmatic Marketing, and Business Relationship Management (CBRM®).

Nicole leads a national team within TELUS Business Solutions that is focused on partnering with customers to understand their unique business priorities and to maximize the lifetime value of their services with TELUS to drive EBITDA growth and customer retention.

Nicole is passionate about her team, and through her authentic and collaborative leadership, she’s fostered a best-in-class team culture that is propelled by integrity, innovation and spirited teamwork. Nicole is a strong advocate for mental and physical well-being and is the Executive Sponsor for TELUS Business Solutions’ Health and Wellness program.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys an active lifestyle, travelling with her family and competing in endurance races. Nicole is passionate about connection, coaching and empowering others. She believes providing value and giving back is an important part of a fully balanced life and has volunteered locally in her community in many capacities over the years.

Shalina completed her Bachelor of Commerce at MacEwan University with a major in Accounting and a minor in Business Intelligence. She continues to pursue her curiosity for Data and Analytics through her role at Aritzia as an Associate Data Visualization Engineer.

She is grateful for her time as a staff member at CFRAC and is excited to continue her work as a Board Member.

As the child of parents who immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yvette has always had a heart for helping immigrant communities in Canada, primarily through empowering youth and women. Yvette has been involved in her community as a volunteer from a young age, particularly for Alliance-Jeunesse-Famille de L’Alberta Society (AJFAS), an organization committed to empowering francophone immigrant families in Edmonton. Yvette was also selected as a member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group. For over two years, she collaborated with other young Canadians on issues concerning youth in Canada, providing recommendations, and developing new initiatives. Yvette holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. She has worked as a Public Servant for the Ministry of Economic and Social Development Canada. Yvette is currently employed at the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Samantha is a nurse, researcher, outdoor enthusiast, and an anti-racism advocate. She is passionate about social activism, promoting justice, and building community capacity, and was fascinated by the mobilization of practical, relevant, and resourceful community awareness provided by CFRAC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and has worked as a pediatric nurse.

Currently, Samantha is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. Samantha’s research work is geared towards addressing the gap between child health knowledge translation practices and health equity. Specifically, Samantha will be addressing racism in the healthcare sector by seeking impactful solutions that integrate anti-racism as a key commitment in the provision of nursing care. Outside of her professional role, Samantha enjoys responsible travelling, hiking, photography, and trying new foods.

An urban enthusiast, adventurer and food junkie, Aemon is an outgoing, and driven young professional who loves working with others as a means of exchanging ideas and knowledge. She graduated with an Honors Bachelor majoring in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies, and Early Modern History, with experience working with Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada under her belt.

A life-long learner, Aemon’s keen interest in politics, social justice and human rights issues has led to her involvement with several not-for-profit organizations in Toronto helping marginalized communities, women’s groups, and vulnerable populations, as well as building awareness of civil liberties. Aemon is excited to bring her experience to CFRAC, to educate and promote anti-racism ideas and build an inclusive and diverse society.

Rickard is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Decision Sciences in the School of Business at MacEwan University. In this role, he oversees the B.Com. Major in Supply Chain Management and has also led the development of a new Minor in Business Intelligence/Data Analytics. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta, Canada, M.Sc. (Eng.) and B.Sc. from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, along with studies in Economics conducted at Stockholm University, Sweden.

Apart from an interest in the Built Environment, his research interests revolve around Leadership Development and Consumer Behaviour and the use of statistical modeling to measure those behavioural outcomes and preferences. He taught at universities in Europe and Canada and was a Visiting Research Fellow at Uppsala University, Sweden. He is the current Vice-Chair of the Canadian Initiative for Nordic Studies at the University of Alberta, an organization with a national mandate to advance the multidisciplinary academic and cultural exchanges between Canada and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. He holds the professional designation of Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) from CIM Chartered Managers Canada©.

Youssra was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies from the University of Alberta. Her professional experiences include front line mental health services at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, youth support work with non-profit human service organizations, as well as 10+ years serving learners as an educator with the Edmonton Public School Board.

Currently, Youssra works as an ESL Consultant, supporting educators, and English Language Learners. She is an advocate for diversity in her professional and personal life.  Aside from her husband and four children, Youssra’s greatest commitment is supporting students and educators.

Vivian is a coffee connoisseur and a vocal mental health advocate in the greater community. Her passion for health and wellness has inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology, and now a Master’s in Public Health.

Over the years, she has worked with non-profit organizations and public institutions in various capacities. At an international level, she has been affiliated and worked with organizations such as UN Women and the World Economic Forum. As a woman of color with a strong interest in policy and health, Vivian has always been actively participating in discussions on the challenges faced by the ethnic communities in Edmonton. She was initially intrigued by the work done by the Centre for Race and Culture in the areas of education and awareness. After having the opportunity to learn more about the organization and interact with their members, Vivian was eager to be a part of the cause.

Currently, she works as the Planning and Engaging Coordinator with Homeward Trust Edmonton, working in collaboration with all levels of government and community agencies to eradicate homelessness in the city. In the long term, she hopes to continue her involvement and career journey in the public sector.