Board of Directors

2025 - 2026

Mercy Lawluvi

Executive Director

Tene Knibbs
Tene Knibbs

Vice Chair

Brenda Okorogba
Brenda Okorogba

Member

Abigail Williams-Treasurer
Abigail Williams

Treasurer

Georgette Morris-Member at large
Georgette Morris

Member at Large

Ruth MacKenzie
Ruth MacKenzie

Member

Hosai Qasmi - Member
Hosai Qasmi

Member

Maria Choque
Maria Choque

Member

Karen Magalhaes
Karen Magalhaes

Member

Rawan Sheikh
Rawan Sheikh

Member

Monica Beltran Espita​
Monica Beltran Espita

Member

Thana Al- Shaibi
Thana Al- Shaibi

Member

Riddhima Sharma
Riddhima Sharma

Member

Melissa Torrado-Anacona
Melissa Torrado-Anacona

Member

Geraldine Tematio Medonnang
Geraldine Tematio Medonnang

Member

Christelle Nostrome
Christelle Nostrome

Member

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Christelle Nostrome

Christelle is a senior public servant with the Government of Canada, currently serving as Director of Central Administration and Access to Information and Privacy. She is responsible for overseeing privacy and access programs, administrative services, and strategic communications. Since joining the public service in 2015, she has held a variety of roles across several departments. She brings to IWSO’s Board a strong commitment to governance, accountability, and community service.

Geraldine Tematio Medonnang

Géraldine Tematio is a social innovation and project management practitioner, holding two Master’s degrees in Social Innovation and in International Business Administration. She has solid experience in coordinating initiatives related to human rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and community development.

Fluent in both French and English, she has collaborated with international organizations (UNESCO, USAID, GIZ, EU) and local partners to promote social justice, cultural diversity, and inclusive leadership. With a strong commitment to empowering women and immigrant communities.

Melissa Torrado-Anacona

Melissa Torrado is an experienced business development professional with over a decade of diverse experience spanning international business, customer relations, community engagement and fundraising, and language services. After moving to Canada in 2006, she continues to build a career that reflects adaptability, cultural fluency, and a strong commitment to professional growth. Currently serving as an Account Associate in Business Development for Latin America at Canadian Bank Note Company, she specializes in business to government sales, account management, and fostering strong client partnerships across global markets.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Law from Carleton University. She is certified with a Secret Security Clearance by the Government of Canada and has volunteered with numerous organizations providing her a strong background in team collaboration in both corporate and community-focused environments.

Riddhima Sharma

Riddhima Sharma (she/they) is a feminist and dedicated development professional with over eight years of experience in nonprofit and international development, specializing in advocacy, communications, policy analysis, and gender justice. As a Policy Analyst - Environment at the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Riddhima advances Indigenous rights-based advocacy on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. With a Master’s in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University (expected Dec 2025), a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Communication from Fanshawe College and a BA in Social Sciences, Riddhima brings expertise in policy, fundraising, and storytelling, honed through international work with CARE International and Mercy Corps in Nepal, where they spearheaded gender-focused campaigns like 16 Days of Activism. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Nepali, Riddhima provides freelance interpretation and translation services for immigrant women and families in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Monica Beltran – Espitia Monica holds a Master’s degree in Political Science with a specialization in Women’s Studies from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor’s in Finance and International Relations, and a Diplôme de Spécialité in Management and Protection of Human Rights from the ENA in Paris.

She is deeply committed to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive communities. Monica has been actively engaged in social causes that promote human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations, both in Canada and internationally.

With over 20 years of experience in diplomacy, advocacy, and public policy, Monica works as the National Manager of Health Policy and Government Relations at the Kidney Foundation of Canada, where she contributes to efforts to improve kidney health and equity in care. She previously served as a career diplomat in senior roles, including Deputy Chief of Mission of Colombia in Canada and Consul in Ottawa. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she is honoured to serve on the Board of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa.

Maria Choque is originally from Colombia. She holds a diploma in Logistics Management and is completing her Bachelor's in International Business Management, having won a full scholarship for excellence in Sustainability and Innovation. Her leadership journey began as High School Class President in 2020, where she led projects benefiting over 1,000 families and earned recognition as the Best Youth Leader. She later served as a Youth Councillor in her city before relocating to Canada. Here, she is actively engaged in various youth initiatives, including the Ottawa Youth Council for Youth Ottawa, Youth Advisory Committee for YouthNet/CHEO, ambassador for Apathy is Boring and Global Shaper for the World Economic Forum.
She currently serves as a Program Officer at Incubator13, focusing on developing the first Community-based social innovation lab in the region. As a young immigrant woman her interests revolve around promoting gender equality, youth activism, and enhancing participation for underrepresented groups. She aspires to further her education with a Master's in Global Development Policy, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global social and economic development.

Brenda Okorogba is a multi-award-winning Learning Experience Designer, Grants Specialist, and Facilitator with 10 years of experience ideating, designing, and facilitating outcome-based programs for diverse populations across industries, sectors, and geographies. Brenda is a strong advocate for equity in all its manifestations and is constantly looking for new ways to spark social change. She finds joy in establishing opportunities for multigenerational connections so diverse individuals can explore life-changing opportunities, accomplish their goals, and lead a purposeful life. Brenda has a passion for classroom, workplace, and community learning and a gift for creating targeted learning solutions that address relevant career, community, and business needs.

Karen is an experienced IT Senior Director and Program/Project Manager with strong business acumen and trusted stakeholder relationships. She provides effective oversight and management of IT program and project delivery including guidance on vision, strategy, governance, business transformation, solutions, and implementation approach. Her excellent communication, negotiation, facilitation, and consensus building skills enable the advancing of organization agendas and accomplishing of organization strategic objectives.

Karen also has 25 years of experience as a volunteer for not-for-profit organizations. She has provided professional expertise in support of women, children, mental health, the arts, and those in need of furniture. In addition, as a certified yoga teacher, Karen teaches yoga and meditation to help others learn how to achieve self-awareness.

Hosai Qasmi is a researcher and advocate with extensive experience in gender studies, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and international development. She holds a Ph.D. in Feminist and Gender Studies and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Ottawa.​As the co-founder of Hosa Counselling and Research, an immigrant-operated organization, Hosai has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities. She is also a research consultant with Archipel Research and Consulting, an Indigenous-owned and women-led company.​Hosai's expertise extends to working with prominent organizations such as Amnesty International Canada and the Office of the Special Representative to Combat Islamophobia. ​Her academic contributions include publishing book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and opinion pieces on topics such as postcolonialism, women’s empowerment, and media representations. ​Hosai is fluent in English, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu, with a basic comprehension of French.

Georgette Morris-Member at large

Georgette Morris holds an Honours BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies, a BA in Social Science, and an MA in Public Policy Administration and Law, all from York University. She also holds certificates in Law and Society, Public Policy Analysis, and graduate diplomas in Democratic Administration and Ethics and Public Affairs. She is a PhD student at Carleton University, in Law and Legal Studies. Her primary research interests have been in labour, policy, equity, human rights, immigration, citizenship, government, political debate, public reason, and agenda setting. ​Georgette possesses a range of experiences at all levels of government, within a range of departments and ministries. She has extensive experience in student government during her undergraduate and graduate studies, serving in roles of Communications and Vice President, steward, Chief Steward Unit 1. She has worked extensively in strategic policy and research. She has sat on several task forces regarding improvement, equity, diversity, inclusion, and modernization. ​She is also a long-time volunteer within youth, cultural, education, and immigrant non-profits.

Ruth’s career in the charitable sector spans 30+ years and the local, national and global levels. She is currently the President & CEO of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), and Executive Director of the CAGP Foundation, national organizations that inspire and strengthen philanthropy in Canada. Prior to CAGP, Ruth was the president & CEO of Volunteer Canada. Ruth is also a committed volunteer, and has served on many boards and committees at the national and international level. She served on the Governor General’s Volunteer and Philanthropy Advisory Committee from 2012-2015, and currently is the Chair of the Board of CanadaHelps. In 2015 Ruth was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in acknowledgement of her impact on volunteerism, and received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2020.

Abigail Williams-Treasurer

Abigail Williams is a financial and policy analyst with a background in economic theory. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics from the University of Ottawa and is working towards her MA in Economics at Carleton University. Currently, Abigail serves as a Supervisor at the Bank of Canada, overseeing retail payments supervision by assessing operational and fund safeguarding risk of payment providers. Her prior roles involved critical risk analysis and resolution strategies for major financial institutions, including leading complex crisis simulations. Abigail's experience also includes policy analysis at Transport Canada and early career work in regulatory reporting and compliance. Her commitment to community service is evident from her board role at the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals and mentorship with Apathy is Boring, where she has championed youth engagement and development. Fluent in English and with intermediate French skills, Abigail brings a strong analytical background and effective communication skills to the Board of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. In her free time, Abigail enjoys running and catching up on her never-ending book list.

A partner with Deloitte’s Consulting practice, Tene Knibbs brings over 15 years of experience in helping leaders and their organizations to develop and implement
solutions focused on transforming corporate services to increase efficiency and effectiveness while improving outcomes and overall client experience. She experienced working with the public sector and private sector organizations across Canada as well as internationally. Tene has a passion for helping people to grow and thrive and has made an impact through various roles including volunteering with settlement organizations, actively leading initiatives in support of Deloitte’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and as a mentor to several professionals. Tene is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa.

Rawan Sheikh is a strategic HR and policy professional with over 18 years of experience across public administration, international development, and financial institutions. She has led national reform programs, talent management strategies, and capacity-building initiatives in Canada and abroad. Her expertise spans project and programme management, learning and development, organizational change, and stakeholder engagement.

A passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and empowerment, Rawan brings both professional insight and lived experience to her role as a board member at Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. She holds a Master of Public Administration, an MBA, and multiple international certifications in project management and human resources, and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.She currently serves as a Program Officer at Incubator13, focusing on developing the first Community-based social innovation lab in the region. As a young immigrant woman her interests revolve around promoting gender equality, youth activism, and enhancing participation for underrepresented groups. She aspires to further her education with a Master's in Global Development Policy, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global social and economic development.

Thana is a Yemeni legal professional with experience in the labour sector, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs. She has been a volunteer for 11 years particularly supporting refugees, orphans, and youth education programs. Thana holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Hertfordshire, where she built a solid foundation in legal knowledge and advocacy. As a newcomer to Canada, she appreciated the support and kindness surrounding her and her family from organizations such as IWSO. She wants to give back and continue supporting immigrants and racialized women and children, ensuring they too can find hope, belonging, and opportunities in their new home.