Campaign Candidates 2021

• Ajith Sivasubramaniam

  

  I am humbled to submit my candidacy for the VMN Co-Chair.

  I joined Service Canada as a Program and Service Delivery Clerk. Since then, I have since then held various positions within Service Canada, from front-line service delivery to project management, before moving to IITB. I understand ESDC and the policy/process gaps that affect our community.

  I always advocate for innovation and change in the department. I ask tough questions and work tirelessly to achieve my goals in supporting a diverse, inclusive, and high performing workforce. I consistently grow my sphere of influence. I believe that with my experiences, as the Co-Chair, I can grow and lead the network to make tangible changes at ESDC.

  Thank you for the opportunity to seek your vote.

• Angelo Mangatal

  In the current climate of relentless economic uncertainty, unprecedented technology innovation and ferocious competition – we need Experienced Leaders at all levels.

  My 20 year+ career includes significant expertise and knowledge as it relates to Canadian Human Rights, job classifications, workforce adjustment(s), and union management consultations. In my progressively senior executive responsibilities, in government and industry I have performed within a three-fold mandate to:

  • Provide authentic accountable leadership by speaking "truth to power" to ensure diversity and inclusion, fairness and transparency, in every decision;
  • Create a supportive workplace culture of excellence with core values that drive behaviors for effective and confident decision making; and
  • Overcome barriers that prevent the socio-economic advancement of Canadians.

  I have led and convened discussions with all levels of the government on Federal Public Service-Wide priorities as an advocate for Employment Equity programs and policy.

• Moss Elmouftaquir

  

  I have been an elected executive member and communication manager of the Visible Minorities Network for 2 years now and with ESDC for over 12 years. I had an amazing chance to develop a corporate knowledge and expertise by working in many ESDC's business lines, regionally and at NHQ (Service Canada, HR, Office of Values and Ethics, Program Operations Branch).

  To refine my competencies, I was privileged to complete a Masters degree in public ethics, with a specialization on systemic racism in Canada.

  I live and breathe diversity and inclusion, specifically trends and challenges related with the visible minorities. I am a firm believer that we can always do better to make people proud and belonging the way they are.

  I am eager more than ever to continue working closely with partners to overcome what visible minorities' employees are living and make our workplace better. And I mean it...!

• Nicole Bekzadeh

  

  A member of the Black community and the mother of four children, I am no stranger to the experiences that many members of the BIPOC community face. As a young Black woman in the Public Service, I have experienced micro-aggressions in the workplace and have felt the discomfort of navigating a system that still bears many legacy practices and conventions that do not promote inclusivity. After spending over a decade accepting things for the way they were, my conscience will not allow it any longer.

  I started my career over a decade ago in the EI Contact Centre and am currently on assignment with the Strategic Services Branch as a Business Expertise Senior Consultant. When I am not advocating for diversity, inclusion, mental health awareness and working with my peers to make the workplace as inclusive as possible, I enjoy powerlifting and hope to compete internationally in the near future.

• Eloise Tan

  I'm Eloise Tan and I want to be the next VMN Secretary. I want to join the VMN Executive Committee to ensure ESDC is a place where racialized folks thrive and lead.

  Who am I?

  • I'm a mother, a Filipina, a qualitative researcher, a settler, an inclusive leader, a community builder, and an advocate for anti-racist and anti-oppressive spaces and policies.
  • I'm a Manager at the ESDC Innovation Lab where we centre the lived experiences of those that live on this land in policy development.
  • I am one of the people facilitating the safe space sessions for the ACE (Asian Community at ESDC).

  What can I offer?

  • I am organized and have a lot of experience in organizing meetings that are accessible, inclusive and engaging.
  • I have governance experience as a Board member at the Jane Finch Centre and I have 15 years of experience in the non profit sector within equity and inclusion spaces.
• Michelle Tsang

  

  I joined ESDC in 2017 and currently work in the Management Services Branch Ontario Region. Previously, I worked as a Payment Services Officer with Employment Insurance for 3 years. Supporting and helping people from various walks of life is important to me. As a firm believer in lifelong learning and professional development, I believe in empowering, developing, and encouraging all employees to find passion in their work.

  I have more than 5 years of fundraising and community outreach experience volunteering with non-for-profits. I was involved with the 2018 ESDC Charity Campaign, Canadian Cancer Society, Carleton University, The Ottawa Food Bank, and Indspire. I helped raise over hundreds of dollars towards international development research and health projects. I am devoted in promoting diversity and inclusion at work and around my community through career advancement and better conditions of work for minorities.

• Nicole Wong

  

  My name is Nicole Wong, and I know first-hand the challenges faced by minority groups in achieving greater visibility and access to opportunities within the workplace. A second-generation Canadian of Guyanese and Italian descent, I served as a member of the Black History Month Committee within ESDC, helping to raise awareness of the history and disconcerting issues faced by black and African communities today. I strongly believe that creating educational and engaging points of connection amongst co-workers is key to fostering inclusivity and respect.

  My greatest strengths are creativity, communication, and leadership. I hold a Bachelor's degree from York University in Communications and Professional Writing. Prior to working with the ESDC, I was an Executive Administrator with Silvertrust Media, providing key oversight and event planning to the Diversity Awards, an annual ceremony which celebrates the outstanding achievements of minority individuals. I am excited to lend my expertise to the VMN.

No Candidate

• Hassaan Malik

  

  I joined the Canadian Public Service in 2020 as a Policy Analyst with the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Being a Canadian-Muslim of South Asian heritage, I understand and relate to difficulties that members of visible minorities can encounter. Hence, I wish to be the NCR representative of the Visible Minorities Network (VMN) to support members of the community and to help raise awareness in the Public Service regarding issues affecting visible minorities.

  I have previously worked in non-profits in Pakistan, United Kingdom and Canada with respect to youth rights, new immigrants and refugees. Due to my experience, I feel I can contribute to the network and help raise awareness regarding issues being faced by the visible minority members of the Public Service. I am fluent in English, Urdu/Hindi and Punjabi and looking forward to helping in any way I can.

• Lowa Lumbala

  

  I am a Recruitment Adviser at the Income Security and Social Development Branch. My career with the federal government has helped me to understand the various barriers that some employees face while others do not.

  In my current role, I have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people who are looking for a change in their career. I have therefore realized the importance of using an intersectional approach when developing tools and solutions to maximize their efficiency within the visible minority community.

  As a member of a visible minority group, I feel responsible for supporting our community's professional growth. I believe that my human-resources competencies and recruitment experience will provide the Visible Minorities Network with great added value. I am ready to roll up my sleeves to help us break down the barriers and overcome the stigmas we experience.

• John Ghaly

  

  I am a Payment Service Officer at the ESDC Toronto Call Center. I joined the Federal Government in 20th August 2020.

  "As a Payment Services Officer (PSO), I play a key role in the administration of federal benefit programs that impact the livelihood of many Canadians. Such programs include Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security."

  I was born in Egypt in 26 July 1981 and obtained my bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hotels management in 2002. I worked as a travel agent, tour operator and a freelancer tour guide from 2005 to 2011.

  During the Arabic Spring, I decided to immigrate to Canada with my wife, where I started to work in different jobs as a new comer.

  From 2015 to 2020, I worked as a professional travel agent in some of the biggest travel agencies in Canada.

• Sovi Ahouansou

  

  Dear Colleagues,

  After working with the outgoing executive of the Visible Minorities Network (VMN), and after learning a lot about the VMN, I thought it would be appropriate to make my contribution official by running for one of the positions on the executive. Indeed, for the past two almost two years, I have participated in several technical and working committees for the VMN.

  Whether it is:

  • The Self-Identification Modernization, Co-design, Micro-mission working group
  • The College's Visible Minority Working group
  • The Black Engagement and Advancement Team (BEAT) working group
  • Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) working group

  I made my modest contribution to these groups as a representative of the VMN.

  With several years of experience in community and human rights organizations, I am interested in making my modest contribution to the Network.

  I am taking this opportunity of the elections to solicit your support for my candidacy to serve you.
  Thank you,

• Annick Senghor

  

  I have been living in Quebec for 14 years, and I am the very essence of diversity, given my Haitian and Senegalese background! I volunteer at my children's school, with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada and with Caravane de la Transition de Laval, a citizens' project working to achieve a socio-ecological transition. I have always wanted to get involved, give back to the community and contribute to everyone's well-being. I'm running for municipal office in 2021, to enhance my involvement and serve my fellow Laval citizens.

  I have a bachelor's degree in business administration from Senegal, a certificate in customer-relationship management from Laval University and some 25 years of professional experience in service.

  I started working at Passport Canada in 2019. My goal is to help build a fulfilling work environment that represents all employees!

• Deborah Avanthay

  

  About me:
  My passion for change is evident in all that I do. Having recently discovered my Métis genealogy, I welcomed this opportunity to represent. My goal is to bring my skill set to the VMN table, and assist with the VMN plan of action. Being Métis has its share of hardships within the G of C. My focus is to develop improvements and implement real lasting change for a better culture for all. My desire is to serve as Regional Representative for the W-T region. Since 2015 I have served on many different committees;

  Memberships:

  • Visible Minority Network 2021
  • IEC-ESDC-W-T (Indigenous Employees Circle) 2021
  • Manitoba Métis Federation 2021

  Affiliations:

  • Manitoba Métis Federation 2021
  • Louis Riel Institute 2021
  • IOCN (Interdepartmental Organization Change Network) as past blogging Manager, and currently writer since 2018

  Service:

  • CEIU Local Union Executive Committee – Secretary 2016-2017
  • Occupational Health & Safety Committee – Co-chair – 2015-2016
• Karim Somji

  

  My name is Karim Somji. I was born and raised in Tanzania and moved to Canada in 1993, on Canada Day! I live in Edmonton with my beautiful wife, Salima, and our two adorable children, Sanaya and Nayel. Being a father of two energetic toddlers may be tiring but it brings me a great sense of joy and contentment. I could not picture my life without them! Travelling is another thing that brings me joy and allows me to create meaningful experiences, gain valuable life lessons, learn about different cultures and to celebrate and revel in the diversity. My passion is to be of service to others through volunteering in my community. I hope my experiences, drive, empathy, and compassion enable me to advocate for visible minorities by bringing awareness on discrimination, favouritism and nepotism while at the same time creating a road map for a healthy workplace for everyone.

• Yussuf Takal

  Dear VMN members,

  I am asking for your votes for the Regional Representative of Western Canada and Territories Region. With over seven years' experience in the federal government, I will bring energy, enthusiastic to the organization. I will work on supporting and uplifting my fellow employees to address their needs, issues and concerns they face as visible minority within ESDC.

  I will commit to creating, sustaining an inclusive and respectful work place, eliminating, and preventing barriers to recruitment and development of visible minority employees. While support the VMN's mandate, I will work with employees, management and executives to facilitate a broader understanding of issues affecting the inclusion of visible minority employees and serve as a consultative body on visible minority-related issues within ESDC.

  Thank you all