Individual Associates

Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson, M.Ed, is a Senior Policy Analyst with Canadian Heritage (PCH). Previously, she worked with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Unit at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) as the Education Program Officer, responsible for engaging Canadians in UNESCO education programs in Canada and abroad. She has extensive experience collaborating and building relationships with education organizations, schools, academics, unions, the private sector and different levels of government. She is passionate about education, culture, the environment and sustainable development. As an Acadian and parent of two, she also values access to French and second-language education.

Abdoulaye Barry is from the tiny West African country of Guinea, Conakry. His first language is French, seasoned with his mother tongue Fulani. Mr. Barry learned English upon arrival in Uganda in 2006 after his father accepted a job offer from the UNHCR. With Dad’s demanding job, along with various contracts, the family moved to Kenya in 2010. Kenya became a second home. From Kenya, Abdoulaye got scouted to a soccer school in England, where he completed his high school education. From England, Abdoulaye got his first professional soccer contract for a Portuguese team in the third division where he played for close to 2 years. University was next on the to-do list. Mr.Barry was accepted into Saint Mary’s University in 2019 where he completed a Bachelor’s Of Arts degree in 2023. Mr. Barry currently works at Intact insurance and is looking to apply to law school at Dalhousie University come September 2026.

Adetoun Oluwole is an international development professional with over 10 years of experience advancing social impact across Africa and North America. Her work spans strategic communications, program development, fundraising, and advocacy, with a focus on equity, health, education, and youth empowerment. Adetoun is particularly passionate about building bridges between local communities and global development networks to drive inclusive and sustainable change. Adetoun has successfully mobilized resources through grant writing and donor relations, designed public education campaigns, and supported leadership programs for marginalized groups, including youth and persons with disabilities.

Aliyanna Gordon is an Indigenous and second-generation immigrant student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing Commerce with a passion for equity, law, and policy-making. A nationally recognized youth leader, she has facilitated workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and mental health through the Students Commission of Canada. Aliyanna brings experience in public speaking, mentorship, and youth empowerment to ACIC’s community.

Alyssa Hoseman is the Executive Director of PARSA, a nonprofit based in Afghanistan focused on building healthy communities through local leadership. With 15 years of experience in international development, she brings deep expertise in grassroots programming, gender equity, and organizational strategy in post-conflict settings. Based in rural Nova Scotia, Alyssa wants to connect Atlantic Canadian development communities.

Augustina Tucker is a dynamic student leader and social innovator from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Now based in Halifax, she serves as the President & CEO of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), championing student advocacy, equity-focused leadership, and community-centered solutions. Pursuing a degree in Economics with a passion for development and public policy, Augustina is committed to global solidarity and ethical, people-first approaches to international cooperation. She is the founder of Inkspire, a platform dedicated to writing and education on global issues, and is actively involved in policy and advocacy networks at the local, provincial, and federal levels.

Austin I.P. O’Neill is a second-year student at the University of New Brunswick’s School of Leadership Studies, minoring in Law in Society. A passionate advocate for leadership, law, and public service, he brings experience in student governance, legal aid, and community volunteering. Austin is committed to fostering equity and authentic leadership in Atlantic Canada and is eager to contribute to ACIC’s mission through collaborative action and dialogue.

Becca Bishop has been a community development practitioner for over five years with a degree in community development from St. Francis Xavier and formal training from Coady International Insitute. She is an advocate for cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and accountability and takes an asset-based approach to engaging young people as global citizens. Through her work as a Community Developer for HRM, Becca has supported community and public sector organizations to enhance their facilitation, capacity building, and public engagement efforts. Alongside the local community development work she leads, Becca is a consultant for international development projects. Currently, she is leading the youth public engagement activities for CARE Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project.

Bobbi Zahra is a public servant who works with Fisheries & Oceans Canada, where she teaches and trains in
IT/IM. Outside that role, she has always been active in her community and is presently the President of the
Board of Halifax Theatre for Young People, an independent theatre company that commissions and produces
work of enduring value for young people and their families. She is a Holocaust scholar, with a great interest in
post-Holocaust theology. Although she has a Twitter account, she is somewhat sporadic in its use, but you will
find her by the Twitter handle - @sleehah.

Camila is passionate about social justice and community engagement, and actively supports movements for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, active mobility, and sustainability. Her advocacy extends to addressing gender-based violence through a feminist lens, emphasizing holistic support services and culturally sensitive counselling. With experience as a Gender Advisor with Cuso International in Honduras and a Registered Counselling Therapist, she’s honed a deep understanding of intersectional oppression and the importance of mental health and gender equality. Committed to integrating decolonial, anti-racist, and intersectional perspectives, I advocate for awareness of compounded marginalization and prioritize clients' well-being in all endeavours.

Catherine has more than 10 years coaching and facilitating individuals/groups in career development

An educator, a chartered mediator, a sustainable world peace activist, Darlene Doiron specialises in interpersonal workplace and community based conflict. She is best known for her longstanding peace work and dedication to creating a more positive and harmonious province of New Brunswick.

Eliza Knockwood is a Two Spirit Mi'kmaq filmmaker living and working out of Epekwitk (also known as Prince Edward Island, Canada). She started her career in the broadcast television industry at the young age of nineteen. Within a year she became the production coordinator on a television series and held that role for three years. In 2006 Eliza began her journey with documentary films and has directed several self-produced shots and community productions. In 2021 Eliza directed her first longer form project called The Ice Walk which was initially created in partnership with Bell Fibe TV1 and then repackaged into feature length film. She has just wrapped filming another short form series titled Gina'matimg - Time of Learning and is currently developing a feature documentary titled The Rite of Passage.

Fauzia Matyas-Jamal recently relocated to Fredericton and is seeking to engage with local and global development networks. Drawn to ACIC’s values of justice and sustainability, she brings interest and initiative to committee work, particularly in governance and symposium planning. Her proactive approach reflects a commitment to meaningful community connection and collaborative change.

Godspromise is a multi-skilled professional known for exceptional people and business friendly communications solutions through impactful mediation, product knowledge and portfolio management. An image-centric individual delivering strategic, clear and concise messages, product research and technical support with foundations in Conflict Resolution, Public Relations, Administration and Data Analysis, emerging GRC Specialist.

Hannah Barry is a social impact policy and program development specialist with more than a decade of experience in international development and humanitarian response. With expertise in food security, conflict analysis, disability inclusion, and economic development, she has led high-level donor reporting, policy research, and program development initiatives with the United Nations World Food Programme in Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, as well as with other NGOs in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda. Overall, she is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through inclusive and innovative community-driven approaches. Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, Hannah holds a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and an International Bachelor of Arts, Honors (iBA, Hons.) degree in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2025, she was awarded Women In International Security Canada (WIISC)'s Emerging Leader Award for her dedication to the field of public policy and international development.

Hareesh Sahadevan is eager to join ACIC because he aligns with its mission of fostering equitable and sustainable communities. As a board member of an NGO in Uganda focused on refugee resettlement, he sees collaboration with ACIC as a way to enhance his impact. Professionally, Hareesh is affiliated with Emvigo BPO, Gex Logistics, Best Recruitment, Tranztrex Solution, and Tecnostac Systems. His volunteer roles include Board Member of Care Well Foundation, Vice Chairman of Uganda BPO Association, President of ATHMA in Halifax, and Volunteer at ISANS.

Heather brings with her over a decade of experience working in the field of International Development; this
includes work with the Canadian government, the United Nations, and several non-governmental
organizations in numerous countries across the globe. At present, she is completing a PhD within the Sociology
Department at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; her thesis research is centered on the
nexus between International Development and Migration. She is also currently working on a SSHRC-funded
mixed-methods research project exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on Small and Medium-sized Organizations
working in Canada’s foreign aid sector. This research project is being led by the University of Guelph in
partnership with the Spur Change Program. Concurrently she is working on a separate SSHRC-funded
quantitative research project led by Memorial University in partnership with McMaster University. This project is exploring connections between remittance sending behaviors of Canadian immigrants and foreign aid. She
holds a master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Carleton University.

Jennifer Fox has been interested in international development since youth. Through a post-graduate study in
International Education (School Leadership) and with 20 years of Home Economics and Health teaching,
Jennifer has established a commitment to building capacity internationally. Jennifer has a BSc from UPEI,
worked as a teacher in the Yukon and Northwest British Columbia, interned with CIDA in Malawi, Africa (2004-
05) and has recently been trained in Humanitarian Education from the Canadian Red Cross.

Jennifer King brings with her over a decade of invaluable experience in international development, with a specialization in gender equality, rural development, and fostering systemic change. Having recently relocated to Nova Scotia, she is eager to forge connections with fellow professionals in Atlantic Canada, enriching our network with her expertise and dedication to global development efforts. Welcome back, Jennifer, as you rejoin our vibrant community!

Kaitlyn is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University, with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Kaitlyn has worked for the federal and provincial governments and remains committed to active global citizenship and the promotion of the Atlantic provinces. Kaitlyn seeks to continue her career in politics and justice, with a focus on international policy.

Keith Forsyth was a public Chartered Accountant for many years in Nova Scotia. Since then he has become a nomad traveling the world. He has spent over five years as an international volunteer in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Carribbean as well as spending over three years in the Canadian North.

Kevin Deveaux is a Canadian lawyer who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998 for the constituency of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2006. During his time as an MP, he was the Deputy Speaker for the House from 1999-2003 and the Official Opposition House Leader from 2003-2007.
In March, 2007, Kevin resigned his seat in the House of Assembly to work full time as a Senior Parliamentary Technical Adviser with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. In August, 2008, he was appointed to the post of global Parliamentary Development Policy Adviser in New York with UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group, where he was in charge of the Global Programme for Parliamentary Support (GPPS) and provided guidance to more than 60 UNDP Country Offices working with national parliaments and political parties.
In August 2012 he completed his work with UNDP and returned to Canada to practice law and to provide consulting services to parliaments. He has worked with the World Bank, the EU, DFID, FCO, UN Women, International IDEA and UNDP in the past years.

Kevin O'Shea is the Executive Director of the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN). Currently living in St. John's, NL, Kevin was called to the bar as a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2011.

Keyshawn came to Canada from the Bahamas in 2015 to study Economics and Political Science at the
University of Prince Edward Island. Graduating in 2020, she became the Executive Director of the Voluntary
Resource Center, building upon years of volunteer work with Rotary International, WUSC, and other groups on the island.

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Madison is currently a Career Resource Centre Coordinator, providing pre-employment services to high school students and community members. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology and minors in Communications & Public Policy, Sociology, and Human Rights from St. Thomas University

Mohammad is an experienced business organization consultant with a law degree who Managed a team of 30+ people in Europe to expand the company into 12 new locations—achieved a 20% annual growth in sales in a startup which was a noteworthy milestone in his career. Additionally, Mohammad has developed a fully satisfied customer concept for repetitive business. During his career, Mohammad has worked in various organizations, gaining skills such as time and team management, inventory management, budgeting, underwriting, analytical ability, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc.

Norma is a senior civil servant with the government of Nova Scotia. She has more than 25 years of experience in intergovernmental work at the federal, provincial and territorial level, as well as six years as the head of planning with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK.

Peter graduated from Dalhousie in 2013 with a degree in international development and has carried out his own development mandate in Jamaica through Global Affairs Canada's International Youth Internship Program. He currently serves as a executive assistant in the office of Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook

Rebekah (Bekah) Sears has over 15 years of experience in international development, peacebuilding, and advocacy, having worked in Canada, Colombia, and Rwanda with organizations like Mennonite Central Committee and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Based in Fredericton, she brings a deep commitment to justice, community partnership, and mental health support in the nonprofit sector. Bekah is especially passionate about building sustainable, inclusive systems through policy and grassroots engagement.

Rose Gyesi is a graduate student studying political science at Memorial University. She is currently a student writer and blog content creator of the Political Science Graduate student association of Memorial University.
She aspires to become an international Policy analyst and an active global citizen.

Sean Kelly is an award-winning professional with over 30 years of experience in program development and management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, communications, and adult education on environment and global development issues. He has worked for organizations including Clean Nova Scotia Foundation (first as Manager of Communications and then as Director of Clean Energy Programs), Cuso International, the Lester Pearson Institute for International Development, and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia. He won a Global Citizen Award from the UN 50th Anniversary Committee of Canada. Sean is a past Head of Communications for Cuso International, a leading North American global development agency. He led the charity through a major re-branding, and was the editor of The Sustainable Times, a magazine on environment and international development issues sold at 350 newsstands across Canada. Sean has produced radio documentaries that have been heard on the CBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and National Public Radio in the U.S. He has been published in many magazines and has won a National Magazine Award in Canada and a Gabriel Award for Documentary in the U.S.

Seiku is a social work student at St. Thomas University with a keen interest in International Development. Seiku aims to address systemic barriers affecting vulnerable populations in society, create awareness on how International social work can promote social justice and advocate for structural changes in society.

Currently a lecturer with the International Development Studies department at Dalhousie University, Shelagh Savage teaches a course on Development in Practice. Prior to that she was Associate Director of Partnerships at the Coady Institute (2009 - 20019) where she focused on how important collaboration is in ensuring social change. Working for many years in international cooperation, she has been privileged to learn with – and from – amazing mentors in communities, institutions and organizations around the world. Shelagh currently serves on a number of boards and advisory committees (including ACIC and Royal Roads University) and worked for many years n the CIDA/DFATD/GAC environment – including co-chairing the first year of the GAC CSO Policy Advisory Group (CPAG).

Su Alteen wears many hats, but their favourite gear is a helmet because it saves their life. A passionate community builder and outdoor enthusiast, Su is a musician, roller derby player, choral singer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, climber, and lifelong lover of movement and adventure. Whether longboarding, practicing circus arts, trail running, acro yoga, skateboarding, or beachcombing, they are deeply rooted in queer community, creativity, and play. Su is a Master’s of Gender Studies candidate and Graduate Assistant at Memorial University, supervised by Dr. Alec Brookes and Trevor Haris, with research focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in rock climbing. They work at Wallnuts Climbing Centre as an ACMG-certified Outdoor Toprope Climbing Instructor and coach with the Senior Youth Climbing Team. They also volunteer with Climbing Access and Development of Eastern Newfoundland (CADEN) and the Alpine Club of Canada Newfoundland Section to support safer and more accessible outdoor climbing spaces. Su holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Memorial University. Alongside their work in education, they teach substitute French and Social Studies with NL Schools and volunteer with the Beaconsfield Junior High GSA Club and Breakfast Program.

Tavneet Kaur is the Founder and Executive Director of X Helping Hands, a storytelling and community engagement initiative that amplifies the voices of international students, newcomers, and BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities across Nova Scotia. Since founding X Helping Hands in 2022, she has expanded its reach from StFX students to rural Nova Scotia, combining in-person sessions, community events, and experiential workshops focused on sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and cultural connection with the land of the Mi’kmaq people. Tavneet is also a secondary math educator with CCRCE and an alumna of StFX. She has been actively involved with local and national initiatives supporting newcomers, Indigenous youth, and multicultural programs, including Clean Foundation, EduNova, ACIC Halifax, CMTOLC, ICTC, The Rostrum Global Initiative (TRGI), and the Centre for Migrant Workers Rights. She has also participated as a delegate and panelist at events such as the ACIC Global Youth Conference 2024, EduNova Stay & Stay Retreat Ceremonies (2024 & 2025), CASSA ACGCS, and CPA Annual National Conventions (2022 & 2023). Outside of her professional and community work, Tavneet enjoys spending time outdoors and practicing yoga. She is passionate about mentorship, building inclusive communities, and creating spaces where newcomers feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Teresa considers herself a global citizen and has been fortunate enough to have traveled the world. She believes that we are all interconnected and that support for one another, no matter the geography, is imperative for us to move forward as a species. She is involved, and would like to be more involved, in furthering international development. She has volunteered in Guatemala for over seven years on her own. This has primarily been with Casa Guatemala, a jungle based orphanage and school on the Rio Dulce. She has also become involved with Ahicam, a home for adolescents and babies in Poptun and more recently, a startup school in Punta Brava, Guatemala.

Thomas Coldwell is the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at Feed Nova Scotia, with over a decade of experience in Canada’s international nonprofit sector. A former board and staff member with the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, he remains deeply committed to international cooperation, global justice, and strengthening connections across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

Valeri Pilgrim is the Manager, Aboriginal Resource Offive at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in St. John’s. She has been associated with the Aboriginal Resource Office of MUN since January 2011. She was first hired by Memorial University as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer with the Aboriginal Resource Office for three and a half years. In June, 2014 she took the position of International Student Advisor with the Internationalization Office (IO) where she remained until November, 2018. When the opportunity came up Valeri returned to the Aboriginal Resource Office as Manager in November, 2018. She considers her experiences working with Indigenous and international students extremely valuable, and has always felt enlightened and humbled by students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. In the 1990’s Valeri studied her undergraduate degree in anthropology & sociology at UNB, Fredericton and later completed a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Oslo in Norway where she lived for two and a half years with her then 7 year old daughter, Kirsten. She self identifies as a Kablunângajuk which is essentially a mix between Inuk (singular for Inuit) and European settler in Labrador. She feels blessed to have grown up in the Inuit community of Nain in Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and is a beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Government. Last but not least, Valeri is the proud mother of 2 children, Dominic 12 & Kirsten, 24.

Wilhemina Welbeck is a nonprofit professional based in Halifax, currently affiliated with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. She brings strong administrative, communication, and multicultural collaboration skills developed through her work with the NS College of Nursing and the John Howard Society. Wilhemina is committed to social justice and excited to contribute to ACIC’s committees and community.

Yahya Shuli is a Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a focus on finance, public policy, and community engagement. He is actively involved in advocacy, youth leadership, and human rights focused initiatives at the campus and national levels, including work with civil society organizations and student associations. His interests include international cooperation, social justice, and strengthening community driven approaches to policy and development.