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.

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.

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.

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.

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!