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From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ashley Rerrie Program Officer Equality Fund About Ashley Ashley Rerrie (she/her) is a Program Officer at the Equality Fund. With a decade of experience with grants management and international development work focused on gender equality and social justice, Ashley is passionate about building relationships for transformative change. She has been a part of Equality Fund’s Global Programs team for four years. Ashley is a Cooperation Canada Emerging Leader and participates in the broader sector policy and advocacy work around issues like localization, direction and control, and the Grants & Contributions Transformation Initiative. She lives in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, with her dog Mango.

Professional Practice Workshop ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Workshop Description: ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Why get involved: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in various non-profit fields Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to global solidarity ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Application Process Apply by March 15, 2024. Important Dates Apply by March 15, 2024 Workshop takes place on March 16, 2024 Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 18-29 Be living in New Brunswick Application Details Apply by: March 15, 2024 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs Global Affairs Canada About Drew Andrew (Drew) Smith is the Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada. Drew has over 30 years of experience in the field of international development and international relations, this includes policy development, programming and field operations. Drew co-led the design and launch of Canada’s $1.6 billion International Assistance Innovation Program. He has worked as Canada’s Head of Cooperation in Vietnam and has managed development assistance programs throughout the Asia Pacific region. Prior to becoming the Director General for Pan-African Affairs, Drew was the Director General for International Assistance Policy from 2019 to 2024, where he led Canada’s engagement on development issues at the G7, G20 and the OECD, and oversaw Canada’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goals finance discussions at the UN. Drew has served as Canada’s G7 Senior Development Official and is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Drew holds a PhD in political science and international relations from the Australian National University.

PhotoVoices 2026 Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Gender inequality is deeply rooted in our society. Women and girls worldwide are under-represented in leadership positions, refused access to education, economic empowerment, and essential health services, and are targeted victims of violence and discrimination. While all women face inequality, the consequences can be harsher for those coping with intersectional factors. Not all women share the same experiences, therefore strategies for change must also consider the effects of race, class, age, sexuality, ability, and nationality. Solutions to address these issues must be led by self-determining people in collaboration with their Communities and Nations. Given this reality, the 2025 PhotoVoice program will focus on youth who identify as girl/women and/or Two Spirit. Why get involved: Share, network, and collaborate with like-minded youth living in Atlantic Canada and the Global South Develop skills in photography, communication, social justice action, storytelling, and more! Opportunity to learn how to address community needs, concerns, planning, and other lived realities Important details: All activities will take place online Must have access to a stable internet connection and laptop or desktop computer or tablet. If stable internet access or equipment access could be a challenge but you are interested in applying, please mention this in the application form below. The program will run for 6 weeks from January 18 and February 22, 2026 (Sunday mornings) Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $150 honorarium for the time and commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org More information about the program: To achieve program goals, the PhotoVoices Program uses Participatory Action Research and the process of photovoice as a visually effective and transforming process, which helps to communicate diverse understandings and needs. It is most useful in: Empowering marginalized and underserved individuals & communities Connecting disparate community voices Raising awareness & action on community issues Evaluating collaborative initiatives Reaching and motivating decision makers (McRuer, J (July 2020). Photovoice: A Basic Guide to Support Participatory Action Processes for Transformative Community Building) If you are an international organization interested in partering with us for our 2026 PhotoVoices program, you can learn more and apply here! Application Process Application process: You can apply for ACIC’s PhotoVoices program at this link Important Dates The program will run for 6 weeks from January 18 and February 22, 2026 (Sunday mornings) Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 17-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Identify as girl/woman and/or Two Spirit identified Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 6 weeks between January 2026 and February 2026, for Zoom sessions and program work such as taking photos, connecting with group members, and reflecting on the program process Show interest in learning from others and sharing aspects of their own lived experiences, communities, and analysis with youth from other regions of Atlantic Canada and other countries Application Details Apply by: November 10, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ava Green Undergraduate Student Dalhousie University About Ava Ava is a third-year Political Science student at Dalhousie University, originally from Calgary, Alberta. She has a strong passion for community engagement and leadership. Ava is a founding member of Women in Politics at Dal, an initiative aimed at empowering and supporting women in political spaces. Outside the classroom, she is a competitive swim coach, sharing her lifelong passion for swimming and leading goal-setting workshops with her athletes. She also hosts Queens of Music, a weekly radio show that showcases and celebrates women in the music industry.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer Inter-Council Network About Judyannet Judyannet Muchiri (she/her) is a feminist scholar–activist with experience in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda working on, researching and writing on gender equality, digital advocacy and civic participation. Currently, she is completing a PhD in Sociology, overseeing policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), and co-leading the Africa Community Engagement (ACE) Hub.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shelly Whitman Executive Director Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security About Shelly Dr. Shelly Whitman has dedicated her career to advocating for children's rights in conflict zones, serving as the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security since January 2010. Under her leadership, the institute has gained international acclaim for its commitment to preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. A prominent subject matter expert, Dr. Whitman has played a crucial role in establishing key international agreements and policies for child protection. She is often invited to speak at global forums and provide media commentary on issues surrounding children, peace, and security. Her impactful work includes lobbying for Canada's signing of the Safe Schools Declaration and contributing to the development of NATO's Standard Operating Procedure on Children in Armed Conflict, along with the first Policy on Children for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Before joining the Dallaire Institute, Dr. Whitman worked on the inter-Congolese dialogue and the OAU Rwanda Genocide Report, while based at the UNICEF HQ in New York. Her academic career includes teaching International Development Studies and Political Science at various universities, where she introduced courses focused on children and armed conflict. Dr. Whitman's efforts have led to the establishment of over 20 memorandums of understanding with countries and institutions worldwide. She has co-authored pivotal documents such as the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which now has 106 endorsing nations. Her contributions to child protection have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Service to Children and Veterans. With a steadfast commitment to inspiring change and hope for vulnerable populations, Dr. Shelly Whitman continues to lead the charge in advocating for children's rights in conflict zones globally.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Kai Audi Programmes Officer Jinsiangu Kenya About Kai Malakai ‘Kai’ Audi is a seasoned Human Rights Advocate with over eight years of experience in Kenya’s SOGIESC movement. Currently a Programmes Officer at Jinsiangu Kenya, Kai leads initiatives in programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response, while also coordinating the Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) programme. Their advocacy spans community mobilization, digital media, research, and artistic expression. Kai has contributed to qualitative and participatory research with local and international organizations and is also a published writer featured in several queer African literary anthologies.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) About María As IMAP’s Coordinator and Administrator, María Inés Cuj Chopén brings years of experience and passion to the topics of permaculture, biodiversity, food sovereignty, community education, reclaiming ancestral practices and institutional strengthening. With a degree in Public Accounting and Auditing and extensive coursework in social work, Ms. Cuj has a long track record of support for local organizations, including 12 years at IMAP and previously, 12 years as the Finance Director at the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging in San Lucas Tolimán. Through her leadership at IMAP, Ms. Cuj has helped the organization establish greater financial sustainability. She has also worked with youth and local farmers to help them reclaim ancestral knowledge of agricultural practices and the Maya cosmovision, including using the Cholq'ij count of days and the 13 nawales (energies of the day) to understand human beings and nature. She also represents IMAP in Guatemala’s National Network for the Defense of Food Sovereignty (REDSAG). Ms. Cuj is also passionate about sharing IMAP’s vital efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and food sovereignty across borders and has participated in national and international knowledge exchanges and speaking tours, including a 2023 speaking tour in Maritimes Canada.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Vicky Yee Executive Director Women's Fund Fiji About Vicky Vicky’s passion is localising social policy and integrating at grass root development including contributing to youth employment. Prior to joining ILO, Victoria worked at the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF). With her knowledge on private sector and business growth including MSME development, she brings this knowledge to the agenda of women in motion and development. Victoria holds a Bachelor in Applied Psychology and Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Relations.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shadi Mousavi About Shadi

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy Cooperation Canada About Paul Paul Farran is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada, where he leads efforts to advance an impactful international cooperation agenda. He has deep experience in government, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and academia—driving impact on political, development, and humanitarian fronts. He’s worked in crisis and development contexts across Africa and Asia, bringing both global insight and field-tested expertise. A natural collaborator, Paul works to unite diverse stakeholders to solve complex, high-stakes challenges. His core experience span diplomatic engagement, partnership building, strategic planning, and program execution. He’s developed hands on experience in advancing peacebuilding, climate action, and development effectiveness, while advising high level leaders.