Settlement Equity Collective Project
The Settlement Equity Collective in partnership with the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, Canada) focuses on sharpening the skills of grassroots groups.
Participants can expect to be part of an all encompassing, interactive curriculum that highlights topics such as:
• Identifying and refining your Mission, Vision, and values
• Project Management
• Leadership and Governance
• Grant Writing and Proposal Development
• Branding, Marketing and Design
• Networking and Membership Opportunities
• Budgeting and Financial Management
• Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Who is Eligible?
The Settlement Equity Collective Project supports small racialized grassroots groups to elaborate on the skills they already have, and to build community capacity, network and create long term sustainability through diverse funding opportunities as newcomer settlement providers.
For more information please send email to SECproject@tno-toronto.org
Contact Details
Phone: (416)-467-0126
Email: SECproject@tno-toronto.orgs
Settlement Equity Collective Project Participants
Aziza is Afghan Canadian, She holds Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and on the verge of completing Master of Adult Education (MAEd) from St. Francis Xavier University.
She is women’s right activist, feminist, gender equality advocate, and self-made leader. She had the privilege to work with some of the renowned humanitarian and development organizations such as the UN, USAID, GIZ, AKDN and OXFAM in different managerial and leadership capacities.
Currently, she works as Business Analyst with YM Inc.,CEO and founder of Sisters 4 Sisters Development Organization, leads Stay Healthy grassroot group in East York neighborhood, and cohort member with S.E.C project with TNO.
Connect: aziza.zareh@gmail.com
Bethelhem T. Alemu is a dynamic individual with a diverse educational background, holding both an LLB degree in law and a Master’s degree in Global Studies. Originally from Ethiopia, she is a recent newcomer to Canada, driven by a profound passion for social justice and equitable settlement experiences for refugees and newcomers.
With a keen understanding of legal principles and global perspectives, Bethelhem aspires to leverage her expertise to address systemic barriers and promote inclusivity within Canadian society.
Bethelhem’s dedication shines through her proactive efforts in organizing and facilitating events aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues within Ethiopian and Eritrean newcomer communities.
Connect: bettytaye23@gmail.com
Eshrat Meshkat is an experienced leader in mobilizing community resources, creating synergy and providing social support to those in need, people with family crisis, particularly newcomers facing resettlement challenges.
She has been serving community through consistent volunteering with local agencies including: Flemingdon Health Centre (FHC), Flemingdon Park Ministry (FPM), and The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) for more than five years.
She has played major role in local consultations, projects and programs related to: community development, managing Covid-19 challenges and vaccination campaign, emergency food distribution, food security research, improving physical and mental health during Covid 19 lockdown by taking lead in running programs.
Connect: eshrat.m66@gmail.com
Liza Robee Ong is the co-founder of TechGuides, a grassroots group that provides digital literacy and online safety programs to families and youth in priority neighborhoods in Toronto.
She joined the SEC program to connect with and gain insights from like minded groups, and to learn more about designing and implementing impactful and sustainable programs for the communities she wish to serve.
Fun fact about he is that she like travelling and trying different cuisines.
Connect: liza@raquedan.com
Michael M Admassu is an advocate for peace and equity, particularly focused on serving newcomers to Canada. Originally hailing from Ethiopia, Michael has been residing in Canada for the past five years, during which he has actively engaged with his community.
Education-wise, Michael holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology. Additionally, his Certificate in Data Analytics suggests a proficiency in utilizing data-driven approaches to address complex social issues, further enhancing his ability to contribute effectively to his advocacy work.
Education-wise, Michael holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology. Additionally, he has a. Certificate in Data Analytics.
Connect: mmelaku.a@gmail.com
I am a passionate community advocate, being Community Ambassador at TNO and participating in the Taylor Massey Residents Wellness Council and the Taylor Massey Oakridge Community Response Team. Driven by my commitment to address health and social equity issues, I joined Settlement Equity Collective Project to provide my grassroots perspective.
At the core of my beliefs lies a commitment to embracing diversity and nurturing inclusivity. I strive to create environments where every community member feels welcomed, enabling them to unite in celebrating the richness of diversity and the importance of inclusion.
An interesting fact about me is my enjoyment of exploring various cuisines and engaging in board games with my children, particularly chess.
Connect: raziarashed@gmail.com
My name is Riffat Fatima, and I immigrated to Canada in 2004. I possess a master’s degree in library information science and I worked for 10+ years as a research Librarian. I have been involved in community outreach and support programs for over 10 years and even recognized for my contributions by the premier Kathleen Wynne. Some of the programs I have been associated with are FCSS (Flemingdon Community Support Services), Lovers of Panet Earth, Step Challenge Leader, Ravine Champion of Flemingdon, a grassroot leader of Flemingdon park.
I am excited to participate in the Settlement Equity Collective Project to enhance my skills as the community leader to deliver future projects more efficiently and effectively for my community’s benefit. My hobbies include cooking and walking in the ravine when I get free time.
Connect: riffat_jamil@hotmail.com
My name is Romy Alza, and I am a woman immigrant from Peru. I came to Canada in 2019. I work as a Community Health Ambassador and volunteer in organizations that aid vulnerable individuals, such as WHIWH-CH, CSSP, and PWA.
I aim to assist newcomer families, especially those who have children with special needs.
Connect: romy.alza@gmail.com
I am a proud member of the Thorncliffe community and of the Thorncliffe Wellness Group. This community organization focuses on raising awareness around mental health amongst people with South Asian background The goal of the group is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and provide support and resources among all groups (youth, seniors, women, etc.).
For years, I have been facilitating a “Wellness Cafe” Ladies Group three times a month, related to chronic mental health issues. I am a part of the SEC Project as a participant and I also love to help fellow community members solve problems in the community. And she is also passionate about organizing events related to mental health and well-being.
Connect: safiaparveen@hotmail.com
My name is Shrouq Abdulraheem. I am a dedicated community leader and advocate for health and wellness. Serving as a Community Health Ambassador at Flemingdon Health Centre from 2020, I work to promote well-being within my community.
I also volunteer as a coordinator at the local food bank, addressing food insecurity issues. Since 2019, I have been an active member of Food Share with Flemingdon Ministry and Senior Home, allowing me to keep supporting vulnerable populations. As a leader of the Sisters Support Each Other group and Vice President of the French Homework Club since 2017, I demonstrate my passion for community empowerment and education.
I am also a part of the SEC Project as a participant and my goal are to create a positive impact and build a healthier and more connected community for all.
Connect: shrouq_ca@yahoo.com
I’m Viji Pal, the founder of E-Heroes Group and a proud baby boomer. Since 2019, we’ve been driving climate action through innovative hybrid projects, inspiring neighborhoods. Simultaneously, we’re dedicated to engaging adults aged 55+ in graceful aging initiatives. With a focus on facilitation, I believe collaboration is key to building a resilient city.
Explore our impactful climate projects and aging initiatives. Join us on the journey toward a sustainable and empowered community!
Connect eheroesgroup@gmail.com
I am a recent graduate from York University Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, Founders College, Social Science Department, Bachelors Honours Majored International Development Studies and Bachelors Honours Minor Honours African Studies; And Certificate of Refugee and Migration from York University.
I am a Social Development Officer. I have worked as Community Development Officer in public, private and social sector. Especially in social, economic, education, housing, health, research policy’s, resources, employment and law enforcement policies.
I am the founder and executive director of Hooyo Innovation Hub (iHub), a non-profit organization in Canada. An organization that is focused on serving marginalized women and communities in the Greater Toronto Area. I am also a part of the SEC Project as a participant.
Connect: deqanuur@gmail.com, 416-320-0711
I am a Public Health and Community Development professional, dedicates herself to enhancing community well-being and social equity.
With a focus on health equity, I excel in program development and engagement strategies, notably contributing to diabetes prevention initiatives at Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Center. Collaborating with grassroots organizations like ET Pharm, I extend my reach to Ethiopian and Eritrean newcomers, addressing social disparities in healthcare access.
Passionate about community advocacy, I actively participate in projects like the Settlement Equity Collective, continuously refining my skills and embracing new cultural experiences
Connect: yoditmaza@gmail.com
I am a Syrian Canadian Muslim woman and a third-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University. I grew up in Prince George, BC.
As an influential youth leader, I strive to lead with compassion, humility and purpose. I have championed various social and political causes including access to justice, environmental justice, online hate, racism and discrimination, newcomer support, youth empowerment, civic engagement, mentorship, and feminist issues. In 2022, I founded the BC Arabic Legal Support Centre, a small grassroots organization, to bridge the dire access to justice gap faced by marginalized newcomers.
Since 2021, I have been a volunteer with Green Ummah, a Muslim-led environmental justice organization. Early this year, I became a board member and joined the SEC Project as a participant. I plan to continue to facilitate environmental education and stewardship opportunities for youth and members of the Muslim community.
Connect: lila.mansour@greenummah.org
