Our
Team

Samantha is a nurse, researcher, outdoor enthusiast, and an anti-racism advocate. She is passionate about social activism, promoting justice, and building community capacity, and was fascinated by the mobilization of practical, relevant, and resourceful community awareness provided by CFRAC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and has worked as a pediatric nurse.

Currently, Samantha is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. Samantha’s research work is geared towards addressing the gap between child health knowledge translation practices and health equity. Specifically, Samantha will be addressing racism in the healthcare sector by seeking impactful solutions that integrate anti-racism as a key commitment in the provision of nursing care. Outside of her professional role, Samantha enjoys responsible travelling, hiking, photography, and trying new foods.

An urban enthusiast, adventurer and food junkie, Aemon is an outgoing, and driven young professional who loves working with others as a means of exchanging ideas and knowledge. She graduated with an Honors Bachelor majoring in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies, and Early Modern History, with experience working with Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada under her belt.

A life-long learner, Aemon’s keen interest in politics, social justice and human rights issues has led to her involvement with several not-for-profit organizations in Toronto helping marginalized communities, women’s groups, and vulnerable populations, as well as building awareness of civil liberties. Aemon is excited to bring her experience to CFRAC, to educate and promote anti-racism ideas and build an inclusive and diverse society.

Rickard is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Decision Sciences in the School of Business at MacEwan University. In this role, he oversees the B.Com. Major in Supply Chain Management and has also led the development of a new Minor in Business Intelligence/Data Analytics. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta, Canada, M.Sc. (Eng.) and B.Sc. from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, along with studies in Economics conducted at Stockholm University, Sweden.

Apart from an interest in the Built Environment, his research interests revolve around Leadership Development and Consumer Behaviour and the use of statistical modeling to measure those behavioural outcomes and preferences. He taught at universities in Europe and Canada and was a Visiting Research Fellow at Uppsala University, Sweden. He is the current Vice-Chair of the Canadian Initiative for Nordic Studies at the University of Alberta, an organization with a national mandate to advance the multidisciplinary academic and cultural exchanges between Canada and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. He holds the professional designation of Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) from CIM Chartered Managers Canada©.

Linda is a first-generation immigrant, visual artist, and community organizer. Originally from Turkey, she has lived in various parts of Canada and abroad and has been active in different cultural communities as an advocate for social justice, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy at Concordia University, Montreal, and a Certificate in Project Management at the University of Alberta.

Linda has 10 years of experience in non-profit and the public sector working with diverse stakeholders on international platforms with a focus on community and international development, humanitarian assistance, capacity building, public engagement, and advocacy. She is a strong advocate for immigrant women having personally experienced challenges of settlement and integration as a newcomer to Canada.

As an artist, Linda is interested in how art and storytelling influence our political, social, and emotional realities, from the impact on a community up to the global level. She held several exhibitions and community events in Montreal, Toronto, and Edmonton, and continues to be involved in Edmonton’s arts community in various artistic and mentoring roles.

Youssra was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies from the University of Alberta. Her professional experiences include front line mental health services at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, youth support work with non-profit human service organizations, as well as 10+ years serving learners as an educator with the Edmonton Public School Board.

Currently, Youssra works as an ESL Consultant, supporting educators, and English Language Learners. She is an advocate for diversity in her professional and personal life.  Aside from her husband and four children, Youssra’s greatest commitment is supporting students and educators.

Originally from Algeria, Rym completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Alberta. She currently holds the position of policy and community advisor at the ACFA, a non-for-profit dedicated to ensuring the social and political development of the vibrant francophone community in Alberta. In this role, some of her responsibilities include providing research, analysis and writing leading to the development of policies, community development and government relations strategies.

Rym is a multilingual professional with experience in policy writing, program management, strategic planning, adult education as well as employability. In addition, Rym is actively engaged in anti-racism work; she has been involved with the CFRAC board as a Treasurer and Secretary since December 2018.  She has worked closely with newcomers to ensure their employment integration in the Alberta job market, and she is passionate about building inclusive communities. Outside of work, Rym enjoys travelling, learning new languages and photography.

Vivian is a coffee connoisseur and a vocal mental health advocate in the greater community. Her passion for health and wellness has inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology, and now a Master’s in Public Health.

Over the years, she has worked with non-profit organizations and public institutions in various capacities. At an international level, she has been affiliated and worked with organizations such as UN Women and the World Economic Forum. As a woman of color with a strong interest in policy and health, Vivian has always been actively participating in discussions on the challenges faced by the ethnic communities in Edmonton. She was initially intrigued by the work done by the Centre for Race and Culture in the areas of education and awareness. After having the opportunity to learn more about the organization and interact with their members, Vivian was eager to be a part of the cause.

Currently, she works as the Planning and Engaging Coordinator with Homeward Trust Edmonton, working in collaboration with all levels of government and community agencies to eradicate homelessness in the city. In the long term, she hopes to continue her involvement and career journey in the public sector.