Patrick MacKenzie
Chief Executive Officer
Patrick MacKenzie has devoted his career to the intersection of people and the economy. For him, immigration is more than a policy area—it’s a pathway to creating a more vibrant, prosperous economy where people and communities flourish. Patrick believes that when individuals succeed, so does society, and he has championed this vision across his work in public service from coast to coast.
With almost 20 years in public service, including a decade at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Patrick held pivotal roles in both Ottawa and Vancouver, driving progress with private and public sector partners on key issues affecting Indigenous and immigrant populations. His expertise extends into immigrant economic integration, credential and skills recognition, and labour mobility—areas he sees as essential for unlocking Canada’s full potential. As an advocate for thoughtful dialogue, Patrick’s connections give him a unique view of the realities and aspirations of both communities and the broader economy. His people-first approach is evident in his leadership and in the lasting partnerships he builds with employers and immigrants.
With this commitment to growth through inclusivity, Patrick continues to meaningfully contribute to economic and social progress centred on human potential.
Daisy Quon
Director, Labour Market Programs & Employer Engagement
Daisy holds a BA and MA. Following completion of her university studies, Daisy worked internationally, primarily in Hong Kong and Madrid. Her professional background includes senior positions in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors in the areas of strategic partnership development and corporate leadership, community investment, immigrant labour market integration and policy development. Her commitment to IEC-BC’s work is fuelled by its blend of economics and social mission, resulting in the ability to “do good and do well”. Daisy oversees programs and services ensuring systems and resources are in place to facilitate cross-organization program alignment and collaboration that support our strategic priorities.
Rania Younes
Senior Manager, National Partnerships and Engagement
Rania has over 17 years of progressive marketing experience and excels in areas of impact, strategic clarity, value framing, participatory research and stakeholder management. In the past decade, Rania worked with various equity-seeking organizations and co-founded a grassroots initiative that works with local community groups to articulate and bring attention to settlement challenges and opportunities, envisioning a dynamic settlement network where all newcomers are welcomed with open hearts and minds. She also co-founded a networking and mentoring platform for professionals within racialized communities getting started in their new homes and careers. Rania is responsible for strengthen the leadership team and support our programs and employer and stakeholder engagement in BC and nationally.
Elham Ershad
Senior Manager, Provincial Partnerships and Engagement
With a Bachelor of Science and 20 years of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, Elham brings a wealth of expertise to her role at IEC-BC. Her background, including CPHR and CDP certifications, equips her in strategic partnership development, employer engagement, and workforce integration for immigrants.
Leading a high-performing team, she focuses on designing and implementing program strategies, managing budgets and resources, and evaluating performance. Elham excels in crafting compelling grant proposals and fostering partnerships with community organizations and government agencies. Her efforts ensure programs are impactful and relevant, driving social and economic benefits while advancing IEC-BC’s vision of an inclusive and prosperous future.
Kakada On
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Kakada brings over a decade of hospitality industry experience, offering high-level operational support and strategic solutions. With expertise in sports operations, corporate leadership, event sales, and conference management, Kakada excels in curating captivating experiences in Greater Vancouver. Fluent in multiple languages, Kakada forges meaningful partnerships with diverse communities. Their distinguished tenure on the Executive Board of CCIAF reflects a deep understanding of industry dynamics and forward-thinking strategies. Beyond work, Kakada passionately advocates for inclusive communities and empowers immigrants in British Columbia. As a trusted liaison to the CEO and IEC-BC, Kakada streamlines operations and drives organizational success.
Iona Santos-Fresnoza – On Mat Leave
Manager, FAST
Iona brings a wealth of experience spanning government, tourism, IT, academia, and non-profits, amassing over a decade of diverse expertise. With a strong focus on project coordination, program development, and community outreach, she adds significant value to her role. Advocating passionately for social justice, diversity, and inclusion, Iona is a catalyst for positive change. Her international exposure includes collaborations with digital agencies in Singapore and the US, driven by a vision of a world without borders, empowered by modern tools. Armed with a Journalism Major from the University of the Philippines, Iona is currently completing an Award of Achievement in Community Management at the University of British Columbia. As the lead for the FAST program, she spearheads transformative initiatives, embodying her dedication to fostering connected and inclusive communities.
Vania Barber
Communications and Partnerships Specialist, Engaging SMEs
Vania is a seasoned Communications and Branding professional with 16 years of progressive experience in Financial Services. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Advertising and Digital Marketing at University Anahuac in Mexico and received an MBA in Digital Marketing & Transformation from the University Rey Juan Carlos in Spain. Born and raised in Mexico City, Vania has had the opportunity to travel around the globe and meet people from various cultures. She strongly believes in the importance of multicultural talent empowerment and the powerful contributions newcomers can bring to the Canadian economy.
Anshul Modi
Manager, Employer Engagement and Programs
Anshul has over 8 years of project management and entrepreneurial experience across multiple sectors. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, he managed projects from start to finish while completing his Master’s degree in Commerce with a specialization in Management. He has also earned a diploma in Event and Tour Management and has managed multiple events and international tours. Having been a trustee of a charity for the past decade, Anshul has organized numerous fundraising campaigns in India and has volunteered with Teach for India. He is also a student pilot and has trained on small fixed-wing aircraft.
Peiman Sadeghi
Coordinator, Finance
Peiman holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Istanbul University and has served as an Auditor for the Ministry of Finance in Iran. With a background as a faculty member at Azad University and an independent consultant, he offers invaluable expertise in bookkeeping and accounting services to various organizations. In his current role, Peiman plays a vital part in ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability and growth. His extensive knowledge in financial management makes him an invaluable asset, contributing significantly to the organization’s success.
Stefanus Kurniawan
Special Project Coordinator
Stefanus is an experienced professional in business operations with a background in start-ups and in the private sector. He is passionate about growth and effective optimization. Having worked internationally in China and Indonesia for more than 10 years, he has honed essential skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and agility while maintaining a consistent focus on big picture perspective. Stefanus is driven by his commitment to excellence and as such he aims to empower businesses to thrive in ever-changing markets by embracing innovation and adaptability.
Jabin Itagi
Program Administrator
Jabin brings over eight years of experience in software engineering and IT recruitment. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications that has propelled her into diverse roles as both a Software Engineer and Recruiter. Beyond her professional commitments, Jabin passionately volunteers her time for teaching as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility program, reflecting her deep commitment to community engagement. In her free time, Jabin avidly reads, staying updated on trends. She plays a key role in our team, supporting the MentorConnect program’s scaling efforts by managing registrations and facilitating matching.
Ben Marsh
Data Manager
Ben has over a decade of experience working in the not-for-profit sector, primarily focusing on housing, mental health, and education. As a Data Analyst at IEC-BC, he combines his passion for building community and social justice with his love for math and data to improve the efficacy of IEC-BC initiatives, support data-informed decision making, and look for ways to leverage new technologies. Ben enjoys working collaboratively to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. He holds a Bachelors in Sociology with a focus on Social Stratification and Inequality, a Diploma in Data Science, and a Certification in Project Management.
Maryam Gharib
Learning Specialist
Maryam Gharib, with a background in Biology, taught at Tehran University of Medical Science and various institutes before earning a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Learning Design from Simon Fraser University. With 5+ years crafting adult learning content, she’s skilled in instructional methodologies and e-learning design. Her research in Ed-Tech focuses on LMSs, Web 2.0/3.0 tools, and educational game injustices, showcased at UBC’s Inclusive Makerspace Conference. Maryam excels in collaborations with stakeholder and SMEs, enabling smooth instructional design processes and successful workshop implementations. Dedicated to meaningful, ongoing, and sustainable learning, Maryam aims to drive impactful educational change.
Harries Wong
Learning and Development Manager
With two Master’s degrees in Education and Information Technology in Education (Learning Technology Design) and a Diploma in Education from the University of British Columbia, Harries brings over 15 years of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. Her areas of expertise include instructional design, project management, and the integration of technology to enhance learning experiences. Harries has successfully designed and implemented comprehensive programs for diverse audiences, consistently achieving impactful results. She has made significant contributions to high-profile learning and development projects, such as advocating for inclusivity in higher education and working with a territory-wide professional membership organization to promote professional development initiatives. Furthermore, Harries is adept at delivering professional development training in industry-specific technology and change management for practitioners. Her work aligns with IEC-BC’s vision of creating an inclusive and prosperous future by empowering audiences through effective educational initiatives.
Lucy Chuang
Partnership Development Coordinator
Lucy is a Partnership Development Coordinator at IEC-BC, where she focuses on building relationships with partners and delivering impactful messages. With a background in international relations from Trinity Western University, she has valuable experience as a Parliamentary Intern and Outreach Assistant for Members of Parliament. Originally from Taiwan, Lucy brings a global perspective shaped by her commitment to creating a positive impact for diverse communities.
Jeannalla Burns
National Projects Communications Specialist
Jeannalla Burns brings over seven years of global experience in leading marketing and communication initiatives across public, private, and international non-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Saint Louis University in the Philippines and a post-graduate diploma in Global Business Management from Centennial College in Toronto. Jeannalla has successfully developed and executed communication strategies for various brands and programs, managed influencer marketing and social media campaigns, and created promotional collateral to ensure brand and program visibility and impact. Her expertise also extends to stakeholder management, fostering strong collaboration and engagement across diverse audiences.
Pantea Fard
Program Coordinator
Over 15 years, Pantea has navigated roles across administration, management, translation, and education. She holds an MA in French studies from Simon Fraser university and an MBA from University of Tehran. Pantea began her journey in Canada in 2021, where she fully embraced the academic life at SFU. There, she served as a TA, was a member of the organizing committee for the Colloque en Études Francophones and contributed as a layout editor for the De voix Vives journal. Now pursuing a certificate in adult learning specialized in workplace learning from the university of Calgary, aspiring for supporting the newcomers in their professional journey, particularly immigrants like herself. She is the program coordinator for ASCEND, an online, self-paced soft skills development and employment readiness training program.
Florence Bellanastasia
Employer Engagement Specialist
Florence holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Simon Fraser University and has built a dynamic career in organizational strategy and workforce integration. Her early experiences include driving community engagement and planning impactful events for non-profits, advising local businesses on go-to-market strategies, and helping organizations succeed through transformation and cultural realignment during her time at a U.S.-based consulting firm.
As a Program Coordinator at IEC-BC, Florence combines her passion for fostering inclusive workplaces with her experience in consulting and project management to develop effective initiatives that help employers connect with global talent.
Brindha Ganesan
Project Coordinator and Data Analyst
Brindha is a Project Coordinator and Data Analyst at IEC-BC with over seven years of experience in the tech industry. She holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and a recent Diploma in Data Science from BrainStation. With the right knowledge, skills and commitment to continuous learning, Brindha is passionate about sharing her voice and playing her part in the data domain that contributes positively to the whole.
Yury Rodriguez
Program Coordinator, Workforce Development Programs
As a Program Coordinator, Yury supports the planning and execution of workforce development programs in collaboration with organizations across Canada. With over six years of experience in project coordination within the consulting and educational sectors, Yury excels in project planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, consistently delivering high-quality results. She holds a BBA from Military University Nueva Granada in Colombia and an MBA from University Canada West in Canada.
Yury is passionate about sustainable development, and she is committed to creating positive societal and environmental impacts. As a Latina and newcomer, she advocates for diversity, social justice and climate change.
Alycia Ta
E-learning and Instructional Design Specialist
Alycia has a BA in Psychology and has experience in education program coordination, learning design, and curriculum administration. She’s worked within non-profit organizations and the post-secondary education field with both youth and adult learners. Throughout her experiences, she’s been able to develop a deep understanding of learners’ needs. Alycia is most passionate about using creativity and problem-solving to curate effective educational experiences. Creating innovative learning tools and providing value to learners are her top priorities.