Board of Directors

Biography 

Board of Directors  2012-2013

As a volunteer Hema has been instrumental in bringing to CultureLink’s Program and Services Committee a wealth of information gained from her extensive professional experience in the field of education and training, financial decision making, research, policy creation and development. Her volunteerism extends beyond CultureLink to the City of Toronto and the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families. Presently, Hema is employed at the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities which leads policy directions for post secondary education and operates employment services for students, job seekers and employers.

This year Jessica was heavily involved with CultureLink’s Mentorship Program. As Director of Education & Community Outreach with Luminato – Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity, she creates and implements multi-disciplinary programs and volunteer opportunities, encouraging interactive participation and meaningful engagement with the Festival. Her commitment to, and support of CultureLink’s innovative Mentorship Program provides many of our newcomers with the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian experience by volunteering at the Luminato Festival in June. Jessica has close to 20 years of experience working in the arts and education. She earned her M.Ed at the University of Toronto and her B.A. in Art History at McGill University.

Lisa is the Director of Strategy and Planning at Scotia iTRADE, a division of the Scotiabank Group. Lisa’s career has spanned the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, where she has provided counsel to senior executives and government officials on critical business issues, strategic planning, business development, public policy, and international trade, and played a role in policy development and advocacy. In addition to her professional experience, Lisa is a Director with the Scotiabank Intercultural Alliance, whose mission is to support the development of a culturally competent workforce, ensuring employees are able to understand, communicate and effectively interact with people across different cultures.  Lisa also volunteered for many years with CultureLink’s Host Program, before joining its Board of Directors.

Mark has a B.A. from Western University and an M.A. from New School University (formerly the New School for Social Research) in New York City. Mark’s work encompasses a wide range of experience in the Labour Movement, including roles as an organizer/educator with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and in project development with the Commonwealth Trade Union Council in the Caribbean. He served 9 years as a Workers’ Representative on the Board of Referees of the Canadian Government’s Employment Insurance Commission. He has also worked as a Human Rights Officer with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. His volunteer experience has included activities as a mentor at Culturelink, Board Member and Chair of FoodShare Toronto and as a Member of the Board of Governors of Humber College.”  

 Mehul has well-rounded and strong management experience acquired over a dozen years, in various countries and in wide array of cross-functional roles including Strategy, Analytics, People Management and Execution. Mehul is passionate about CultureLink and has served its Board for more than five years as member of different committees, as a Treasurer and currently as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Besides CultureLink, Mehul is actively involved with Junior Achievement to teach grade eight students Economics of Success as well as with United Way where Mehul is Acting Chair for a panel that analyzes and recommends funding levels for agencies and is a Member of the Speaker’s Bureau.

Being a first generation immigrant in Canada, Mehul succeeded in overcoming challenges to adapt to the new home and its culture as well as in building sound career with well respected Schedule-A Bank by going back to school and enhance skills.  Mehul is passionate to help new-comers to Canada achieve their potential.

Orla is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with broad experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and auditing, Orla Zhu makes the time to increase her volunteer experience by sitting in on a School Advisory Council at Peel District School Board, Health & Safety Policy Committee at Candu Energy Inc. and on our own CultureLink Mentorship Program. Her academic achievements include a dual degree in Administrative Studies from York University and in Economics from Northwest University, and a CMA from The Society of Management Accountants, Ontario   

Paul is Director of Policy & Social Responsibility at Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, where he leads OLG’s enterprise-wide the Responsible Gambling and Environment Programs. As Vice-Chair of the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation’s Responsible Gambling committee, Paul is leading the development of a national standard for Canadian gambling operators. Prior to joining OLG, Mr. Pellizzari worked in public policy for the Province of Ontario, and as a research consultant and communications professional in the private sector at Noranda Inc, EthicScan Canada, and JWT (J. Walter Thompson).  Professionally, he has worked extensively with national and local not-for-profit organizations, with all levels of government, and with the United Nations. Paul is the author of two books and many articles on corporate social responsibility. His volunteer work includes strategy and communications advice for international shareholder advocacy campaigns, local campaigns to improve neighborhood conditions, and providing support for the homeless. Paul holds a Master of Arts (l’Université de Montréal), an Honours Bachelor of Arts (University of Toronto/Queen’s), and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Queen’s University).

Bob is a retired senior executive with extensive experience in financial institutions and the regulatory sector.  He has held leadership positions in the areas of management, administration, human resources, policy development, commercial and consumer credit.  He has also led a consulting practice of international scope that assisted organizations in achieving effective governance and risk management practices.  A proven innovator, change agent and problem solver, he has designed and delivered custom training programs and workshops.  Bob is currently a Career Mentor at CultureLink and also does volunteer work for the Golf Association of Ontario.

Sarah Bukhari brings to the CultureLink Board of Directors a vast experience in settlement services, community development and capacity building. Sarah is at present a Scholarly Creative and Research (SRC) Officer at the Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University. Sarah is the founder of the Association of Sudanese Women in Research and Development (Ani-Sa’a) and continues to concentrate on social research, support for settlement needs and advocacy on policy analysis and change.

Tasha is a HR Business Partner at BMO Financial Group. Tasha comes with extensive professional experience as human resources professional and a project coordinator. Her volunteer and extracurricular involvement includes being a member of HRPAO and a senior mentor with Youth Assisting Youth. In addition, she also has time to sit in on a variety of committees.  Educated at Ryerson University, the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Tasha not only brings a strong HR experience to the board but also an in-depth education in the field of HR.   

Wendy Horning recently retired from Wells Fargo Financial, where she was a Manager of Specialty Collections, starting in 1997. She previously worked for GE Capital as the Account Services Manager for their Auto Leasing portfolio. Wendy was a member of Wells Fargo’s first Canadian Diversity Council. Wendy first came to know CultureLink in 2000, where volunteering with the English Conversation Circle was a suitable ‘fit’. She became a board member in 2001 serving on the Board until 2005, including a short period as Chair of the Board. Wendy is the Chair of the Programs & Services Committee. Wendy was on the board of Sojourn House, a refugee shelter in downtown Toronto, where she was the President up until her term on the Board ended in June 2011.