Cathy Dowd has been the Program Director of the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre for the past six years, overseeing programs for Settlement, Language Training, Employment, and Skills Training & Work Experience (for youth). Prior to this, she was the Executive Director of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union for six years, overseeing the operation of six major on-campus businesses and over 35 different services and programs, which encompassed a $16 Million budget and employed 30 full-time and over 175 part-time staff.
Cathy was previously on the Board for MEALO (2015-16), serving as Secretary, and then joined the MANSO Board for its inaugural year (2016), continuing to serve as Secretary. Since 2017, she has been on the Board for English Online, serving as Secretary for the past two years. She is currently a member of MANSO’s Professional Development Committee as well as the Employment and Entrepreneurship Working Group of the Portage Local Immigration Partnership.
Cathy has extensive organizational and program management experience and is a strong believer in continuous learning. She holds a B.Sc. degree and a B.A. degree from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) through the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM).
Cathy is honoured to serve on the MANSO Board again, as she recognizes its significant role in supporting members through communication, networking, and professional development activities, as well as acting as a strong voice for the Manitoba settlement and integration sector.

Jose came to Canada in 1988 as a new immigrant from El Salvador. He has spent over 20 years working in the settlement sector. While at A & O, Jose worked as a Liaison Worker for the senior ESL classes, and as a Senior Centre Facilitator where he set up a computer lab at a community centre. He is the point person for SOIS for technology access and training for both clients and staff, including digital literacy classes, advanced computer, and social media sessions. The last 10 years he has worked at Seven Oaks Immigrant Services and is currently a Coordinator. Jose leads our community partnerships and zone work, and supports SWIS, community connections, employment, volunteering, skills building and language classes both formal and informal. He is a community leader, who enjoys volunteering. His involvement as a volunteer has included the Refugee committee at St. Ignatius Church, Pan Am Games, past president for the Salvadoran Association and Coordinator of the El Salvador Pavilion.

I first went down the path of settlement in Japan. There I taught English to Japanese citizens wishing to travel abroad for work or study. When I came back to Winnipeg I felt the need to continue on that path of helping newcomers succeed in Canada. I attended the University of Manitoba CTESL program and from there taught at, what was then known as the Victor Mager EAL program out of the Rene Deleurme Centre in St. Vital. After that I was fortunate enough to get hired on as a language assessor at WELARC. Working as a language assessor gave me a new perspective on what newcomers have to deal with when settling in Canada. Being on the Language Advisory Group with MANSO has given me a different angle from which to view settlement.

Abdi has extensive experience of the front line as well as leadership of the sector. He brings significant connections in the newcomer community, the three levels of government and a diversity of other stakeholders. He is well versed with federal and provincial immigration policies and is a well-regarded advocate for newcomers in Canada. He has served on numerous boards and committees and has been recognized for his work advocating for new Canadians. He has also been actively involved in a number of initiatives to bring positive change to the local community in Winnipeg as well as in Canada and internationally. Has lived in Winnipeg for the last 17 years since immigrating to Canada and been involved in local initiatives to bring about positive change to the community at a number of different levels.

Jennifer Tomsich is a Senior Psychosocial Advisor at Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS) Inc. Jennifer has worked at NEEDS Inc. for over 10 years in a variety of roles and capacities over the years by providing direct support, facilitating programming, program development, program coordination and overall client support to immigrant and refugee children, youth and their families. Jennifer currently holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is expected to graduate with a Master of Social Work in 2021. Jennifer is currently a member of the MANSO Health Working Group and also an executive member of the Gang Interagency Action Network (GAIN). Jennifer also previously involved with Youth Agencies Alliance on the Programming Committee and Friends of Sherbrook Pool.

Azarias has worked at NJH for 14 years as a Housing Advisor – excelling at both client supports and our lead in workshop development and facilitation. Azarias is very active in the local Rwandan community and this role often overlaps and strengthens his work at NJH. Azarias is keenly aware of what newcomers are experiencing as they make Manitoba their new home – both from his lived experience and as a housing advisor at NJH. Azarias has also been through the board training program with Volunteer Manitoba and is serving on the board of Winnipeg Children's Access Agency (WCAA). This has been a valuable learning experience, but he is ready to serve as a board member of a newcomer service agency.

With lived immigrant experience overcoming systemic barriers during apartheid South Africa, Enver is grateful to do work with a team and sector that creates generational impact for people and communities. With local and international experience in the non-profit and private sectors, strategic partnership development, and an MBA in Community Economic Development, Enver brings an innovative toolkit and unique perspective to address complex issues and implement strategy. Enver serves as CEO of Westman Immigrant Services (WIS), which includes a team of 80 staff over 9 locations supporting immigrant settlement, refugee resettlement, and temporary residents. Enver also leads the Rural Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council (RMIEC), which is part of a national network to help employers and communities attract, hire, and retain immigrant talent. He has served on the National RAP Employee Wellness Research Advisory Board, the Manitoba Immigration Advisory Council, and is a member of the Immigrant Employment Council of Canada. With a practitioner-academic interest in the economic and social inclusion of immigrants and newcomers, Enver is currently pursuing a PhD in Education and Social Justice. Enver is dedicated to helping immigrants, newcomers, and the sector as a member of the MANSO Board of Directors.

Karina is the Director of Community Development at West Central Women's Resource Centre. She has more than 20 years of experience working in Community Services with an approach of Gender, Equity, and Human Rights. She was born in Mexico City, where she studied Sociology and participated with different agencies designing, coordinating and implementing multiple projects focused in GBV, Human Rights, Women and Indigenous Rights, Discrimination and Anti-Racism. Furthermore, Karina is the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit in Mexico, which supports indigenous women and their families, who immigrated from different indigenous communities to Mexico City. 

Karina came to Canada in 2012 and started to work at WCWRC in 2018, where she has held the positions of Settlement Worker, Gender Based Violence Worker, and currently Director of Community Development, coordinating programs including Employment, Settlement, and GBV programs directed mainly to immigrant women and gender diverse people.