Seid Oumer Ahmed began his career as Journalist in Ethiopia and has lived experience as a refugee resettling in 2003 in Canada. Seid has held a number of positions in the settlement sector at IRCOM, Red River College, Manitoba Nurses’ Union, and Immigrant Centre. As a result, he has developed a strong understanding of the various needs and challenges new Canadians face both personally and in workplace environments. In his current role with MANSO, he is able to pursue his sincere desire to help. Seid is thrilled to be a part of the MANSO team, supporting the (re)settlement and language providers as well as newcomers.

Nadia Mahmood is Director of Programming at the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO), where she leads strategic partnerships, sector collaboration, and initiatives that strengthen refugee resettlement and newcomer integration across Manitoba. With over 20 years of global experience in development, humanitarian response, and equity-focused programming, Nadia has worked across North America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. A Rotary Peace Fellow with a Master’s in International Peace and Conflict Studies, she is fluent in English and French, bringing both global expertise and local insight to advance inclusive, effective settlement supports. As a child of newcomers to Canada, she brings a deeply personal commitment to equity, belonging, and community.

Globally, Nadia’s career includes leadership roles with organizations such as the World Bank and Save the Children, with experience in countries including the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has travelled, volunteered, and worked in 36 countries, focusing on gender and social inclusion, youth engagement, education, and community-driven development. She brings strong expertise in program design and management, partnership development, facilitation, communications, and capacity building.

Locally, Nadia’s work has focused on newcomer settlement, intercultural learning, and inclusive education in Manitoba. At Red River College, she led Diversity and Intercultural Services, expanding programs that supported refugee, immigrant, and international students and strengthening institutional capacity around equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has also been actively involved in grassroots efforts to analyze immigration and settlement policy and advocate for the fair treatment of newcomers, reflecting her ongoing commitment to building inclusive and welcoming communities.

Don Boddy has been part of the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organization team for over nine years, bringing a community-based, collaboration-driven perspective to his work. Through this approach, he has partnered with members to expand funding, expertise and creativity across Manitoba’s rural settlement sector.
Don is committed to living and working in ways that are anti-racist, anti-colonial and grounded in Indigenous reconciliation. He values growing his capacity through a network of professional peers, organizational partners, and a “constellation of mentors.”
Over the years, working and walking alongside newcomers to Canada has deeply shaped Don’s life. He has been inspired by the wisdom, courage and kindness shared by the communities he serves. Grateful for the opportunity, Don continues to contribute to MANSO with dedication, curiosity and a commitment to strengthening welcoming communities across Manitoba, in a good way.

Cristina Dreyer joined MANSO as Language Support & Program Manager in February 2025. Before that, she worked as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher at Seven Oaks, IRCOM, and MITT. She also taught academic EAL to international students at the University of Manitoba English Language Centre, and taught university-level courses - Sociolinguistics and Language & Culture - at The University of Winnipeg.
With a background in marketing and business, mixed with her experience teaching adult learners, Cristina opened her own EAL school in her home country, where she taught staff from multinational companies before moving to Canada in 2016. Additionally, she worked as an Instructional Designer, developing and facilitating operational and leadership skills training.
She has a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), a TESL Certificate, and holds a B.A. in Social Communication (with a focus on Advertising and Marketing), a GradDip in Teaching English as a Second Language, a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Linguistics, and an M.A. in Linguistics.

Justine is the Communications and Project Coordinator at the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO), where she oversees membership engagement and supports communication efforts across various platforms. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Certificate in Community Economic Development, she brings expertise in strategic communications, project planning, and stakeholder engagement to the role. Justine is passionate about amplifying newcomer voices and building inclusive communities across Manitoba through sector connections and advancing newcomer inclusion through MANSO’s work.

Daniela Ruiz is the Provincial Coordinator at MANSO, with over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including work in Manitoba’s settlement sector and community development. She holds a Diploma in Social Innovation and Community Development from RRC Polytechnic, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Management.

In her current role at MANSO, Daniela works collaboratively with member organizations and partners to support coordination across the settlement sector in Manitoba. Her work focuses on strengthening connections, supporting knowledge sharing, and contributing to projects that enhance access to services for newcomers. 

Erika brings over 15 years of experience working with newcomer communities, with a heart for equity, connection, and collective care. As MANSO’s Anti-Racism and GBA Plus Specialist, she supports organizations across Manitoba in strengthening inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive practices. Erika has been part of national GBA Plus work, supported teams responding to gender-based violence, and previously worked in settlement and community leadership roles. She is passionate about social justice, community-led change, and building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Karen has been working in the newcomer-serving sector for over 15 years as a teacher of English as an Additional Language. She also held the role of coordinator of English at Work for two years. Since joining MANSO in April 2025, she has been contributing to the updating and creation of resources and providing support for MANSO's many events and professional development opportunities. She has had a parallel career as a French translator and interpreter for over 25 years and is passionate about supporting communication and partnership with the francophone community and settlement agencies. Most of all, Karen wants to contribute to making Manitoba a welcoming and inclusive place for all people.  

Sheree is the Member Support and Office Administrator at MANSO, bringing over 13 years of experience in the Language sector. With a strong background in bookkeeping, customer service and office administration, she plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly while supporting members with care and efficiency.

Sheree holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She finds genuine joy and fulfillment in helping newcomers navigate their new environment and work toward achieving their goals, making a positive impact in the community every day.