President

Mark has resided on Vancouver Island for the past 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Political Science Degree from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in Business (MBA) from Vancouver Island University. He is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and brings extensive Human Resources experience with non-profit and indigenous organizations. His Human Resources work focuses on recruitment and selection, performance management, occupational health and safety, and updating policies and procedures.

Vice President

EJ immigrated to Nanaimo from Seoul, Korea in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and has knowledge in HR Management and experience as a Manager. EJ is the owner of Eve Olive, a vegan restaurant. Valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, EJ is grateful for the assistance she received from CVIMS and is committed to helping CVIMS provide quality services to newcomers and refugees.

Treasurer

Gavin is a Senior Accountant with 7 years of experience in Public Accounting. He has resided on Vancouver Island for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Camosun College and is in the final steps in applying for his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Gavin began his career in a local firm in Victoria before working at Grant Thornton in Nanaimo. Gavin is excited to be a part of CVIMS and looks forward to advancing the goals and values of the organization

Secretary

Arooj is a labour and employment lawyer. She advises unionized and non-unionized employers on all aspects of labour and employment law, including discipline and discharge, human rights, employment standards, occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, certification, grievances and workplace policies and agreements. She has represented clients at various levels of Court, as well as before administrative tribunals, arbitrators, and mediators. Arooj has in-depth knowledge of the human rights and workers’ compensation systems from her experience interning with the Alberta Human Rights Commission and working at the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board.

Arooj is thrilled to serve on the CVIMS Board. It is a way for her to be part of the important work CVIMS does and she is honoured to support an organization committed to building a more inclusive society.

Member at Large

Golfer is a professional with over ten years of residency on Vancouver Island. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria, along with a Post-Degree Diploma in Business and a Master of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, a Master of Science in International Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK and is certified as a Graduate Coach by Coaching out of the Box, Canada and a member of the International Coaching Federation.

Golfer excels in various roles seamlessly, merging her expertise as a Graduate Programs Advisor and Transformational Coach. She is dedicated to driving positive change, optimizing operations, and fostering growth. Golfer’s track record of solving complex challenges, providing recommendations and enhancing diverse student success highlights her commitment to excellence and passion in making a positive impact in her community. She eagerly anticipates contributing to the board’s mission.

Member at Large

Steve and his family are extremely grateful to have settled on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw’naw’as and Stz’uminus people on Vancouver Island five years ago. For the past 20 years, he has worked in talent attraction, acquisition and retention for private and public sector organizations in BC. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been an increasingly important part of his focus over the last several years, with a key focus on implementing inclusive hiring practices and education. Steve consistently volunteers with several BC-based non-profit organizations, leading employment-related coaching and training sessions. Steve is excited to be a part of CVIMS and supporting our local communities.

Member at Large

Vania is a strategic communications consultant with nearly two decades of experience specializing in stakeholder engagement, event management, and media relations across diverse sectors in Canada. She has led award-winning initiatives in Alberta and beyond, effectively connecting people and ideas to drive meaningful and positive change. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Literature and a diploma in Public Relations from MacEwan University, Vania is currently pursuing international accreditation in strategic communications.

As an immigrant from Bulgaria in the early 2000s, Vania brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers. Her personal journey fuels her passion for supporting individuals and families as they navigate their path toward belonging and opportunity.

A dedicated volunteer leader, Vania has been actively involved in various professional associations, championing initiatives that foster connection, education, and professional growth. Now, as a board member with CVIMS, she is committed to advancing its mission of creating a welcoming and inclusive community, ensuring every newcomer feels empowered to thrive.

Member at Large

Darrell and his family have lived in Nanaimo for more than a decade. He holds a Bachelors of Journalism degree from the University of King’s College, and a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University. As a communications specialist and international development professional, Darrell has worked in the post-secondary education sector for the past 15 years, managing international capacity-building partnerships and facilitating intercultural programming locally and internationally. Darrell is particularly passionate about supporting refugee newcomers and has led a variety of initiatives to enhance their integration and success in our community. Earlier in his career, Darrell worked a journalist and foreign correspondent, reporting from Africa, Europe and Latin America for the CBC and public radio in the United States, Europe, and Australia. He doesn’t travel as much as he used to, but still often finds himself on airplanes to far-flung places. Darrell is honored to serve on the CVIMS board and support its critical role in the mid-island region.