I am a father of three children, my daughter is 19 and my boys are 14 and 12. I volunteer as a minor and minor baseball coach. I enjoy going sport fishing and spending time outdoors. 

I am a town councillor in Port Hawkesbury currently in my first term. I am a red seal steam/pipefitter. I’ve been involved with union work in Alberta for over 10 years. I sit on many different committees in the Town and Strait Area. 

Lynn Chisholm serves as the District 5 Councillor for Inverness County. For the past 23 years, Lynn has worked as a Teacher Assistant for the Strait Regional Centre for Education (formerly Strait Regional School Board). She has her pulse on the many needs, issues, and concerns of the people of Inverness County, having been a member of several committees and organizations.

Lynn’s involvements include: Member on Port Hood Area Development, Mabou Development, and Chestico Museum and Historical Society, Chair of the Chestico Days Committee, Founder and Chair of Port Hood Central Park Ceilidhs, Founder and Chair of Murphy’s Pond Music Festival, and member of the Allen J. Mac Eachen Port Hawkesbury Airport Management committee.

Lynn became a member of the CBLIP Council in December 2020. As an employee of a public school, she sees firsthand the benefit of embracing immigrant families into our school communities and environment. Welcoming and being inclusive in learning from each other through culture, skills and appreciating the value of each individual.

Based in Port Hawkesbury and servicing Inverness/Richmond and Victoria Counties, Cape Breton Island. YREACH provides information, orientation and settlement support to Immigrants, Refugees and their families in rural Nova Scotia. Mrs. Hall-Samson has been employed in the Financial and Accounting industry since 1992. She started her career with an education in computer programming and accounting and has expanded her knowledge in the areas of Attachment-based approach family support, Mental Health Aid specifically with refugee families, safeTALK and healthy environments. Mrs. Hall – Samson is currently a business owner on Isle Madame since 2001 which focuses on Cape Breton Culture. She sits on numerous boards throughout Cape Breton Island and has been editor in the publication of adult learning tools in the General Educational Development Program (G.E.D.).She values working and learning together to promote and ensure inclusion amongst all cultures living in Cape Breton communities.

Perla MacLeod came to Canada in 2004 to learn the English at the Institute Language International School in Halifax. While in Halifax, Perla met her future husband and they moved together to Big Baddeck, Cape Breton.

Perla became a proud Canadian citizen in August 2014 and in 2016 she secured the seat in District 2 of Victoria County, becoming the first female council member in twenty five years. Perla has worked in the Tourism sector for many years and speaks fluent Spanish and English. Perla has first-hand experience with the Canadian immigration process and is well-versed in the challenges and barriers that immigrants face when they immigrate to Canada.

Perla is passionate about attracting newcomers to the area by promoting the excellent quality of life that Cape Breton has to offer.

For the past several years, Jody has been facilitating collaborative systems change. “I have worked with many wonderful people, on the ground, in organizational collaboration, as a network, and influencing policy, but I get really excited about creating pathways between these layers and various sectors within our communities. Working together in new ways really can unlock change.” Jody now weaves her lived and learned experience, alongside her empathy and commitment to social change, through her role in leading deep engagement and learning across Nova Scotia’s impact sector.

Jody stewards a piece of land on Hunter’s Mountain, Unama’ki, where she invests her heart in her farm, her two boys and her community. In the world of ‘food’ Jody sits on the Island Food Network Steering Committee, Co-Leads the Culture Exchange, and writes for Edible Maritimes.

Jody studied at Dalhousie Agriculture campus, where she specialized in Plant Science with a focus on organic production and international development. Throughout her studies, Jody co-chaired the campus World University Services of Canada committee, which focused on a Student Refugee Program. This program facilitated the settlement of refugees in the university and community. Jody also completed an internship in Ghana, along with many other international experiences. This background, plus her experience as a “come from away” to Cape Breton, offers a valuable perspective to the work of the CBLIP.

Nadine has been working with the Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration, a division of New Dawn Enterprises, since 2016. She provides settlement services to newcomers and their families. Her primary focus is with newcomers to the CBRM, but provisioning from CBICI is island wide.

In addition to providing settlement support to her client base, Nadine also works to create awareness around the benefits of immigration and inclusion in our communities. CBICI aims to identify settlement needs and offers both direct and indirect services in an effort to help clients navigate community resources available to them.

Nadine also sits on several committees with multiple community partner organizations whose commitment is aligned with immigrant settlement, and community integration and awareness.

Kailea Pedley began her role with the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP) with the launch of the initiative in 2017 and is responsible for supporting all CBLIP groups and activities. She believes that immigration will continue to play a critical role in the future of Unama’ki – Cape Breton and is proud to work alongside CBLIP members to help foster welcoming and inclusive communities for all newcomers.

Kailea holds a BAH in Political Studies and Global Development Studies and an MSc in Rural Planning and Development. She has a diverse background that includes experience living, studying and working in El Salvador, the United Kingdom, China and New Zealand. Originally from the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Kailea has lived in Pipers Glen, Inverness County since 2014. When she is not managing the CBLIP, she operates Patchwood Farm with her husband and can often be found selling their vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers at the Mabou Farmers’ Market.

Lauri Ravanello is an Account Manager and the immigration lead for ACOA in its Sydney office. Lauri has worked on various immigration related projects for approximately 12 years, both professionally and as a volunteer. She has promoted Cape Breton Island internationally as a place to visit, work and live, sat on the Cape Breton Rural-Urban Immigration Pilot task force and participated in Lifeline Syria activities. Most recently, Lauri has been designated within ACOA to promote the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) to employers on Cape Breton Island. She is committed to building the population of Cape Breton Island through immigration, supporting projects assisting and welcoming newcomers and in celebrating diversity within our communities.

Amanda Rae is a strategic and adaptive leader who has more than a decade of experience focused on advising and coaching intrapreneurs and changemakers when the why is clear but the how is uncertain. She has extensive experience developing and implementing organizational and community strategy that addresses complex social and community challenges. Amanda Rae blends the principles of systems change and social innovation with change management and implementation science to create emergent strategy. She uses an asset-based approach in all her work, to focus on reinforcing and leveraging strengths. Amanda Rae believes every entity already has what they need to take action towards their vision, if they are willing to trust themselves and each other to stand in the gap of uncertainty between where they are and where they want to go. Her practical experience is complemented with a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management combined with leadership coaching and digital marketing certifications.

Having recently arrived in Cape Breton, Amanda Rae currently serves the Cape Breton community as chair of the Welcoming Communities working group under the CB Local Immigration Partnership. This past summer she ran a provincial campaign in Victoria-The Lakes riding which allowed her the chance to get to know the constituents in a considerable area of the Island.

Before becoming an independent contractor in 2018, Amanda Rae was the Director of Integration & Special Projects with CUPS Health, Education, Housing in Calgary Alberta.

Sheri Taylor is the Executive Director of Leeside Society- Transition House and Strait Area Women’s Place. Bringing a feminist lens to all of her work, Sheri is a passionate advocate for mental health and addictions, domestic violence, homelessness, social justice, equity, creating safe spaces, women’s issues and also giving back to the broader diverse communities in which she serves including supporting newcomers. Sheri is a true humanitarian at heart and is a graduate of Cape Breton University, holding an MBA in Community Economic Development. Having a background in education, employment and financial services, she also holds her CHRP designation as a HR Professional.

A native of Mulgrave, Sheri also believes in supporting generational family living where she resides with her 82-year-old mother and cat fluffy. On her down time, Sheri can be found hiking or enjoying various cultural and community events in the home of her heart beautiful mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton/Unama’ki.

Victor Tomiczek is the Manager of International Recruitment at Cape Breton University (CBU). A native of Cape Breton, Victor has overseen a percentage increase of over 200% in international student enrolments over the 2+ years in his position at CBU.

Victor is a double graduate of Cape Breton University, having received a Bachelor of Arts (Major in Political Science) and Master of Business Administration (Community Economic Development).

Before entering the Education industry, Victor was a successful entrepreneur and musician in the entertainment industry, owning and managing a business, an eight-piece group in which he also performed. The band has seen global success, having toured 7 countries across three continents. From these experiences, Victor has grown a deep appreciation and respect for other cultures and traditions. Victor is immensely passionate about his island, Cape Breton, and takes great pride in introducing the world to its beauty and culture, and the incredible learning opportunities available at Cape Breton University.

Chief Robert J. Walsh has 30 years of extensive policing experience across general duty patrols, school liaison, traffic services, street crime & drugs, major crime, watch command and emergency response, with 13 years of senior leadership managing patrols, training, operational support, human resources and finance & administration.

He came to policing from the Atlantic Police Academy in 1991, following a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cape Breton University and French Immersion Program at Université Saint Ann, serving for the Sydney Mines, Sydney and Cape Breton Regional Police services. He also completed the Cadet Training Program at the RCMP Depot Training Academy and served a short period with the RCMP in Nova Scotia.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cape Breton University, a Certificate in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University, and is a certified Use of Force and Firearms Instructor, Critical Incident Commander and Major Case Team Commander.

Chief Walsh is passionate about safe and healthy communities and is a strong supporter of initiatives that build and foster community resilience. He has served on Boards and projects within the Cape Breton Regional Centre for Education, Nova Scotia Health Authority and Nova Scotia Department of Justice; participated in mentorship and liaison between community and police; led programs for occupational safety, health and wellness in policing; coached minor hockey and soccer, and volunteered with community sports teams and events. Chief Walsh is a long-standing member of the NS LETR Provincial Organizing Committee and proudly participated in the Final Leg running teams for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in both BC and Nova Scotia.

In addition to President of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, Chief Walsh is Co-Chair of its Executive Development Committee, a member of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Policing Standards Committee and a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a recipient of both the Police Exemplary Service Medal and the Nova Scotia Police Long Service Medal.

Erin has been the Campaign Manager at United Way Cape Breton since April 2013. She has a background in communications, public relations, and resource & event management. She graduated from CBU with a Bachelor of Arts degree and continued her studies at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where she obtained a public relations diploma.

Erin returned home to Glace Bay in 2008 from Alberta and gained experience working in a communications role with the Cape Breton Partnership, followed by a district coordinator position with the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division.

Erin co-chaired the NextGen Unama’ki board for seven years, before stepping down. NextGen is an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership, which aims to engage young professionals in dialogue across Cape Breton. Erin enjoys spending her spare time with Craig, Mason, their golden retriever, Harry, and family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews. Erin is a strong believer in highlighting young professionals who are experiencing success in all sectors across Cape Breton and has been involved with choosing NextGen Vital award winners since the awards’ inception seven years ago. Erin works at United Way Cape Breton because she believes strongly in fostering a positive outlook across communities in Cape Breton.

I’m a Librarian and Branch Manager of the James McConnell Memorial Library.
I graduated from CBU with a Bachelor of Arts degree and continued my studies at McGill University in Montreal, where I obtained a Masters in Library and Information Studies.

I lived and worked in the UK for a significant part of my adult life, gaining experience in both council-supported and volunteer-run libraries. This experience underpins my life-long commitment to library advocacy. My goal is to maintain this vital third space as a safe, nurturing and inspiring place for all.

In 2019 I returned home to Cape Breton/Unama’ki and happily took up my current role here in Sydney. I am devoted to the protection and revitalization of our library spaces and am excited to see CBRL grow along with our increasingly diverse and rich community.

Tanya is the Executive Director of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce and previously the Co-Executive Director for the Antigonish Women’s Centre & Sexual Services Association in Antigonish. For several years, Tanya was Partner and Chief Executive Officer of a private investment group and a Registered Immigration and Citizenship Consultant for more than a decade.  Tanya holds a Degree in Atlantic Canada Studies from St Mary’s University, Halifax and Certificate in Immigration Consulting from Humber College. A lifelong resident of the Strait Area, Tanya’s background includes work on numerous immigration and economic development projects in the region.

Tyler Mattheis has over 15 years of experience in Economic Development, municipal administration, private sector management and entrepreneurship. He loves bringing big and small ideas together, and working with the right people, strategies, and tools to bring them to life. Solving problems, innovating, improving, supporting people and impacting my community characterizes my work every day.

He has worked in communities in Alberta, BC, mainland Nova Scotia and now in Cape Breton, applying his education from Dalhousie, Simon Fraser University, University of Waterloo and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

As President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, Tyler works with a team of professionals dedicated to transforming Unama’ki – Cape Breton into the most creative and prosperous place on earth.  The Partnership is rooted in the private sector, supported by over 130 private sector employers on the island.  Through the Regional Enterprise Network, the Partnership is also the official economic development arm of all 5 municipalities, and also a partner with Eskasoni, We’koqma’q, Wagmatcook, and Membertou.

Tyler enjoys coaching middle school basketball, running, camping, and enjoying exploring all of Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s many place, cultures and communities.

Carole Browne is a woman who has dedicated her life to serving her community. She was born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where her parents had migrated from St. Pierre & Miquelon. Growing up, Carole’s family spoke only French at home, which helped her develop a deep appreciation for her Acadian heritage.

Carole’s father decided to open a local motel on the island, the Jacques Cartier Motel, despite being in an English-speaking settlement, and only speaking French.  Carole helped her father with the motel, gaining valuable experience in the hospitality and accounting industries.

After completing her education, Carole decided to strike out on her own and start her own business in Ontario.  She ran the business successfully for 20 years, building a reputation for excellence and integrity. Throughout this time, Carole remained committed to her community, volunteering her time and resources to help those in need.

Now, after returning to her roots here in Cape Breton, she began working as a settlement counselor after arrival services, for Immigration Francophone de la Nouvelle Écosse.  Helping newcomers to Nova Scotia find their feet in their new home. In hopes of creating awareness around the benefits of the French Acadian speaking community, immigration, and inclusion in our community.  Aiming to identify settlement needs and offer services to the community and to connect with people from all walks of life.  Promoting Acadian culture and heritage.  She remains committed to her values, and principles, working to create home for all, on the beautiful Island of Cape Breton.

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Carole Browne est une femme qui a dédié sa vie à servir sa communauté. Elle est née et a grandi à Sydney, en Nouvelle-Écosse, où ses parents avaient émigré de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. En grandissant, la famille de Carole ne parlait que le français à la maison, ce qui l’a aidée à développer une profonde appréciation pour son patrimoine acadien.

Le père de Carole a décidé d’ouvrir un motel local sur l’île, le Motel Jacques Cartier, malgré le fait que la région était anglophone et qu’il ne parlait que le français. Carole a aidé son père avec le motel, acquérant ainsi une précieuse expérience dans les secteurs de l’hôtellerie et de la comptabilité.

Après avoir terminé ses études, Carole a décidé de se lancer dans les affaires et de créer sa propre entreprise en Ontario. Elle a dirigé l’entreprise avec succès pendant 20 ans, se forgeant une réputation d’excellence et d’intégrité. Pendant tout ce temps, Carole est restée engagée envers sa communauté, offrant bénévolement son temps et ses ressources pour aider les personnes dans le besoin.

Maintenant, de retour sur ses terres natales ici au Cap-Breton, elle travaille en tant conseillère d’établissement, services après l’arrivée pour Immigration Francophone de la Nouvelle Ecosse.  Elle aide les nouveaux arrivants en Nouvelle-Écosse à trouver leurs repères dans leur nouveau foyer. Elle espère sensibiliser les gens aux avantages de la communauté francophone acadienne, de l’immigration et de l’inclusion dans notre communauté. Son objectif est d’identifier les besoins d’établissement et d’offrir des services à la communauté tout en se connectant avec des personnes de tous les horizons. Elle promeut la culture et le patrimoine acadiens. Elle reste fidèle à ses valeurs et à ses principes, travaillant à créer un foyer pour tous, sur la magnifique île du Cap-Breton.

I am on the CBLIP Council representing the  Association of Nigerians in Sydney. I am a civic leader and community advocate committed to fostering inclusivity, diversity and empowerment within Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s immigrant communities. With a background in grassroot student advocacy, I bring a wealth of experience to the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership Council. As a new member of the CBLIP, I am excited to contribute my skills, experiences and passion for community development to support initiatives that enhance the overall well-being of immigrants and newcomers to Unama’ki – Cape Breton while working with other community partners, stakeholders and Council members. As a CBLIP council member, I also sit on the Community Belonging Working Group.

Valerie is the Executive Director of Employment Services at the YMCA of Cape Breton.  She has worked in the Human Resources capacity for many years living her moto of “people always come first”. Valerie also teaches Human Resources Management at CBU.  Her background includes many years working with people in conflict with the law and HR roles with NS Correctional Services.  She holds a Master of Education and undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Criminology.  She is a CPHR Candidate and believer of life long learning.

Valerie is also yoga instructor, Reiki Master and reflexology where she is committed to the natural healing of body mind and spirit.

Vicki Clough was born and raised in South Africa where she lived until the age of 16 when her family relocated to Galway, Ireland. Following her undergraduate degrees and with a growing desire for travel, she came to Canada as a seasonal worker in 2010 for a role at a summer camp which she held until 2012. In 2013 she embarked on her MFA at OCAD University and continued living in Toronto until her move to Unama’ki – Cape Breton in January 2022.

Vicki is a Textile Artist and freelance creative entrepreneurship consultant. She is passionate about building and supporting healthy communities through innovative collaborative approaches. She is delighted to be a part of the Immigrant Advisory Table and hopes to help build a welcoming, thriving and connected community.

Originally from Nigeria, Baba, as he is best known, has over 12 years of experience in the creation, implementation and coordination of marketing and sales strategies and plans. He has extensive experience in business proposition and implementation, sales intelligence and development.

Baba holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Regional Planning, with an MBA in marketing, both from Nigeria. He is currently doing a diploma at CBBC in community social work.

Baba is a member and a past president of Rotary International D9110.

He enjoys meeting people and socializing.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Des came to Canada with her family in 2019. She completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Shannon School of Business (CBU) and is currently working as a communications coordinator and at the same time doing communications support work for a not for profit and a small business in North Sydney, NS.

Hisham Sleem is the founder and President of Association for New Canadian and Refugees in Nova Scotia (ANCRNS) a non-profit incorporated organization to help with the settlement and integration services for immigrants and refugees in the Cape Breton Island. It provides settlement assistance as well as social activity programs, languages and other services to support all aspects of new immigrants and refugees.

In 2013, he received his PhD in Chemistry at Memorial University. Dr. Sleem has over 20 years of research experiences in Canada and internationally including Memorial University and Cape Breton University. Dr. Sleem has volunteered in many different places which support immigrants and new comers such as life line Syria, CBRM and now he sits on the IAT for the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership.

Five years ago I was fortunate to settle in beautiful Cape Breton! I was happy to bring my twenty years of experience in international tourism assisting people, developing multi-tasking, organization, and management skills to the great team at Cape Breton Realty. I am excited and find it rewarding to use all my skills to meet the needs of my clients to find the place they are looking to call home. As a recent newcomer myself, I appreciate so much what this great country is. Because I am so passionate about welcoming and assisting others who want to live here, I volunteer with the Cape Breton Local Immigration Program. I have found Cape Breton is an incredible and welcoming place to live, work, play, and explore. I specialize in properties in Richmond and Inverness Counties, Cape Breton. While my mother tongue is Ukrainian, we can also converse in your choice of English, German or Russian!

Lan is currently working as a Business Growth Advisor for the Cape Breton Partnership. Prior to her current role, Lan worked as an Export Consultant and Project Coordinator with the Cape Breton Partnership.

Lan received a student excellence award during her time studying at Nova Scotia Community College. Lan holds a Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University, a diploma in International Business Administration from NSCC, and a diploma of foreign trade English at Chengdu University, China. She gained the designation of Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) in 2017. After she graduated from Nova Scotia Community College, she worked as an international sales manager in Victoria Co-operative Fisheries from 2016 to 2018.

Lan had over 10 years of work experience in international business before she came to study in Sydney in 2012. She secured a position at China Chengdu International Techno-Economic Cooperation Co., Ltd. Before being promoted to Purchasing Officer, Lan performed logistic operations in coordinating shipments to Italy, German, Poland, and other European countries. During 2008 to 2014, Lan managed her own trading company (Hong Kong Economic Development Industrial, Co., ltd). She was responsible for company sales and her sales reached US$3 million in 2012.

Lan has also operated her own marketing consulting business since 2016. She is passionate about helping local businesses develop new markets outside their communities as well as bringing investment opportunities to Cape Breton. Lan became a member of the Immigration Advisory Table in 2019. She is very proud to be part of this effort to help and support newcomers in Cape Breton.

Rickey was born in the Philippines and lived in Bahrain for more than 7 years. He then came to Canada in 2018 and worked as a Boatbuilder in Arichat, Richmond County, until he joined the YMCA Immigrant Services as a Settlement Staff, Port Hawkesbury Site, in March 2023.

Rickey loves listening to music, watching movies and reading books, as well as travelling. Rickey feels lucky to be a Settlement Worker, because he gets the chance to travel while working and meeting people and newcomers across Cape Breton and Nova Scotia.

Lisa Huang is a Chinese-Brazilian born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. From there, she obtained a certificate in Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing. In 2021, she chose Canada as her study destination and graduated from high school as an Ontario Scholar from YRDSB. Lisa sought a peaceful destination and found herself — in 2022 — in the breathtaking Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island. Now, she is pursuing a Diploma in Public Administration & Management at Cape Breton University (CBU) to further develop her knowledge.

Having received support from the community upon her arrival, she wishes to give back by volunteering. Lisa strongly believes in the importance of active listening and mutual learning. Her goal is to foster a community that values diversity. As a member of the Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) and an immigrant herself, she is thrilled to dedicate her time to helping newcomers overcome their challenges. She can communicate in Portuguese, Cantonese, and English and is always happy to chat or provide assistance.

Lisa enjoys spending her free time watching TV shows, reading, writing, dancing, and running her small virtual gaming community.

In 2009, Mukthar was welcomed from Manila, Philippines to join the community of L’Arche Cape Breton in Iron Mines. L’Arche Cape Breton is an organization that supports the creation of homes and day programs for people with intellectual disabilities and invites people from all over the world to live and work with them in a community setting. Mukthar carried many roles in Community with the last 8 years being the Executive Director and Community Leader. He has also been recently awarded the professional designation of Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Mukthar’s background is in Public Health, Counseling Psychology, and Medicine, which was helpful in advocating for the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities, and lately in guiding the community of L’Arche through the pandemic. With all his educational accomplishments, professional accreditations, and extensive experience in the social and health field, Mukthar’s resounding gift, however, is his ability to welcome people from diverse backgrounds and deepen relationships with the people he walks with every day.

Originally from Germany, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to call Baddeck my home for the past two years. During this time, I immersed myself in the beauty of the Island while promoting its attractions as a local ambassador for Destination Cape Breton.

I have been fortunate enough to embark on solo adventures to 43 countries around the world. These experiences have allowed me to embrace different cultures, broaden my perspective, and develop a profound appreciation for the diversity of our world.

I studied economics and sociology in Germany, which allowed me to gain a deep understanding of both the social and economic aspects of our society. Additionally, I pursued my interest in business by taking courses at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, as well a business course in the Netherlands.

My current occupation is the role as Membership Services and Marketing Coordinator for the Baddeck Area Business and Tourism Association, and I also manage the Victoria County Visitor Information Centre in Baddeck as part of my position.

I am eager to leverage my expertise, creativity, and love for this beautiful Island to enhance the experience for every newcomer.

I´m Tomas Antonio Gonzalez Camino, I´m married, and I have two boys. I´m from Venezuela, I´m a Dentist with a Specialist in Orthodontics.  

We landed in Cape Breton Island on March 29, 2023. We are living in Sydney. I have my full-time job in Advanced Glazings and my part-time job in DCI Cleanings, In the meantime, I will later start the validation process to become a dentist here in Canada as well.

We are so pleased living here, my wife is attending Health Care Management in CBU  and my sons are attending class in the Conseil Escolaire Acadien Provincial. 

I enjoy going to the beach with my family and having seafood. I love soccer, basketball, and baseball, Blue Jays is my favorite team.

Hi there, I’m Jorge Michael Pena Slaiman—a finance and insurance professional with a deep-rooted connection to the Dominican Republic, where I proudly call home. Beyond my expertise in numbers and policies, what truly fills my heart is the warmth of family bonds, especially with my loving wife, Kenia, and our wonderful daughter, Jossette.

When I first set foot on this beautiful island, the journey wasn’t easy. However, the kindness of a remarkable couple who opened their hearts and home to us made all the difference. Their support propelled me to achieve more than I ever thought possible in such a short time. It’s experiences like these that fuel my passion for helping others.
My commitment to supporting those in need knows no bounds. Whether it’s offering a helping hand during difficult times or going above and beyond to assist those facing challenges, I’m always ready to lend my support. If you ever find yourself in a tough spot, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help in any way I can.

Sam Wu, a Chinese native, embarked on a journey to Canada in 2019, seeking new horizons. He now serves as a settlement staff member at YREACH, aiding newcomers in their transition to Canadian life.

Sam has a family of five, including his wife, two children and a cat. He adores natural landscapes and cherishes family life. Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Sam has seamlessly integrated into Sydney, this remote and tranquil town. Winter skiing, summer camping—Sam and his family fully embrace the serene lifestyle, intimately connected with nature.

Leslie Fu, originally from Shenyang, China, came to Unama’ki – Cape Breton in 2021 to further her education. She completed a Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University and holds a Double Bachelor of Finance and Information Management and Information System from Dongbei University of Finance & Economic, China.

Currently, Leslie is working as a project coordinator for RISE Results Business Services, where she helps some Mi’kmaq communities and non-profit organizations by providing all kinds of business services. Leslie is a professional with expertise in research, strategy development, financial services, marketing, and logistics. Her work is enriched by her profound knowledge of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions, cultivated through learning and engagement. Her work is ensuring that not only Mi’kmaq perspectives and traditions are respected and integrated into her projects, but also effective in fostering sustainable growth and development. She is excited to leverage her expertise, creativity, and love for Cape Breton to enhance the experience for every newcomer.

Leslie’s passion for helping others is evident in her founding of the CSR Business Society at CBU, where provided vital support and resources to CBU students, particularly international students, connecting them with local organizations, businesses, and resources to ease their transition. Having experienced the difficulties of adapting to a new environment herself, she empathizes with the struggle’s newcomers face. Leslie is deeply committed to supporting newcomers in overcoming their challenges and is thrilled to dedicate her time and expertise to this IAT.

Originally from the very North of Germany, I came to Cape Breton Island with my husband and two dogs at the end of 2021 and moved into our house in a new subdivision Cleveland, Richmond County.

In Germany I had decades of experience in assisting managements (hospital, grocery discount chains), administration and export (China, South America, Europe).

In Cape Breton Island I decided to make a change in career, re-invented myself and completed the study program Culinary Skills at NSCC in Port Hawkesbury and graduated in June 2023 and am currently working as a cook in a 4 star hotel.

I am passionate about meeting people and socialising. In addition to German as my mother tongue, from a young age I had a weakness for foreign languages, so I have learned Latin, English, French, Spanish (highschool) and later Danish, but always with a focus on the English language. I enjoy reading books,  listening to music and as often as possible I skype with my stepdaughter and our grandson (6) in Germany.

I would be honoured to use my organization, my skills and my experiences to make arrivals in their new home a little bit easier for newcomers.

My Canadian journey began in January 2023, marking the start of my professional path as a community support worker with the Elizabeth Fry Society in Sydney. Although brief, this role provided invaluable insights into community support and advocacy, shaping my approach to empowerment and engagement as an International business student. Transitioning to the Inverary Resort(Baddeck), I focused on developing my management skills and gaining hospitality experience. This opportunity added depth to my expertise, complementing my educational background in law and business management. I’m from India but Baddeck is home. 

Currently, I proudly represent the Municipality of Victoria County in the revenue department, deeply involved in community initiatives and engagement. I am an enthusiastic person, full of life, always seeking short-term projects related to my passion for community engagement, newcomers, environmental causes, and tourism, including endeavors related to maritime settlement. I’m also a great conversationalist and enjoy engaging in conversations over a cup of coffee about the joys of life. My keen interest in community engagement and volunteering initiatives, particularly Theatre Baddeck, Beach clean-up initiatives or reviving the Baddeck Welcoming Group for new families, has been nurtured through this sequence of experiences. It has allowed me to develop a strategic mindset, thrive professionally, and contribute meaningfully to these initiatives. I want to thrive and be a role model for my daughter.

Mahesh Prabhu is a hospitality professional, an avid reader, traveller, Highland Arts Theatre (HAT) cub, curling enthusiast and a dad.  

With close to 15 years experience in the hospitality and hotel management sector, Mahesh has had worldwide gourmet food and beverage experience, ranging from award winning leisure hotels, themed restaurants, cafes and bistros to luxury cruise liners.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Mahesh has spent considerable professional time in different states of India and in countries like Mauritius, USA, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean islands and Wales, UK.

Mahesh has completed his graduation and post graduation in Kitchen Management and also holds an executive MBA in Hotel and Hospitality Administration. 

He moved to Cape Breton in 2022 and has been spearheading Flavor Restaurants in the capacity of General Manager since then.

Mahesh enjoys networking events that drive and engage community growth and is also a Next Gen committee member.

My name is Ginny Nguyen, from Vietnam, coming to Canada in 2022 as a student of Cape Breton University’s Business Management Post Baccalaureate. I am currently working as Marketing and HR Manager for a small beauty company in Sydney. With more than 15 years of working as the Coordinator for Corporate Social Responsibility and government-supported social activities, I am passionate about learning new things and willing to contribute my experiences and insight to the community for supporting newcomers in this beautiful Cape Breton Island.