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About Us

More than 50 years of building belonging

ICA began in the 1970s as a response to racism in Greater Victoria. Originally a grassroots initiative by community members, over 50 years later and we’re Vancouver Island’s largest settlement organization. When someone arrives and needs support, we’re here to help.

Our impact

individuals & families

helped since 1972

services delivered

in a single year

people served last year

from more than 110 countries

languages supported

across all our programs

community partners

across the Capital Region

Stories behind the work we do

Every person who walks through our doors brings a story worth telling. Here you’ll find stories of
resilience, belonging, and the everyday moments that make this region a richer place.

Meet the leadership team

Shelly DMello headshot

Shelly D’Mello

Chief Executive Officer

Shelly D Mello is an experienced executive who has spent more than 25 years leading across the non profit, government, healthcare, technology and consulting sectors. As ICA's Chief Executive Officer, she guides the organization's strategy, partnerships and long term sustainability while championing newcomer success and more inclusive communities. Before joining ICA, Shelly led a multi service newcomer organization in Toronto, where she expanded programs, strengthened community partnerships and diversified funding. She holds an MBA and an honours degree in economics. Her own experience of immigrating to Canada informs her collaborative, practical and strengths based leadership.

Winnie Lee headshot

Winnie Lee

Director of Operations

Has been part of ICA since 1997, beginning in frontline client services before moving into program and operational leadership. Winnie's long history with the organization gives her a practical understanding of the people, programs and systems that help newcomers feel welcomed and supported.

Alkarim Versi headshot

Alkarim Versi

Director of Finance

Brings more than 20 years of financial and organizational leadership across Canada and international non-profit settings. At ICA, he oversees operating and capital budgets of more than $11 million and advises the CEO and Board on forecasting, risk, funding agreements and long-term sustainability.

Meghan Mergaert headshot

Meghan Mergaert

Director of Impact and Innovation

Has spent more than 20 years working alongside immigrant and refugee communities in Victoria. With a background in community development and a love of systems thinking, Meghan brings curiosity and creativity to the way ICA learns, measures its impact and designs stronger services.

Tricia Khan headshot

Tricia Khan

Director of Development and Communications

Brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, communications and program development across Canada and internationally. She helps connect ICA's mission and impact with donors, partners, media and the wider community.

Todd Photo headshot

Todd Kitzler

Associate Director of Adult Learning

Started teaching EAL overseas in 1986 and has been at ICA since 1993.

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Nahla AlSayah

Associate Director of Client Experiences

Joined ICA in 2019 through the Resettlement Assistance Program and now leads work to strengthen the experience of people who turn to ICA for support. Nahla brings personal insight, warmth and a deep commitment to creating services where every person feels respected, understood and included.

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Florentien Verhage

Associate Director of Employer and Community Partnerships

Brings people together to turn community ideas into practical action. Florentien leads ICA's work with employers and community partners, drawing on research, conversation and collaboration to create better opportunities for newcomers and a stronger sense of belonging across Greater Victoria.

Fanny Ngom

Immigrant and Refugee Services Manager

Brings more than 10 years of frontline social work experience and her own perspective as an immigrant to the leadership of ICA's immigrant and refugee services. Fanny understands how important it is for people to feel heard, and she helps teams provide practical, responsive support through every stage of settling into a new community.

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Billie Tes

Manager, Employee Engagement and Equity

Is a second-generation Canadian whose lived experience and professional practice shape her approach to workplace equity. Billie helps organizations move beyond good intentions by creating practical, participatory learning that builds cultural intelligence, psychological safety and lasting change.

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Karen Gomes

Finance Manager

First came to ICA as a client in 2019 and later joined the finance team, where she now manages the organization's day-to-day financial operations. As a CPA candidate, Karen continues to build her expertise while bringing a personal understanding of ICA's services, systems and impact.

Volunteer Board of Directors

ICA is governed by a volunteer board elected by our members at the Annual General Meeting. Meet the current Board.

Interested in serving? Board recruitment opens ahead of each AGM, and members vote on the who is elected each year.

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Tiana Solares

President

Tiana Solares is a passionate public service manager with over 15 years of experience in the federal and municipal sectors. With experience in competitive and recreational sports, art galleries, museums and libraries, she grew her skills in relationship management, negotiations and strategy development during her time working with the newcomer and refugee service sector as Assistant Director of Settlement Operations with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Currently the Senior Manager of Recreation with Parks, Recreation and Community Services in Saanich Tiana is proud Atlantic Canadian, she is loving the West Coast island life with her charming husband Hector, and equally charming tornado of a son, Leo.

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Sambo Eam, CPA

Treasurer

Sambo was born in a refugee camp along the border of Thailand and Cambodia. In 1985, Sambo’s parents immigrated to Canada and began a new life in Victoria, BC. The ICA played an integral role in helping the Eam family navigate a new country with little resources. Growing up in Victoria, Sambo obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and holds a CPA designation. He started his accounting career as an external auditor at KPMG and now is the Director of Financial Reporting at Island Health. In his free time, he enjoys family life with his two young daughters. As an ICA Board member, Sambo is excited to contribute his firsthand experiences and financial expertise to ICA’s purpose and mission.

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Coco Zhou

Secretary

Coco is a Senior Policy Analyst, Indigenous Services Canada. She is an active community volunteer, including as a Bridges for Women Society board member and a former ICA English Teacher’s Assistant. As an immigrant to Canada, Coco has directly benefited from similar non-profit organizations, which has inspired her to help ease newcomer transitions and use her education, professional and personal experiences to advocate for ICA and its mission, vision, values and clients.

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Cathy Hunter

Cathy has an extensive executive level management experience in physician policy and medical service funding, immigration and multiculturalism policy, federal/ provincial immigration and refugee planning, negotiation, program funding and delivery, and BC/Canada and BC/US intergovernmental relations managed through the Office of the Premier. Cathy served for 10 years as a member of Advisory Committee to the Director of the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria and was a member of MPA Mentorship Program. Additionally, she was the Treasurer and Chairperson of Victoria Cool Aid Society, a Board member Beckley Farm Lodge, and President of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. She currently serves as a Board Director of Broadmead Care Society and Chairs the Committee on Patient Safety and Quality Insurance.

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Jose Albis

Jose Albis is a seasoned leader with a passion for driving growth and innovation. Originally from Colombia, he holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad de Los Andes. After moving to Canada, Jose spent over two decades honing his skills in raising funds for startups and engaging with investors. As a co-founder of Moduurn Mobility Inc., he played a pivotal role in scaling the company and leading strategic initiatives. Now, after years of success in the private sector, Jose is ready to bring his expertise back to the board of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), where he aims to make a lasting impact on the community. Outside of his professional life, Jose enjoys exploring new ideas, spending time with his family, and staying connected to his cultural roots.

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Tania Betiku

Tania (she/her) is a Nigerian-Canadian, born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, MB), but she has lived in Victoria since 2007. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Studies, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and has received national awards for her research on corporate entrepreneurship. Over the last eighteen years, Tania has built her career in the public service. In her current role with the BC Government, she leads a team that designs policies and programs to increase access to legal aid and legal assistance for the most vulnerable people in British Columbia. Outside of work, you’re most likely to find Tania in the dance studio where she studies Flamenco and Contemporary Ballet or volunteering her time to support community or social justice initiatives.

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Menaka Giri

Menaka Giri is a lawyer and second-generation Canadian who grew up in Victoria. She was first introduced to the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria as a high school student, when she volunteered with the organization — an experience that left a lasting impression and helped shape her interest in intercultural engagement.

With a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and community engagement, Menaka brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role on the board.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Menaka enjoys traveling and learning new languages. She lives with her husband and their two children in Ladysmith.

The “why” behind what we do

Our mission

To support the full integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region of British Columbia.

Our vision

A community where everyone belongs; a community where newcomers learn English, find work, make friends, and take a full part in the life around them.

Our values

Inclusivity & equity: We build diverse, welcoming workplaces and communities, and we say so out loud when they aren’t.

Community partnership: Nothing we do well, we do alone. We work with more than 500 partners across the region.

Empowerment: People arrive here with training, languages, and experience. Our job is to clear the obstacles, not to hand out a life.

Support and advocacy: A helping hand, a listening ear, and a tireless advocate.

Our funders and supporters

ICA’s work is powered by a community of government partners, foundations, businesses and thousands of individual donors who believe Greater Victoria is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive. Government funding sustains many of our core programs, while donations give us the flexibility to respond when someone’s needs fall outside a funding category or an unexpected challenge arises. Together, this support helps ICA meet people where they are and provide the right support at the right time.

Canadian flag next to text for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in English and French.
Logo for Employment and Social Development Canada with the word Canada and the Canadian flag.
Canadian Heritage logo with the Canadian flag and bilingual text.
Logo for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI/FCIL).
Logo for British Columbia featuring a sunburst over mountains and the text 'BRITISH COLUMBIA'.

Community Safety & Crime Prevention

Logo of the British Columbia Gaming Commission with mountains and sun graphic.
Vancouver Foundation logo with an infinity symbol in the word Vancouver.
Victoria Foundation logo with a purple starburst and orange V.
Canadian flag next to text for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in English and French.
Logo for Employment and Social Development Canada with the word Canada and the Canadian flag.
Canadian Heritage logo with the Canadian flag and bilingual text.
Logo for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI/FCIL).
Logo for British Columbia featuring a sunburst over mountains and the text 'BRITISH COLUMBIA'.

Community Safety & Crime Prevention

Logo of the British Columbia Gaming Commission with mountains and sun graphic.
Vancouver Foundation logo with an infinity symbol in the word Vancouver.
Victoria Foundation logo with a purple starburst and orange V.

Media inquiries

Journalists, producers, and researchers: email us and we’ll connect you with the right person. We can also arrange interviews in more than 20 languages, and connect you with clients and community members who have offered to share their stories.

Tricia Khan, Director of Development and Communications

250-883-6604
communications@icavictoria.org

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