About WKLIP

Desneiges has been working with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy since 2007. With a background in education and community development, Desneiges brings a wide range of skills and expertise to the committee. As the Executive Director for CBAL, and a lifelong West Kootenay resident, Desneiges is proud to be part of a project that aims to elevate the needs of newcomers and promote the best parts of what it means to live in this vibrant region.

Carolyn has been working with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy since 2008, starting as a volunteer language tutor and later working as a program facilitator, settlement worker and Community Literacy Outreach Coordinator. Having lived in Japan for more than three years, Carolyn has a keen understanding of the challenges that face racialized newcomers. Carolyn has helped to develop CBAL’s settlement program and now acts as the coordinator for our team of 10 settlement staff throughout the Kootenay & Boundary. A community-builder at heart, Carolyn is excited to build on her work as the new WKLIP Coordinator.

Holy Raoily was born in Madagascar. Six years ago, she embarked on a transformative journey, crossing continents to settle in Canada. Four years ago, she found her home in Trail, BC, a place where her aspirations would take root and flourish. With a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, she is now the proud owner of a bookkeeping business – Keep Counting Services. Her commitment to excellence and a thirst for knowledge propelled her toward a path of continuous growth and achievement. She believes that every obstacle is a stepping stone toward a brighter future and the present moment is a crucial step forward on the journey to a more fulfilling and prosperous life. Through LIP, she is excited to collaborate with fellow newcomers and community members, fostering a sense of belonging and support for those navigating the challenges of settling in a new country. “Keep going and never give up”.

Alisha is the executive director at Kootenay Kids Society in Nelson, located on the tum xula7xw/ traditional territory of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx/the Sinixt People. Alisha recognizes the many diverse Indigenous persons that are connected to this land. As an organization, Kootenay Kids Society is committed to fostering equitable engagement with both families and staff. Our mission is to actively contribute to a broader community inclusivity strategy, ensuring that we are cognizant of the unique barriers faced by marginalized populations. Grounded in the values of community and support, Kootenay Kids Society is dedicated to establishing meaningful connections, fostering collaborative efforts, and championing a culture of inclusion. As part of the WKLIP, we eagerly anticipate furthering our commitment to these principles for the betterment of all individuals within our community.

Nadine is a classical voice graduate from UBC and honours student of Canadian College of Performing Arts (singing dancing and acting). Nadine has written, toured and performed in original musicals with her company Iron Mountain Theatre; you may remember her from shows such as Ski Bum: The Musical or Company Jump Andrews Sisters tribute. Over the past 20 years, Nadine has been a typical artist teaching private vocal lessons and choir as well as musical directing students in full scale musical productions with Triple Threat Experience. Her latest creative project is an original puppet show musical for kids called G-Rated. Nadine’s day job is as executive and artistic director of the Trail Arts Council and the Bailey Theatre; she programs performances and events for audiences of all ages. The Trail Arts Council aims to raise awareness of the arts and offer the community a way to experience the diversity that arts and culture have to offer.

Selina recently left the Salish Sea to live in the West Kootenays as the District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education in the Kootenay-Columbia School District. As a secondary English and Social Studies teacher in the Surrey School District for over twenty years, she has had a passion for connecting students to the places that inform them, and aspired to use the curriculum to help students understand their relationship to the land.  Selina and her family currently live in an old house on the hill in Rossland.

Shivaun was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and moved to Austin, Texas as a child accompanying her American mother in 1975. As a bi-lingual, bi-cultural child she navigated cultural differences by befriending those with limited understanding of other cultures and biases with compassionate communication, understanding, and inclusivity. Her work with the elderly, the disabled, and at-risk youth motivated her to pursue leadership and training to help improve the lives of marginalized populations. After finding her home and place of belonging in Salmo, BC, Shivaun is committed to serving as a ‘cross-cultural pollinator’ helping to promote greater understanding of immigrant and rural issues affecting the Kootenays.

Victoria was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to Canada at the end of 2022 to continue developing professionally. With a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Social Investment Management, her experience translates through his more than 8 years of experience working for the Peruvian Government in the design and implementation of policies. She currently lives in Castlegar and is a student in the Social Service Worker Program at Selkirk College, an area that she is passionate about because she will be able to work directly with the community in the search for its well-being and development. After volunteering at Kootenay Family Place, which was a rewarding experience, she reaffirmed her vocation and desire to support and help the community, and having experienced the challenges of being a newcomer, she understands the difficulties faced by immigrants. In that sense, she wants to participate and be an agent of change in the community, inspiring many more people to identify a social problem and work on a solution.

Karminder Singh is a highly motivated business management student currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma at Selkirk College. With a background in mechanical engineering from Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Karminder brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to his endeavors. He has a passion for community development and has been actively involved in various leadership roles, including serving as the Treasurer of the Selkirk College Students’ Union. In these roles, he has demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills, helping to foster a supportive and engaging campus environment. He believes in the power of collaboration and is excited to connect with others who share his passion for making a difference!"

Abhilash Bhasin moved from India to Nelson, Canada, in 2022. He graduated from Selkirk College and has ten years of experience in Travel Management. He now runs a janitorial services business in Nelson, BC. Abhilash has been very active in community projects. He was Chairperson of the Selkirk College Student Union, where he supported students, and he has served on the Board of Governors at Selkirk College, making important decisions for the past two years. He also helps with the Official Community Plan (OCP) committee, working on Nelson’s 25-year development plan. Abhilash is excited to join the Newcomer Advisory Committee, aiming to make the community more welcoming. His experience with international students and community issues, along with his leadership skills, make him a great asset for improving inclusivity in the West Kootenay area.