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.
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!
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.
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.
Opal Johnson-Allen is a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to community upliftment. With a Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and ongoing studies at Selkirk College, Opal exemplifies the importance of continuous education in achieving personal and professional goals.
Having begun her career as an Accountant in Jamaica, Opal has accumulated valuable experience managing financial records and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Her tenure as an Assistant Treasurer on the Parish Advisory Council (PAC) of the St. James 4H Clubs underscores her dedication to supporting community initiatives and fostering financial stewardship.
Prior to her relocation to Canada, Opal played an active role in her community of Rosemount Gardens, Montego Bay, mobilizing residents and assisting in fundraising efforts as a Street Leader.
Opal’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact drives her to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of her community.
Giselle was born in Brazil and moved to Canada in late 2018 to learn English, planning to stay only six months. However, she fell in love with Canada’s safety and nature and decided to extend her stay. Upon arriving in the Kootenays, she was warmly welcomed and felt a sense of belonging in the community, which perfectly aligned with her passions for sports and arts. As a digital designer, she brings her creativity and problem-solving skills to her volunteer work, aiming to support newcomers in their journey. Having experienced the challenges of being a newcomer herself, she understands the difficulties immigrants face. She wants to work as a team, believing that sharing her story can inspire and encourage newcomers to overcome their own obstacles.
Eleanor Stacey is the Executive Director of NCTS, which manages The Civic Theatre, The Shoebox Theatre, Reo’s Video, and the Kootenay Screen-Based Industry Initiative, and is a founding partner of the Kootenay Regional Film Commission. She has worked in leadership, fundraising, creation, and youth arts education roles in Canada, the US, and Anguilla, BWI. She is a Rotarian, past board president of The Only Animal Theatre Society (Vancouver), a member of the City of Nelson’s Cultural Development Committee, and a founding board member of the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE). She is a founding board member of Intercultural Kootenays Society and currently sits on the EDIA Committee for the Nelson Police Department. Eleanor is a graduate of Mount Allison University, and holds an MFA in Arts Administration from Brooklyn College (CUNY). She grew up in Nelson and returned in 2013 with her family.
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.
