EMS Board 2005

EMS Board List 2005

Eric L. M. Hansen (EMS President):

Has over a decade of success in commercialization and market development as an expert in marketing and business development via partner programs. Following an early career as a professional athlete in Europe he founded a western Canadian marketing and media company, doubling sales growth over five consecutive years before being acquired. He was the cofounder of the Boston based Personalization Consortium, an international non-profit technology consortium for advocacy of the ethical use of personalization technology and best practices. The Personalization Consortium was covered by media such as the New York Times and Wall Street Asia and consulted to the US Federal Trade Commission on privacy issues. Mr. Hansen held a senior marketing role with a national consumer services company listed in Profit Magazines one hundred and fifty fastest growing companies in Canada with a valuation of one hundred million dollars. He has consulted to numerous successful high tech and investment organizations. He currently works in the land investment industry.

Dr. Edward Makwarimba (EMS Vice President):

Presently both Co-Director and Project Coordinator at the Social Support Research Program at the University of Alberta (UofA). Initially a junior high school teacher in Harare, Zimbabwe, he went on to study Sociology at the University of Zimbabwe and to complete his Doctorate at McMaster University in Ontario. In 2001 he also completed a Master of Science in Health Promotion at the University of Alberta. He has extensive research, publication, and presentation experience in social factors affecting health, health promotion, international health and development issues. Currently he is the President of the Zimbabwe Cultural Society of Alberta and member of the Alberta Community HIV Fund Provincial Consortium.

Patrick Lee (EMS Director at Large):

Is an engineer in-training and a member of the APEGGA. He is a recent graduate from the Electrical Engineering program with a Bachelor’s of Science from University of Alberta (UofA). He worked as a free lance computer technician and at the Knowledge Common for the UofA Libraries. As well as apprenticing as an electrician, he also has extensive knowledge in web hosting administration and computer programming. His past volunteer experience includes writing and layout design for his high school and community newspaper.

Sortiriya Pappas (EMS Director at Large):

Attended Ross Shepard high school and then went on to law school. A member of the Alberta Bar Association, she is a practicing Lawyer working in a broad range of legal areas such as real-estate and personal injury law. She is also active in the Greek Community, volunteering with the Hellenic Greek Congress and St. George’s Orthodox Church. She often travels back to Greece to visit her family and where she enjoys her second residence.

Michaela Knot (EMS Secretary):

A recent graduate from the University of Alberta (UofA). She completed her Bachelor’s in Anthropology. While studying she volunteered with the Edmonton Art Gallery, Metro Cinema, and the Print Studies Centre Fine Arts Building). Taking part in the Quebec-Alberta Exchange was her first library experience. She has then worked at Rutherford and Cameron Library, and the UofA Archives. Over the past year and half she has been teaching English to new immigrants at the Cross-Cultural Exchange/The Learning Exchange.

Dagmar Knot: ( EMS Treasurer):

A Registered Nurse at the Heart Function Stabilization Program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Trained in Czech Republic she worked as a critical nurse before escaping to Canada. Continuing in critical care nursing, she also worked as an Occupational Work and Safety Officer. She is trained in Cardiac nursing and attended numerous conferences and participated in multiple studies at the University of Alberta Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital. As part of her post-RN program she took her practicum in Ghana, West Africa.

Mrs. Chandra (Charu) Ranjan (EMS Director at Large):

Chandra Ranjan is an active participant in Edmonton’s Indo-Canadian community. Over the last 18 years, she has helped to organize many major events including the India Pavilion at Heritage Days, Holi Festival, and India Independence Day Festival.

Fluent in Hindi, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Urdu, Mrs. Ranjan also holds two Masters Degrees in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Delhi. Mrs. Ranjan is currently a member of the Hindu Society of Alberta, the Maanaw Seva Association, and the Alberta Hindi Parishad.

In the past, she also volunteered for organizations such as the Edmonton Raga-Mala Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Marie Denise Isidore (Co-Treasurer):

Currently completing her Accelerated Accounting Diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where she is also a graduate of the Bridging program for Internationally Educated Accountants. She worked for Ipsos-Reid and Canadian Tire in Montreal. In Edmonton, She volunteers for Changing Together: A Centre for Immigrant Women preparing tax returns and handling reception duties, in conjunction to sitting on the board.

Marie Denise Isidore moved to Canada from Haiti looking for more opportunity. Marie worked as a finance manager for a school board, and was previously a teacher. She has a degree in business administration. I am very pleased to serve you as a board member

"I have a background as a teacher and finance administration and have worked with many different people since coming in Canada. Plus, I speak French, English and Spanish. I will be an asset to Edmonton Multicultural Society."

Greg Skrypiczajko (EMS Co-Secretary):

Greg holds a Master’s of Science in Psycholinguistics and a Bachelor’s of Education specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL). He worked as a researcher for the Mental Lexicon Research Group and the Discourse Research Group. He published on issues of bilingualism, instructed and developed courses in writing and communication for Korea University, Seoul National University of Technology, and Seoul National University of Education. He develops electronic-based learning materials for ESL learners, and writes technical user help systems and manuals. Greg is an accomplished writer and editor, and actively participates in the community volunteering with Junior Achievement, Skateboard Edmonton Club, Kaskitayo Youth Park, and Project Adult Literacy Society. He also teaches speaking and writing skills to children, adults, and new Canadians.

EMS Board List 2004

Aaron Grey, President

Aaron is currently a small business man and electrician. He has done extensive travel to Asia, Caribbean, and Canada with a focus on Indigenous Worldviews and Spirituality. He is editor and chief of “Transition” News and possesses culinary skills in cultural cuisine.

He is a graduate of Harry Ainlay High School with studies at NAIT and Grant McEwan in construction and human relationships. He has worked over the years in both construction and human relations fields. His survices are well known in the community. He has volunteered in many worthwhile projects.

Dr. Steve Ramsankar, Vice President

Dr. Steve Ramsankar, a former Edmonton school principal promotes openness and caring. He has received many National and International Awards and recognition for his unique approach to Education and Community work during his 28 years as principal and more years of working in the Community.

If one goes to Google search, under the name of Steve Ramsankar, all his accomplishment are profiled.

Some the many national and provincial awards, Dr. Ramsankar has received are: the Order of Canada in 1983; the 1987 Premier’s award for Excellence in Education; the 1978 Edmonton Jaycees Citizen of the Year and the 1988 Edmonton Journal Citizen of the Year.

Recently, on 17th September, 2004, Dr. Ramsankar was Awarded the John Ross Matheson Humanitarians Award. Dr. Ramsankar has also been chosen as one of the 100 Edmontonians of the Century, and Edmonton Journal’s outstanding Edmontonian.

Hafsa Goma, Secretary

Currently working with National Parole Board of the federal government of Canada, she has over 20 years of experience with international and human services organizations. Possess management skills necessary to successfully manage projects of all scopes. Experienced in project development, management and co-ordination, budgeting, financial forecasting, management, proposal/report writing; strategic planning and research.

Michelle Fuko, Treasurer

Michelle Fuko is currently working with Alberta Justice. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta and she is Bilingual in English and French. As a member of the University of Alberta’s Student International Health Association, she has designed and implemented Malaria projects in Africa and overseas. She has worked in Public Relations, Promotions, and customer service. She is very active in the Community and works with many Artists who perform all over Alberta.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Obiajunwa, Co-Secretary

Dr. Obiajunwa is an international trade broker and consultant. He has done business in the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia and the Scandinavian countries for over 17 years. He has traveled extensively all over the world on trade missions, visits and exhibitions. He has served on various Federally and Provincially sponsored trade missions to many countries.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Obiajunwa started Africa We Care, Charitable Organization after having been sent to Rwanda, (Africa) in 1998 on a trade mission.

He returned to Edmonton haunted by the naked and impoverished children and adults he saw in East Africa. He felt an overwhelming need to assist the people of Goma, Congo, after the volcano eruption contaminated the water of Lake Kivu.

Because Dr. Obiajunwa has managed the export of water purification units into the Middle East for many years, he saw the opportunity to utilize his skills, and knowledge to truly help the people of Goma, Eastern Congo.

Dr. Obiajunwa’s interest in helping people is not only born from these harsh experiences but also, because of the fact that his place of birth and childhood is Nigeria, where the common man faces a lot of challenges.

Dorothy Drummond, Director at Large

I was Born in Kingston, Jamaica. After my schooling and work experience, I set course for Canada for new opportunities. After working at Montreal General Hospital, I pursued a degree in nursing in Sherbrooke, Quebec. I then returned to Montreal and became a nurse at the Montreal General. Later, I came to Edmonton for a warmer climate and became a caring nurse for a senior’s home.

Upon settling in Edmonton, I also began volunteering on numerous boards and found EMS to be where I like to serve best in order to advance multiculturalism in our fair city.

Jane Popey, Co-Treasurer

In April 2004, I became grandmother for the first time. I have lived in Vancouver, Calgary and the smaller community of Barrhead before moving to Edmonton. I have worked in a number of volunteer positions over the years, as well as 20 years with Scotiabank and 7 years part-time as a Usana associate. I beleive by increasing our understanding of others, we can bring peace to this planet.

Nyambura Belcourt, Executive Director

I started my maiden work at the Central Bank of Kenya (Foreign markets Audits). I later moved and worked as a stockbroker on Wall Street, New York, USA, and as an Executive Director in Toronto, Ont. Canada. I was educated at Ottawa, Columbia and York Universities, and have over 13 years of Community Development and International Financial advice work. I bring to EMS extensive multicultural experience and cultural contacts, as well as business management acumen.