Board of Directors

Fatima Ahmed, Chair

Fatima is a lifelong learner who seeks to understand the interplay between individuals and systems and how this can be harnessed, harmonized and leveraged to bring about positive, impactful change in an increasingly globalized world. She has nearly two decades of experience spanning multiple countries and blending academia, the biotech industry and NGOs, and has built an interdisciplinary career in support of improving human health. She is passionate about finding ways to build equity in healthcare through technology, supporting marginalized communities, and seeking out ways to be an instrument of change. Currently, she is a co-founder and director at LHS Labs, a boutique health systems consultancy working with governments and health authorities to transform healthcare delivery through innovation.

Renuka Seru, Vice Chair

Renu, a PhD in Educational Psychology and certified in therapy modalities such as EMDR, DBT, and EQ-i, is a dedicated counselor and educator with decades of experience in the post-secondary environment. As an immigrant from India, Renu faced significant challenges integrating into Canadian society, giving her firsthand insight into the struggles immigrant women face. Passionate about supporting immigrant women and youth in their mental health, wellness, and personal growth, Renu draws on her extensive expertise in leadership, problem-solving, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Having gained confidence through the Building Bridges program of PIRS in the 1990s, she is now committed to giving back to society.

Jessica Forman, Secretary

Jessica, originally from Southern California, practiced as a commercial litigator before relocating to Richmond, B.C., over a decade ago with her husband and three children. Now focusing on employment law, she leads Forte Workplace Law’s investigations practice group, specializing in workplace investigations, environmental scans, and assessments for public, private, and Indigenous organizations. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys watching her children play soccer, traveling around B.C., especially to Vancouver Island, and giving back through roles with the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and Mamas for Mamas.

Sonam Swarup, Treasurer

Sonam (she/her), Community & Member Specialist at Vancity Community Foundation, has over a decade of experience with social impact organizations, including 312 Main, The Wellbeing Project, The Discourse, and The Urban Worker Project. She co-founded a social venture supporting immigrant women transitioning to the Canadian workforce through cultural cooking classes. With a BA from Simon Fraser University and international studies at Maastricht University, Sonam is passionate about community economic development, equitable design, and storytelling. Recognized for her work, she has received awards such as HSBC Women Leader of Tomorrow for Western Canada and AMEX Emerging Innovator.

Shams AlibhaI, Member

Shams is an international development practitioner and change leader, currently serving as Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Center on North Vancouver Island. She brings extensive leadership experience in Canada and abroad, including managing a Global Affairs Canada-funded youth skills development program with the Aga Khan Foundation in Egypt and working in education in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Canada, she was Executive Director of the BC Council for International Cooperation, fostering community development and cross-cultural communication. Passionate about the refugee, immigrant, and settlement sectors, Shams holds two Master’s degrees—in Leadership from Royal Roads and Islamic Studies from McGill—and a Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University. She also speaks basic Arabic, Farsi, French, Gujarati, and Hindi.

Ella Laure Hipolito, Member

Named one of BC Business’ Top 30 under 30 for her leadership in equitable recruitment, Ella is an executive search professional specializing in the social impact sector. With expertise in not-for-profit healthcare, higher education, and HR practices, she helps organizations secure exceptional leadership and build inclusive workplaces that advance equity and reconciliation. A second-generation Filipino-Canadian, Ella draws inspiration from her parents’ resilience as immigrants and is passionate about fostering community and supporting others through change and challenges.

Prerna Thaker, Member

Currently a PhD student and a researcher by training, Prerna has experience working with immigrants and refugees in Germany and Switzerland as part of the World Health Organization. In Canada, she works with vulnerable populations by providing community services. She is working with single mothers and homeless women in the Downtown Eastside. Prerna is also an avid horse rider and swimmer.

Yannick Hilaricus, Member

With over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and leadership, Yannick brings a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives across corporate and nonprofit sectors in multiple countries. She has led diverse teams and impactful campaigns, shaped organizational strategies, and championed inclusive practices in the workplace. Yannick’s commitment to community building is reflected in her work with organizations like the Ligue contre le cancer and Zétwal an Syel, where she raised awareness on critical health and social issues. A skilled communicator and strategic thinker, Yannick is passionate about fostering equity, innovation, and sustainable growth in all her endeavors.

Sladjana Borovcanin, Member

Sladjana Borovcanin, Director of Facilities Management at Vancouver Community College, is a leader in facilities management and sustainability. With a master’s in Design and Environment from the University of London and a bachelor’s in Interior Design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she brings a holistic approach to her work. A refugee from Bosnia, Sladjana draws on her family’s resilience, volunteers within her community, and serves on the board of McGregor Child Care Centre. A proud mother of two, she is dedicated to fostering learning, growth, and connection.