Board Members

President

EJ Jang is a licensed real estate professional, entrepreneur, and community advocate based in Nanaimo. She has served as a Board Member of CVIMS since 2022, supporting initiatives that help newcomers build successful and meaningful lives in Canada.

Having immigrated to Canada herself, EJ brings valuable lived experience and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges newcomers face. She previously owned and operated a restaurant in Nanaimo, gaining experience in small business management, team leadership, financial oversight, and community engagement. EJ is passionate about fostering inclusive communities where everyone can thrive and belong.

Vice President

Darrell and his family have lived in Nanaimo for more than a decade. He holds a Bachelors of Journalism degree from the University of King’s College, and a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University. As a communications specialist and international development professional, Darrell has worked in the post-secondary education sector for the past 15 years, managing international capacity-building partnerships and facilitating intercultural programming locally and internationally. Darrell is particularly passionate about supporting refugee newcomers and has led a variety of initiatives to enhance their integration and success in our community. Earlier in his career, Darrell worked a journalist and foreign correspondent, reporting from Africa, Europe and Latin America for the CBC and public radio in the United States, Europe, and Australia. He doesn’t travel as much as he used to, but still often finds himself on airplanes to far-flung places. Darrell is honored to serve on the CVIMS board and support its critical role in the mid-island region.

Treasurer

Rahul Yadav is a community-focused professional with experience in labour market development, employer engagement, outreach, and workforce programming across Vancouver Island. Since moving to the Island in 2021, he brings the lived experience of an immigrant navigating settlement, integration, and employment pathways, shaping a practical and inclusive approach to community work.

He is passionate about connecting people with meaningful employment and strengthening local communities through accessible opportunities. His background spans community organizations supporting individuals in recovery, cooperative marketing and outreach, and corporate sales and account management, building strong capabilities in relationship management, mentoring, and strategic problem-solving.

As a CVIMS Board member, Rahul is committed to advancing inclusive employment, collaboration, and sustainable community impact.

Board Secretary

Vania  knows what it means to build a life in a new place. Born in Bulgaria and rooted in Canada for more than two decades, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role on the CVIMS Board of Directors.

With 20 years of experience in communications and public relations across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Vania is committed to helping create welcoming communities where newcomers feel at home.

Member at Large

Abdelhakim is an aquaculture engineer with an Engineering degree from the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine in Morocco and a Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Vancouver Island University. He currently works in the aquaculture industry on Vancouver Island, contributing to sustainable seafood production and innovation. As a newcomer to Canada, he brings an international perspective and a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and community engagement. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Abdelhakim serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) and as a Director at Large with the Nanaimo Francophone Association, where he supports governance and helps build welcoming and inclusive communities.

Member at Large

Zaki Mohammed is an accounting, finance, and business professional with experience spanning financial reporting, corporate finance, operations, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. As Controller of the Tony Harris Group, he oversees accounting and financial operations across a diverse portfolio of companies while supporting strategic planning, business acquisitions, and operational decision-making. He also serves as Director of Logistics and Administration for the Tom Harris Community Foundation, where he helps deliver philanthropic initiatives and community partnerships that create lasting local impact.

As Managing Partner of Revvin Creative, he helps businesses grow through marketing and digital strategy, and as co-founder of Niami, he develops community-focused experiences centered on hospitality, wellness, and culture.

Having lived and worked across four countries and three continents, Zaki brings a practical, globally informed perspective to leadership. He is known for building strong relationships, solving complex business challenges, and connecting financial strategy with business growth and community impact.

Member at Large

Célestin Shema is a legal and social services professional with over 10 years of experience in human rights, restorative justice, refugee protection, and gender-based violence prevention. In Rwanda, he coordinated community-based legal and social protection initiatives, supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, promoting community reconciliation, and advancing the reintegration of former perpetrators. He also led programs focused on positive masculinities, gender-based violence prevention, and refugee protection.

Since settling in the Cowichan Valley, Célestin has continued supporting diverse communities through settlement and disability services. As a Board member, he is committed to ethical governance, strategic leadership, equity, and building strong, inclusive communities through collaboration and accountability.

Member at Large

Amanda brings a unique perspective to her HR career, having built her professional path in Canada after immigrating from Taiwan. She holds an MBA with an HR concentration, along with CPHR and PCP designations, and has nearly ten years of progressive experience spanning payroll operations, HRIS administration, benefits, finance, and HR generalist functions. Her career has taken her through healthcare, municipal government, and social service.

Amanda is committed to giving back to her community. She is proud to support CVIMS’s mission and hopes to contribute her HR and organizational expertise to help the society strengthen its operations.