President

Mark has resided on Vancouver Island for the past 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Political Science Degree from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in Business (MBA) from Vancouver Island University. He is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and brings extensive Human Resources experience with non-profit and indigenous organizations. His Human Resources work focuses on recruitment and selection, performance management, occupational health and safety, and updating policies and procedures.

Interim Vice President

Shauna has more than a decade of experience working in the Communications Department with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS). During her career, Shauna has been involved in a number of public consultations and community engagement processes. She was part of the new brand and logo implementation for NLPS. In her personal life, she has been involved in a number of fundraising activities including a recent community project with Nanaimo Foodshare. Shauna also spent many years fundraising for Cancer Research.

Treasurer

Gavin is a Senior Accountant with 7 years of experience in Public Accounting. He has resided on Vancouver Island for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Camosun College and is in the final steps in applying for his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Gavin began his career in a local firm in Victoria before working at Grant Thornton in Nanaimo. Gavin is excited to be a part of CVIMS and looks forward to advancing the goals and values of the organization

Interim Secretary

Arooj is a labour and employment lawyer. She advises unionized and non-unionized employers on all aspects of labour and employment law, including discipline and discharge, human rights, employment standards, occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, certification, grievances and workplace policies and agreements. She has represented clients at various levels of Court, as well as before administrative tribunals, arbitrators, and mediators. Arooj has in-depth knowledge of the human rights and workers’ compensation systems from her experience interning with the Alberta Human Rights Commission and working at the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board.

Arooj is thrilled to serve on the CVIMS Board. It is a way for her to be part of the important work CVIMS does and she is honoured to support an organization committed to building a more inclusive society.

Member at Large

Melquiades Azcarraga Jr., a community pharmacist by profession, immigrated from the Philippines in 2002 as an International Pharmacy Graduate Student and was assigned in Vancouver Island (Port Alberni and Nanaimo) as a staff pharmacist. Since then, Mel has been involved in the community for the past 20 years assisting other Filipino pharmacists on their way to acquiring their pharmacist license. As an immigrant, Mel applies his experiences in teaching as well as community organizing and outreach. Mel has provided lectures in different seniors housing and non-profit organizations. He has given vaccinations to seniors, affordable housing and mental health residences as well as non-profit organizations, churches, fire halls and government offices.

Member at Large

EJ immigrated to Nanaimo from Seoul, Korea in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and has knowledge in HR Management and experience as a Manager. EJ is the owner of Eve Olive, a vegan restaurant. Valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, EJ is grateful for the assistance she received from CVIMS and is committed to helping CVIMS provide quality services to newcomers and refugees.

Member at Large

Golfer is a professional with over ten years of residency on Vancouver Island. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria, along with a Post-Degree Diploma in Business and a Master of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, a Master of Science in International Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK and is certified as a Graduate Coach by Coaching out of the Box, Canada and a member of the International Coaching Federation.

Golfer excels in various roles seamlessly, merging her expertise as a Graduate Programs Advisor and Transformational Coach. She is dedicated to driving positive change, optimizing operations, and fostering growth. Golfer’s track record of solving complex challenges, providing recommendations and enhancing diverse student success highlights her commitment to excellence and passion in making a positive impact in her community. She eagerly anticipates contributing to the board’s mission.

Member at Large

Steve and his family are extremely grateful to have settled on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw’naw’as and Stz’uminus people on Vancouver Island five years ago. For the past 20 years, he has worked in talent attraction, acquisition and retention for private and public sector organizations in BC. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been an increasingly important part of his focus over the last several years, with a key focus on implementing inclusive hiring practices and education. Steve consistently volunteers with several BC-based non-profit organizations, leading employment-related coaching and training sessions. Steve is excited to be a part of CVIMS and supporting our local communities.