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MEET OUR TEAM
SANTOSH SHAIL has over 35 years’ international experience in educational content creation for distance education, providing ICT expertise in a range of applications, including on‐line Learning Management Systems, synchronous as well as asynchronous. He has comprehensive experience in production of broadcast media in the genres of educational television, documentaries, public service announcements, News, telefilms and corporate publicities. He has worked on international development projects for UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, Global Affairs Canada, etc. He has served as Educational Media Consultant for the Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, and the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada. Santosh received the 2007 ‘International Media Achievement Award’ in India, in recognition of his accomplishments in global education projects, and for enabling capacity building in developing communities in Africa and Asia.
KHATERA AKBARI, a Chartered Professional Accountant, is currently an executive in the federal public service after having spent several years of her career in the private sector and on Parliament Hill. In addition to her federal career, Khatera focuses on professional training and development, optimal communication strategies, public speaking and change management. In this capacity, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Financial Management Institute (FMI) and a facilitator for the Canadian Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPAO).
Khatera is also active in the community and volunteers with several organizations including the United Way and the Paul Martin Mentorship Program.
SAM LANFRANCO, Prof. Emeritus & Senior Scholar at York University, Toronto, is a development economist with a PhD in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley. He has taught for over 50 years, with breaks to work for the UN, the World Bank, and with various national and non-governmental development organizations. His work focuses on three areas: (1) the rights and duties of digital citizenship in the Internet ecosystem, and the integrity of digital governance, business, and social media practices; (2) Director with the Society for the Advancement of Science in Africa (SASA); and (3) Advisor to the Mumbai based Ambedkar Centre for Justice and Peace (ACJP). Sam’s work is guided by a quest for greater social justice and the belief that “We can get there from here” by engaging all stakeholders and asking the right questions about context, expertise, knowledge, and technology, as much as by having access to resources.
ALEXANDRA KEENAN is a Public Speaking Coach and founder of Stage Light Communications. She has vast experience as featured speaker, and also conducts career enhancing workshops on Team Building and Leadership Development. She works with businesses, professionals and change makers who recognize that public speaking is a crucial tool for success. With a deep understanding of how to bridge communication gaps, she helps her clients speak confidently, find the right words, and build a stage presence that is powerfully authentic. Alex also drives the ‘Eloquent Ottawa’ program, a CIMC initiative to provide Public Speech training.
LALITH GUNARATNE is a cross-cultural leadership coach, business strategist, and mindfulness advocate with over 15 years of experience working across Asia, Africa, and North America. He co-founded Sage Training in Sri Lanka and Sage Ontario in Canada, promoting mindful, values-based leadership. Lalith blends mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, and ethical grounding to help leaders foster inclusive, resilient organizations. His clients span private, public, and non-profit sectors globally. A Certified Coach in Canada and British Council-trained facilitator, Lalith holds credentials in engineering, marketing, and business responsibility, and is a published thought leader on sustainability, leadership, and well-being. He has led numerous training programs, specializing in strategic communications, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. His facilitation approach bridges cultural differences while aligning leadership with purpose and impact.
SUSAN ZEKO-HART is a highly experienced Social Development Professional with over two decades of expertise in administration, program and project management, human resources, and office management within international development and health organizations. Her extensive career includes a significant impact on USAID-funded projects in Africa, spanning Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Lesotho, reflecting her unwavering commitment to global community betterment. Susan excels in coordinating and implementing initiatives, facilitating seamless collaboration among diverse teams and stakeholders. Complementing her international development portfolio, she also serves in a distinguished public service role with the Government of Canada, showcasing her dedication to societal improvement and adding depth to her skill set, making her an ideal fit for CIMC’s mission.
SANTOKH SINGH VIRDEE, a distinguished and accomplished senior government bureaucrat, has dedicated his entire professional career to serving the government of Canada with unwavering commitment and exceptional expertise. With his remarkable leadership skills and vast experience in managing community engagement, he has played a pivotal role in fostering effective collaboration between the government and the diverse communities in Canada. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Virdee has consistently demonstrated his deep understanding of public administration and his steadfast dedication to advancing the interests and well-being of Canadian citizens. His invaluable contributions have left an indelible mark on the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity, enhance community development, and build strong foundations for a prosperous and harmonious society.
MALLYNA HING is a Program Strategy Consultant with a strong background in Global Development. Holding a degree in Global and International Studies from Carleton University, Mallyna specializes in crafting and implementing strategies that drive impactful development programs. With extensive knowledge in government departments, NGOs, and international companies, Mallyna excels in guiding non-profit initiatives, enhancing program frameworks, and securing grants to advance CIMCs organizational goals. Her role involves advising on strategic planning, increasing visibility, and connecting key stakeholders to foster successful and sustainable development outcomes.
MYRIAM HARCHAOUI-BOYER, Entrepreneur and Strategic Advisor with over a decade of experience in international settings, focusing on non-profit organizations. Successfully led multiple initiatives to bridge Canada and Africa, earning the recognition of the Canadian Parliament for these efforts. Myriam’s extensive experience includes organizing international summits and conferences, where she connects global business leaders, senior officials, and key authorities.