Team Profiles

Meet Azam,

Director of Build ON

Hello! My name is Azam and I am the Director of Pre-Arrival Settlement Services for the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region. I hold two Master’s degrees in Communication and MBA and have some professional experience working with newcomers. I love helping newcomers have an easier transition to their new communities and to overcome some of the employment challenges that they may face otherwise. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you prepare to work in the skilled trades in Ontario.  

Meet Jessica, 

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am an Employment Consultant for the YMCA-YWCA Build ON program. I grew up with a parent in the Canadian Forces and moved around a lot, but I still consider myself an East coaster! I love my job and my Y family. I was an Information and Referral Specialist at the YMCA-YWCA Newcomer Information Centre before joining the Build ON team. My ultimate enjoyment is to travel and experience different cultures and languages. I strongly believe everyone has an amazing story to tell and I’m looking forward to helping you with yours as you settle in Canada! 

Meet Marouane, 

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Marouane Smaili and I am an Employment Consultant with the YMCA-YWCA Build ON team. I have been working in the non-profit sector for the past five years in Morocco and in the USA, where I completed an MBA degree on a U.S Department of State Fulbright grant. I joined the Build ON team out of the sheer conviction that pre-arrival services can facilitate an immigrant's transition into Canada tremendously. I am looking forward to helping you with your transition to Canada. Stay positive and Optimistic!

Meet Christina, 

Build ON Program Coordinator/Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Christina Kaniewski and I am the Program Coordinator for Build ON. I was born and raised in the United States and came to Ottawa as a newcomer myself in 2016. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Since moving to Canada, however, I have found a new passion in trying to help newcomers make their moves to Canada as seamless as possible. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with your transition to Canada!

Meet Kepreye,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Kepreye Otrofanowei and I am an Employment Consultant with Build ON. I have always had a desire to help people but I’ve never been clear on what capacity I would do that. Here at Build ON I get to fulfil that desire by helping Newcomers prepare to integrate into Canada before they arrive. I know first-hand how daunting a move to a new country can be so I want to try to alleviate any stress/worries my clients may have before they arrive.