At Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC), we recently introduced four new Board Directors who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to serving our community. Each deeply aligns with KMC's mission of community empowerment and supporting newcomers and immigrants as they build their lives in Canada. We interviewed Leny Rose Simbre, John Segui, Tyson Dimayuga, and Amanda Singn to learn what motivated them to join our board, their vision for KMC, and their plans to help shape the future of our organization.
Each of these Board Directors brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to KMC's mission. Their shared vision is to continue building a community where newcomers feel supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By expanding KMC's programs, advocating for social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging, they hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of immigrants and newcomers in Canada.
Leny Rose Simbre: Championing migrant justice and cultural preservation
Leny Rose Simbre was drawn to KMC because of its dedication to supporting newcomers and preserving their cultural identity. With a background in migrant justice, care work, and advocacy, she has witnessed the challenges immigrants face, particularly Filipina care workers.
"KMC’s holistic approach to integrating immigrants into Canadian society while honouring their cultural heritage resonated with me deeply," Leny shared.
As the former Chairperson of Migrant Ontario and a research project coordinator at York University, Leny has worked closely with migrant workers and international students, advocating for more robust support systems. She sees her role on the board as an opportunity to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities and strengthen KMC's programs.
She aims to advocate for temporary foreign workers and international students while expanding mental health support services.
"Newcomers should stay connected to their communities and seek resources like KMC. Building a support system is key to creating a fulfilling life in Canada," Leny advises.
John Segui: A vision for compassionate and inclusive support
John Segui's journey with KMC began with a deep appreciation for its 47-year legacy of assisting newcomers in navigating employment and accessing vital services. As a social worker and PhD student in public health at the University of Toronto, John was inspired by KMC's compassion, community engagement, and equity values. His personal experiences, including his mother's challenges as a temporary foreign worker, fueled his commitment to helping newcomers build better lives in Canada.
"I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for all identities, especially for the 2SLGBTQ+ community," John explained.
He aims to address issues of social isolation, employment barriers, and mental health challenges that many newcomers face. By collaborating with youth and community members, John hopes to create programs that tackle pressing concerns like bullying, financial literacy, and access to education.
John advises newcomers to "be gentle with yourself and seek support from community centers like KMC, as these interactions can help you live a healthy life in a new society."
Tyson Dimayuga: Building bridges and expanding opportunities
Tyson Dimayuga's journey from the Philippines to Toronto in 2016 inspired his commitment to helping other newcomers. As someone who directly benefited from newcomer programs, he understands the importance of having a solid support system.
Tyson's previous experience in a pre-arrival program for another non-profit organization aligns well with KMC's mission, and he is eager to use his skills to strengthen the organization's programs.
Collaboration, community engagement, and equity are the values that resonate most with Tyson. He believes that working together can amplify the impact of community initiatives.
"My goal as a Board Director is to bring in new partnerships and enhance our communication strategies to increase KMC’s visibility within the community," he shared.
Tyson leverages his community engagement experience to ensure that KMC's services reach those who most need them.
His advice for newcomers: "Be patient with yourself and seek support. Building networks and staying open to new opportunities can make a huge difference in your journey."
Amanda Singh: Empowerment communities for a stronger future
Amanda Singh reflects on her 10-year journey as an immigrant in Canada, leading her to KMC for support and guidance when she first arrived. Now, she is eager to give back by serving on the board.
"Empowerment has been key to my success, and I want to provide others with the resources and confidence to achieve their goals," Amanda explained.
As a first-generation immigrant and the first in her family to graduate from post-secondary education, Amanda understands the importance of access to opportunities. She aims to expand KMC's impact in serving newcomers and adapting programs to the evolving socio-economic environment.
Recognizing many immigrants' challenges, from employment barriers to adapting to Canadian systems, Amanda believes KMC is vital in offering tailored services like job search assistance and professional networking.
"Immersing yourself in community activities and understanding how local systems work can make the transition smoother," Amanda advises. "KMC can be that bridge to a successful new life in Canada."
At Kababayan Multicultural Centre, we are excited to work alongside Leny, John, Tyson, and Amanda to further our mission of building a robust and inclusive community. Stay tuned as we continue to grow and adapt to the needs of our clients, ensuring that every newcomer finds a welcoming place to call home in Canada.
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