4-minute read
Post Contributed by Shannon Hargreaves, CPA, CA
Director of Finance, Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Leadership Winnipeg Class of 2024-2025

On April 25, 2025, through the Leadership Winnipeg program, I had the privilege of visiting several remarkable organizations in Winnipeg dedicated to supporting newcomers and helping them build a strong foundation in their new home. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and deep appreciation for the vital work being done in our community.

The day began at the Immigrant Centre, Immigrant Centre Manitoba Inc. (icmanitoba.com), where we heard from Board Chair, Marjorie Wiebe; CEO, Jorge Fernandez who really did live up to his reputation as the happiest CEO in Winnipeg; and Roselyn Advincula, Director of Settlement Services.  With over 75 years of history and services offered in more than 60 languages, the Immigrant Centre radiates passion and compassion. Their comprehensive offerings include everything from settlement, nutrition and employment services to training and assistance with CRA paperwork. What stood out most is how their programs are designed to address the many barriers that newcomers face – barriers that often lead to a decline in health during the first five years after arrival. In particular, the cooking and nutrition programs offered help to combat this troubling trend. The commitment of the staff and volunteers was truly moving.

Next, we headed to the Immigrant & Refugees Community Organization of Manitoba (“IRCOM”), IRCOM Inc..  There we heard from Executive Director, Shereen Denetto; Director of Programming, Fitsum Getahun; and President, IRCOM Board, Beyan Embafrash. IRCOM has been a cornerstone in our city for nearly 33 years, providing affordable transitional housing and a wide range of holistic programs designed to support and empower newcomer families. Families can stay in IRCOM residences for up to three years – enough time to adjust, grow, and find their place within the broader community. Their approach honors the diverse skills and experiences that each newcomer brings with them.

The afternoon was spent at Holy Names House of Peace, Holy Names House of Peace | Manitoba, a new and enlightening experience for me. Executive Director, Rosalinda Amati welcomed us with warmth and authenticity, offering insight into the organization’s mission and a guided tour of the space. The House of Peace provides transitional housing for refugee and migrant women for up to two years, offering not just shelter, but a genuine sense of belonging and lifelong community. We were also deeply moved by the personal story shared by one of the neighbours – an emotional reminder of the resilience and strength so many women carry.

Meeting the people behind these organizations, each of them driven by compassion and a shared purpose, was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced a powerful truth: in Canada, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The lived experiences, cultures, and talents that newcomers bring with them enrich our communities and strengthen the social fabric of our country.

This Leadership Winnipeg session, hosted by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, has been my personal favorite so far. It left me with a renewed sense of pride in our city and in the incredible people working tirelessly to make it an inclusive and welcoming home for all.

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Our Leadership Winnipeg program is made possible with the support of our Vision Partners Canada Life, Johnston Group and The Winnipeg Foundation; Proud Partner Assiniboine Credit Union and our Proud Supporters Boston Pizza, Change Innovators Inc., Honest Agency, and University of Winnipeg.