Team Category: General

Sama recently graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources and minoring in Innovation. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a strong interest in talent management, employee engagement, and exploring how innovation can enhance HR practices.

Beyond academics, Sama gained experience through her leadership role as a marketing executive for a student club and working in both retail and education settings. These experiences strengthened her skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—qualities she hopes to bring into her HR career.

Outside of work and studies, Sama enjoys reading romance and mystery/thriller novels, she is also an avid baker who loves perfecting new recipes and has recently developed a passion for embroidery.

Sohail Shahid is an Accounting and Finance professional with over nine years of experience working in accounting, and finance roles in Canada. Over the years, he has worked in various capacities within the accounting and finance teams to deliver high quality work in various organizations. He has been able to develop strong technical and non-technical skills to perform various functions from full cycle accounting to budgeting and reporting. When it comes to using various state of the art and traditional systems, Sohail has an ability to maximize the benefit from the systems to deliver financial results effectively while maintaining the highest ethical standards. His expertise in the accounting and finance areas helps to ensure that the Finance team can provide the highest level of support to the organization.

His ability to remain dynamic along with the dedication to his work allows him to solve problems very quickly.

Sohail received his formal training through Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning where he completed a two-year Accounting Diploma, and then an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting. He is currently pursuing his CPA designation.

Nifemi Apantaku is a fourth-year Media and Technoculture student at Western University with a strong background in content creation, digital strategy, and community engagement. Born in Nigeria and immigrating to Canada during childhood, Nifemi brings an intercultural perspective that shapes both academic and professional pursuits.
For the past three years, Nifemi has served on the executive team of Western’s African Students’ Association, currently holding the role of Creative Director and Social Media Representative. In this capacity, Nifemi has led digital campaigns, content strategies, and event promotion initiatives designed to highlight culture, identity, and student experiences across campus.
In addition to student leadership, Nifemi was selected as a recipient of the UWO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion BLUE Internship for Black students. As a Social Media Intern for Western’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Nifemi contributed to institutional communications, developed content aligned with brand storytelling goals, and enhanced engagement with diverse audiences. This experience strengthened skills in content planning, inclusive messaging, and digital media strategy.
Beyond academic and professional roles, Nifemi is also a freelance artist passionate about producing culturally diverse artwork for personal and community spaces. This creative practice reflects a commitment to positive representation and storytelling through multiple mediums.
Nifemi is dedicated to using expertise in social media, content creation, and inclusive communications to foster authentic representation and community building across Canada.

Jacqueline Macleod is a proud member of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, with roots in Haida Gwaii. She is a daughter, a partner, a friend, and someone who carries a deep respect for the lands, waters, and communities that shape her identity.

Her career began in the security sector, where she gained extensive experience in management, leadership, and community engagement. Over time, Jacqueline was drawn toward work that fostered deeper connections and supported long-term impact. This led her to working alongside First Nations, where she supported grant funding and initiatives that strengthened autonomy, cultural stewardship, and environmental guardianship. She has been fortunate to witness and contribute to projects such as clam gardening, bear data testing, moose collaring, fish monitoring, and forestry. These efforts not only protect ecosystems but also sustain cultural knowledge for future generations.

Now, in her role as Partner Relationship Manager with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Jacqueline looks to build new connections and continue her journey of creating meaningful impact. She believes that every story, every project, and every community holds wisdom that can guide us toward stronger, more resilient futures.

Jacqueline brings curiosity, integrity, and compassion into her work, always striving to ensure that the voices and priorities of the people she serves remain at the center.

Sartaj Sarkaria is a transformational executive leader with over a decade of experience driving strategic growth, operational turnarounds, and inclusive culture change across sectors. Her work is grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and she brings a deep commitment to fostering spaces where people feel empowered to be their full selves.

Sartaj’s leadership philosophy is anchored in continuous learning, humility, and the courage to adapt as the DEIA space evolves. She values lived experiences, champions transparency and accountability, and is driven by a belief in collective progress toward meaningful social change.

She most recently served as CEO of Holstein Canada and held senior executive roles at the Canadian Marketing Association, including Chief Operating Officer (acting CEO) and Chief Diversity Officer. In these roles, she led financial and cultural transformations, strengthened governance, launched national DEIA initiatives, and built high-performing, purpose-driven teams.

Sartaj holds a BA from Wilfrid Laurier University and has completed executive education through Queen’s University, eCornell, and Osgoode Hall Law School. She holds both the Governance Professionals of Canada designation (GPC.D) and Certified Human Resources Leader designation (CHRL) and is currently pursuing the ICD.D through Rotman and the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Deeply engaged in Canada’s nonprofit and governance sectors, Sartaj serves in leadership positions on the boards of the Human Resources Professionals Association, United for Literacy, and the Do More Agriculture Foundation, where she currently serves as Board Chair.

Amelia Wong joins CCDI with a background in event planning (corporate speaker events, professional sports events), client services, and sponsorship servicing by assisting local, national and international companies with fulfilling their benefits and leveraging their partnerships in Canada, Asia and Europe.

She has been involved in complex, high profile events featuring Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Tiger Woods and Manchester United F.C., as well as working with provincial and federal ministers and B.C. business leaders.

Amelia is Vancouver born and raised but lived and worked in Hong Kong as Senior Events Manager for sports marketing giant IMG and Client Hospitality Manager for the largest Swiss banking institution, UBS. While having great adventures and travels for work and leisure in Asia and Europe, she experienced diverse cultures that has made a lasting impact on her world outlook and desire to help others.

After returning home Amelia expanded her event and client servicing portfolio with the United States Consulate for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and Vancouver Coastal Health. As well as being philanthropic by volunteering with Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Mental Health Association and Canadian Blood Services.

She looks forward to using her superpowers of multi-tasking, partner engagement, communication skills and problem-solving abilities with her Partner Relations team to build diverse and inclusive work environments.

Amelia enjoys running the seawall, hiking, home renos, improving her cooking skills, searching for the perfect burger or bowl of pho and planning her next trip (30+ countries and counting).

Megan is an Office Administrator at CCDI, where she provides support for the operation of the CCDI team.

Megan is a recent graduate from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor’s in Political Science. As a student, she provided administrative support for the Physical Resources office of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Briefly after graduating, Megan also held a position as a group benefits insurance administrator.

During her degree, Megan had the opportunity to develop an interest in human rights as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion and came to recognize the importance of education for all ages in building a more inclusive world. She tries to make her contribution by supporting the team at CCDI.

Outside of work, Megan volunteers with Gotta Go Campaign as the social media lead, helping to advocate for an improved network of public toilets in the city of Ottawa and educate the public about the importance of access to public toilets. In the same capacity, Megan also provides insight and support to student volunteers with Gotta Go.

Megan also enjoys gardening, making full use of her green thumb with both indoor and outdoor gardens, and volunteering at an animal shelter.

Jeffrey Warren is an IT manager with over 20 years’ experience providing technical leadership in a range of industries and organizations from banking to media to adventure travel. He provides value by systematizing technology and simplifying complex technical environments to drive business goals.

Graduating from Seneca College with a diploma in Computer Systems Technology, Jeffrey has a depth of experience designing, building and optimizing systems and processes, working in industry from the days of onsite data centres through the transitions to cloud-based infrastructures.

Jeffrey has made it a personal goal to diversify the teams he has managed over the years, with a focus on gender diversity in the tech sector. He expands his interpersonal management skills through education and training, to be more inclusive, supportive and promotive of his team members.

In his personal time, Jeffrey is a physically active traveler, hiking in Iceland to Namibia, an avid sailor, snowboarder and reader.

Veronica (Yan) Wang joins CCDI as the Digital Marketing Specialist, helping CCDI with various social media assets, including podcasts, blog series, media posts, etc.

Veronica obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Print and Digital Publication) from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. She began working with Vancouver’s indie band as a PR and media coordinator, experiencing local culture while bringing excellent design and event planning skills. She then challenged herself and began to work in the education industry and as a freelance digital content creator.

Growing up in a small but beautiful coastal city in China, Veronica always felt passionate about finding different and unique cultures, and she finally decided to explore the planet herself. After she came to Canada by herself, she immediately fell in love with the city. As someone who is the cultural minority but still is the minority in her community, she wishes to use her profession as much as she can to encourage people to feel powerful and blessed with their diversities.

Outside of work, Veronica is also a cat-mom of 2, a Nintendo gamer, and a gardening enthusiast.

Onyi Umeobi relocated to Canada in August 2019 to further her education and forge a new path. Raised in family deeply rooted in business acumen and proud of its rich heritage and ancestral legacy has made Onyi resourceful, driven and appreciative of traditions. Onyi holds a BSc in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Global Business Management. With over seven years of experience in customer service across diverse industries, she has developed extensive expertise as a knowledgeable service provider and a dedicated customer advocate. Her lived experiences throughout her career have deeply inspired a dedication to empowering social equity, guided by the principles of diverse perspectives.

Outside of work, Onyi enjoys exploring alternative healing methods and researching naturopathic remedies for common ailments. She also loves watching home renovation and house construction videos, which motivates her future aspirations in the construction field. Something about watching videos of buildings in ruins transformed into stunning outcomes through hard work is incredibly therapeutic, offering a sense of renewal and inspiration. Whether it’s offering advice on simple remedies or discussing home design ideas, Onyi thrives on connecting with people and positively impacting their lives.