News Releases

News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Executive Director for Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization

Ottawa, ON, May 6, 2013 - The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) regrets to announce the departure of Dr.Hamdi Mohamed as Executive Director of the organization. Effective immediately, Leslie Emory has been appointed Acting Executive Director.

Dr.Mohamed has been Executive Director since 2006 and earned great respect and recognition for her contributions to OCISO and to the broader Ottawa community. The Board thanks her for her energetic and committed leadership.

Ms. Emory has been serving OCISO as Manager of the Community Economic Development Program. She was formerly Coordinator of the Career Mentorship Program and, before joining OCISO in 2008, was President of Sona Computer Inc. Ms. Emory holds degrees from the University of Calgary, Carleton University, and the University of Toronto.

“Like many non-profits in the immigration sector, OCISO is navigating newer ways of functioning in the wake of funding cuts. The OCISO Board is committed to safeguard our ability to deliver services to immigrants in Ottawa”, commented John Stewart, President, OCISO Board of Directors.

OCISO is fortunate in having a strong network of partners, friends and supporters in the community.  We call on them to continue their support for the organization and for its new Executive Director.

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OCISO is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978. Our programs include community integration, public education, mental health counselling, school based programs for youth, and English language instruction for adult newcomers.

Contact:
Pamela George
Communications Specialist
OCISO
(613) 725- 5671X 255

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

For Immediate Release

 November 12, 2012

 

Two outstanding immigrant high school graduates win the 2012 Marion Dewar Scholarship

Ottawa, ON – Two immigrant Ottawa high school graduates are the winners of the 2012 Marion Dewar Scholarship. AnhThu Dang and Emily (Yulin) Wang will receive their scholarships from the Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson on November 13, 2012 at the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)’s Annual General Meeting. University of Ottawa will present a matching cheque to AnhThu, who is currently pursuing Biotechnology at the University of Ottawa. The ceremony will be held at the Tom Brown Arena at 6:00 pm.

 

AnhThu Dang, a first generation immigrant from Vietnam has been an honour roll student throughout her high school years at the Glebe Collegiate. In addition to her high scholastic ability, AnhThu volunteered to teach Vietnamese language to students at a local elementary school. At the Glebe Collegiate, AnhThu took part in environmental and anti-bullying clubs. She was involved with a water project fundraising event that led to buying two water pumps for communities based in the Horn of Africa.

 

Emily (Yulin) Wang arrived in Canada in 2009 with only three years left to graduate from high school. That did not deter this high achieving student from graduating with over 90% from John McCrae Secondary School in Barrhaven. Emily is not only a committed student, but she is also actively involved with community service. These involve running for her favourite charities, playing piano at senior centres, helping fellow immigrants at the Chinese Community Centre and helping with child care at church. Emily is also an aspiring pianist and ballet dancer. Emily Wang is enrolled in Communication studies at Carleton University

 

OCISO established the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund (MDSF) to honour the memory of former Mayor of Ottawa, Marion Dewar. The Scholarship Fund provides financial support and fosters academic and leadership excellence among refugee and immigrant high school students in the National Capital Region. To date, the scholarship has been awarded to six immigrant students since it was established in November 2009.

 

AGM Details:

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Place: Tom Brown Arena (141 Bayview Road)

 

 

Photo-ops: Awards presentations

Special announcement

 

 

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OCISO is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978. Our programs include community integration, public education, mental health counselling, community economic development, school based programs for youth, and English language instruction for adult newcomers.

 

 

Contact:

Joycelyn Glover, Community Engagement Manager (613) 725-5671x334 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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