We are very pleased to have done the “Opportunity Cost of Not Investing in Interpretation” report – it is so important to have clarity on these challenges and…

Hindia Mohamoud, Director, OLIP
In our city’s history, immigrants have always played an important role. They build our economic prosperity, diversify our culture, contribute to our social vitality.

Jim Watson
Mayor of Ottawa
The City of Ottawa will continue to play a lead role in the implementation of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, just as we did in the founding of OLIP.

Steve Desroches
City Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Ottawa
The work and expertise that OLIP brings to our community is so important as it helps us to build bridges and break down silos.  I look forward to our continued work together. 

Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
The target beneficiary of the work of OLIP is the whole community. In this short period we have planted together important seeds for Ottawa’s development.  

Dick Stewart
OLIP Council
I was happy to see integration to Algonquin territory and indigenous culture related programming in 2014 WOW. Please continue to involve local Aboriginal organisations and…

Linda Manning
WOW 2014 participant, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa
The OLIP Council is committed to leadership.  In only a few years, we have a common vision and priorities, and are up to the task of implementing the Ottawa Immigration Strategy.

Salimatou Diallo
OLIP Council Vice Chair, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
All the WOW events that I went to were great – WOW does give a sense of a community trying to improve its attraction and retention!

Caroline Andrew
Professor, University of Ottawa
I’m really impressed with the level of energy and commitment around the Health and Wellbeing table and look forward to continuing collaboration between OLIP and OPH.

Marcela Tapia
Ottawa Public Health
Canada has been shaped by people who came from all over the world to build this country. WOW offers a platform for us to celebrate this history and the future it will help…

Alex Munter, Chair of the OLIP Council and President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre

Mary Roman

April 23, 2024

Mary Roman is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in the settlement and integration sector, serving immigrants and refugees to integrate into their new communities, in North America, EU, and MENA region As a first-generation immigrant to Canada, Mary understands the unique lived experiences of OCISO’s clientele, and she is committed to honouring those differences as she leads her team and the services OCISO delivers While in Metro Vancouver for the past eight years, Mary worked with ISS of BC, as well as DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, in multiple leading roles. She also served as an advisor on several boards, committees, and councils that support racialized communities. Mary brings to her new role at OCISO- Ottawa, which started in 2022, a fresh and innovative vision to our community. She hopes to foster an inclusive workplace that embraces multiculturalism, anti-racism, equity, and justice. She is passionate about activism, advocacy, and policy change. Mary has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCH), and a Post Graduate Diploma – Family Medicine & Psychology from Cairo University, Egypt and she is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.