Kareem El-Assal

OLIP Senior Research Fellow

In addition to advising OLIP on policy and research, Kareem El-Assal is the Principal of El-Assal Insights and Founder of Section 95. He has been active in the field of immigration since 2010, working for non-profits, the federal government, and in the private sector. His research covers issues such as the economic impact of immigration, international students, temporary foreign workers, entrepreneur and investor immigration, public opinion, and immigrant settlement services. Kareem has authored over 500 research reports and commentaries which have been cited by the likes of Canada's immigration minister, Parliament, the Senate, Statistics Canada, among others. He has been interviewed by various organizations for his immigration insights such as the Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Global News, Forbes, Washington Post, New York Times, CTV, CBC, OECD, McKinsey & Company, and Boston Consulting Group.

Nyamulola Kambanji

Acting Director of Finance & Operations & Project Manager, Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW)

Nyamulola holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Electronic Commerce from the University of New Brunswick. She has 18 years combined experience working in banking, research and not for profits, both in Zambia and Canada. Her expertise includes community partnership development, program management, research, creative design and photography. During the last 7 years, she has worked on key government funded projects mandated to improving immigrant integration in Ottawa. In the last 3 years, she has worked as the lead for the Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) initiative and played a critical role in its expansion and subsequent success. In addition, Nyamulola is a freelance photographer and her work is showcased in the photo exhibit “Faces and Stories of a Welcoming City” (2016 and 2017). She is also the founder of “Immigrants of Ottawa” a project that showcases the contributions and successes of new Canadians.  

Jean-Pierre Niyitanga

Communications & Events Officer

Jean-Pierre brings over a decade of experience in journalism and communications. He has recently led communication and marketing efforts for national associations, focusing on strategy development, content creation, and social media management. Known for his strong communication skills and passion for storytelling, Jean-Pierre is fluent in both English and French and excels in both independent and collaborative settings. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Carleton University.

Moyo Aderemi

Acting Director, Partner Relations & Community Engagement

Moyo is a communications specialist with over 7 years of international experience, consulting for global brands in technology, finance, energy, manufacturing, and hospitality, as well as public charities and foundations with a focus on development in Africa. Her expertise is in strategic communications, stakeholder relations and program coordination. Prior to this, she worked in public relations and program management in arts and culture, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. She graduated from the University of York in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and brings a multi-faceted set of skills and unique experience to her passion for enhancing positive relations and support with immigrant-serving organizations.

Yusra Osman

Equity Ottawa Project Lead

Yusra is an equity specialist, registered social worker, and researcher. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Carleton University. Yusra has over ten years of experience in front-line work with diverse communities. She has worked as a mental health and trauma counsellor, social work educator, anti-racism specialist, and has facilitated a variety of events, consultations, and trainings related to the well-being and inclusion of newcomers, Black communities, and other community groups.