Meet Our Team
Management
Social Media + Marketing
Wajeeha Anwar
Executive Director
Coming soon.
Rajaa Alsaqqa
Administrative Assistant
Fundraising + Development
Sara Alharbi
Admin Assistant
Sara holds a master’s degree in management specializing in Human Resources from the University of Windsor. Currently, she is in the process of obtaining her certification as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner. Since 2016, Sara has been working and volunteering for non-profit organizations in two provinces, assisting refugees and newcomers. Sara is passionate about empowering, inspiring and supporting newcomer youth to follow their dreams in Canada.
Lucas Rempel
Fundraising Assistant
Lucas is currently in his 4th year of study at The University of British Columbia, pursuing an Honours B.Sc degree. Throughout his degree he has been involved in research at the UBC Biomedical Research Centre, and a dedicated volunteer for UBC Orientations programs. In his spare time he enjoys playing/coaching soccer, running, and skiing.
Nima Derakhshan
Development
Nima recently graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Sciences. He was born in Iran and immigrated to Canada when he was sixteen. He has experience doing biomedical research at UBC School of Biomedical Engineering as well as math tutoring for elementary and high school students. During the pandemic he has been working as an urgent care COVID-19 screener at the Burnaby Hospital emergency unit.
Welcome to Canada After-School Program
Wajeeha Anwar
Lead Program Facilitator
Wajeeha is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Science degree at Queen’s University. She has been working and volunteering for BCNC for two years. She began as a Level 1 English teacher for the summer camps and is now currently a facilitator for the after-school program. Wajeeha is passionate about helping refugees adjust to their new community by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Maham Kamal Khanum
Program Coordinator
Maham is a International Relations graduate from UBC, now working in the university in higher education administration. Through working in international education programs and writing for various platforms, Maham has been able to grow her passion for social justice in migration and human rights. When not working or writing, she enjoys reading fiction and non-fiction, learning stories of immigrants and refugees.
Summer Camp
Fazle Elahi Babakarkhil
Camp Facilitator
Fazle is a recent high school graduate who immigrated to Canada in 2022. He is fluent in several languages and can speak English, Farsi/Dari, and Pashto. His interests are in commercial business and in his free time he enjoys going to the gym, doing photography, and engaging in tourism.
Lynn Ayash
Camp Facilitator
Coming soon.
Thawab Ali
Camp Facilitator
Coming soon.
Mekeil Wilson
Camp Facilitator
Mekeil is a creative individual who enjoys working with children. She attends Simon Fraser University and majors in Sociology within the Faculty of Social Sciences. She is very passionate about social justice and environmental issues. In her free time she enjoys reading books, painting, and watching shows.
Menna Khoudier
Camp Facilitator
Coming soon.
Omar Abu Bakr
Camp Facilitator
Omar arrived in Canada as a landed immigrant when he was 12 years old, looking for a better life. Striving to adapt and to make new friends, Omar joined BC Newcomer camp at its early stages to become an instrumental member of the organization. Omar realized how linguistic barriers impede societal integration, therefore he decided to volunteer and assist in the translation department while serving a multitude of mentorship capacities for the kids at the camp. Moreover, Omar loves the harmony and discipline aspects of soccer as he played for his high school team. He grew an understanding of how sports can have a positive role in physical development as a camp activity. Additionally, Omar values creative thinking, prompting him to play chess. His love for the game grew as he made it to the national level representing the province of British Columbia. Omar plans on studying business and to continue in his endeavors to give back to the community.
Newcomer to Notes Music Program
Connor Keane
Music Program Designer + Coordinator
Connor currently attends the University of British Columbia studying microbiology and immunology. He began taking guitar lessons at the age of five and has played guitar, upright bass, and electric bass in a variety of concert and jazz ensembles. He is passionate about ensuring that the opportunity to learn music theory and an instrument is accessible for all.
Tiffany Santos
Music Program Designer + Instructor
Tiffany is a student at the University of British Columbia and is currently studying Neuroscience and Linguistics. She began taking piano lessons at the age of three and continued studying music throughout her childhood. She has an ARCT diploma in piano performance and enjoys teaching music to people of all ages.
Bachviet Nguyen
Music Program Designer + Instructor
Bachviet is a fourth year Microbiology and Immunology student at the University of British Columbia. Through his work he was awarded a $10000 Chapman and Innovation Grant from UBC to fund the creation of this program. He holds a piano pedagogy diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music and is a big fan of chess.
Jerry He
Music Instructor
Jerry is a fifth year student at UBC and is currently studying Microbiology and Immunology. He started learning piano at the age of 5 on his Frédéric Chopin. Jerry also enjoys playing the blues on guitar and enjoys the outdoors.
Newcomer Youth Mentorship Program
Rajaa Alsaqqa
Program Coordinator
Coming soon.
Volunteer
Nikolay Alabi
Volunteer
Coming soon.
