Kate Kehler
Executive Director
Kate Kehler is Executive Director of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg (SPCW). She comes to the SPCW from the John Howard Society of Manitoba where she gained a greater understanding of how poverty and barriers to social equity impact individuals, families, and communities. More importantly, how inherent systemic racism is at the root of the problem. She has experience in Canada’s North, living and working in Iqaluit, where she was the Executive Director of the Law Society of Nunavut and Thompson where she worked on projects for Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., taught and ran her own business. Kate’s other previous careers, from teaching to stage and production manager, ensures she has the necessary diverse skill set and experience to solve challenges proactively and collaboratively. Kate is a single mother of two wonderful young women.
kkehler@spcw.mb.ca
Reuben Garang
Director – Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Reuben has previously worked for the Government of Manitoba as a Policy Analyst and Community Outreach Advisor. He has volunteered and worked for Winnipeg Harvest as the Coordinator for African Refugee and Immigrants Empowerment Project. As a community based researcher, he has skills in organizing focus groups, facilitating community discussion as well as promoting equitable partnerships. Reuben has over 15 years of experience working in various positions as volunteer and staff with humanitarian organizations, settlement agencies and with refugees and immigrants from different cultural backgrounds. He received the Mayor’s Volunteer Award in 2015. With an education background in environmental science, Reuben holds a Master’s Degree in Development Practice from the University of Winnipeg.
rgarang@spcw.mb.ca
Adrianne Breyfogle
Project Manager, Indigenous and Newcomer Engagement – Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Adrianne oversees the ongoing work of the Indigenous Orientation Toolkit, IPW’s Indigenous and newcomer engagement, and Truth and Reconciliation activities. She aims to build relationships between the two communities and help address racism through education and connection. Adrianne has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba. She has a passion and interest in continuing to learn about her Indigenous culture and history and loves that this job allows her to do that in a way that is meaningful and impactful.
abreyfogle@spcw.mb.ca
Carolina Meneses Zamora
Project Manager – Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Carolina is a Costa Rican social researcher who moved to Winnipeg to pursue her Masters in Anthropology. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, Carolina worked as the Newcomer Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Spence Neighbourhood Association and as their Youth and Families Programs Manager. In these roles, Carolina supported a variety of after-school programs aimed at fostering an inclusive and equitable community for Indigenous and newcomer youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. Apart from her work with SNA, Carolina’s lived experiences as a newcomer in Canada have shaped her interests in social justice-related issues and the immigration and settlement sector. She admires our communities’ resilience and loves Winnipeg’s cultural diversity! Carolina also enjoys reading, biking, swimming, and being outdoors.
cmeneseszamora@spcw.mb.ca
Arian Arianpour
Project Manager – Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
With a diverse background in journalism, education and community service, Arian has showcased enthusiasm for community-building communications. In academia, Arian taught International Political Economy and Economic geography at RRC Polytech’s School of Continuing Education, sharing knowledge and expertise with newcomer adult students.
Arian’s commitment to community building is reflected in his volunteer work, including serving as Events Manager and later as President for the Iranian Community of Manitoba. With experience as a Content Manager and Communications Officer, Arian excels in strategic planning and community engagement.
Having translated a women’s rights book and being a human rights activist, Arian demonstrates a strong commitment to advocacy and social justice. He leads two of our Sector Tables, Ethnocultural-led Mental Health and Newcomer Ethnocultural Youth Council of Winnipeg. Arian brings his extensive experience in community organization and dedication to support our diverse community.
arian@spcw.mb.ca
Kris Ontong
Project Manager – Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Kris actively supports the Ethnocultural Council of Manitoba (ECCM) and unaffiliated ethnocultural organizations in strengthening their capacity to aid the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees. Since arriving in Canada in 2010, Kris has held several leadership positions, including President of the Southeast Manitoba Filipino Association and advisory board member for the Prairie Centre for Excellence in Mentoring. He is also the co-founder of Barangay Canada, an online media platform that fosters awareness and engagement among newcomers in Canadian community issues. For his notable community advocacy, Kris earned a nomination for Excellence in Community Service at the 3rd Golden Balangay Awards in 2019 and a place among the top 75 finalists in the annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards in 2020. With expertise in website and social media management, as well as media relations gained from working as an Executive Assistant for a Member of Parliament, Kris provides vital support to IPW in research, event planning, policy development, and public communications
kontong@spcw.mb.ca
Rubab Fatima
Community Animator
Rubab is a passionate social innovator, business coach, and marketing and communications strategist with a proven track record of creating impactful campaigns for products, services, and causes she deeply believes in. With extensive experience across both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, she excels at crafting strategies that drive engagement and growth. Rubab thrives on turning creative ideas into actionable plans that make a difference. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new ways to give back to the community and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in marketing and innovation.
rfatima@spcw.mb.ca
Navaid Mohammed
Operations Manager
Navaid has background in market research and has worked with various organizations in both Canada and India, where he contributed to data-driven decision-making and insightful analysis. Outside of his professional work, Navaid is passionate about history and enjoys reading about historical events and their impact on different cultures. He is an avid traveler who loves exploring new places, learning from diverse communities, and engaging in conversations that offer fresh perspectives. In his free time, one can find him connecting with nature and appreciating the simple joys of life.
nmohammed@spcw.mb.ca