Halton Multicultural Council Appoints New Executive Director

The Halton Multicultural Council is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Director, Valerie Martin, effective September 19, 2011.

Valerie Martin brings a wealth of senior leadership experience and knowledge of community-based programming, volunteer and non-profit organizations, and social justice issues to her new role with HMC.

She has a proven track record of being able to lead, motivate and manage multiple diverse teams and volunteers to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

“We are extremely pleased to have Valerie join our team,” said Trivi Mehendale, President of the HMC Board of Directors. “We look forward to Valerie furthering the HMC’s goals and objectives by using her adept leadership and community engagement skills to building on our existing strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, community and government partners, and most importantly, the people we serve through HMC services.”

Prior to joining the HMC team, Valerie worked in York Region with the Welcome Centre Project leading the agencies operational function including developing best practice e-tools, policies, protocols and procedures to ensure service excellence across five welcome centre locations.

She also has worked with the United Church of Canada and other faith-based organizations to further her community engagement, volunteer management, community development, and advocacy skills. She is passionate about social justice initiatives where social inclusion, anti-oppression and anti-poverty campaigns contribute to the social fabric of the community.

This passion fits well with the mission and vision of the Halton Multicultural Council, a non-profit, community-based settlement agency that was founded in 1979 by volunteers of a number of cultural groups to provide a variety of programs and services to immigrant and refugee communities.

The HMC is dedicated to enabling every individual, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community through fostering mutual respect and understanding of one another.

Currently, HMC provides newcomer programs and services through our four office locations in Region of Halton in 28 languages. Last year the agency served 3,296 new and returning clients while 200 of our volunteers provided over 10,000 hours of voluntary service. HMC is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, the Region of Halton, The United Way of Oakville, The United Way of Milton and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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