Our Team - Embrave

Andrine Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
executive@embrave.ca

Stefania Greco
Executive Assistant
stefania@embrave.ca

Genie Policarpio
Human Resource Manager
humanresources@embrave.ca

Rebecca Pacheco
Development and Education Manager
rebeccap@embrave.ca

Luxana Ramesh
BraveSpaces: Public Education Project Coordinator
luxana@embrave.ca

Sylvia Jagdeo
Operations & Events Manager
sylvia@embrave.ca

Julie Chambers
Business Manager businessmanager@embrave.ca

Saira Batool
Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@embrave.ca

Irene Nkrumah
South Shelter Program Manager
irene@embrave.ca

Eli Agay
North Shelter Program Manager
eli@embrave.ca

Monica Vu–Boukayli
Team Coordinator
monicav@embrave.ca

Josie Cancilla, Chair

Josie has 20+ years experience
as a Human Resources
Executive most recently with
SSP America [Canada Division].
She is passionate about
women’s rights, she is relentless
in her pursuit raise awareness for the safety & protection of
women and their children.

Lana Da Silva, Vice-Chair

Lana Da Silva is an HR
professional with over 20 years
of experience providing
strategic and innovative
direction. She is excited to share
her wealth of experience and
knowledge to create awareness
and education in the fight
against gender-based violence
with Embrave.

Ana Perez, Treasurer

Ana has over 10 years of experience in the financial services sector and specializes in working with not-for-profit organizations. She is passionate about advancing gender equity and supporting communities impacted by gender-based violence. Ana holds an Honours BA from McMaster University and a Master’s from Western University, where she focused on feminist movements in Latin America.

Carmen Parsons, Secretary

Carmen Parsons worked over 35 years in the Criminal Justice Sector and has been a lifelong teacher who has always been passionate about Women’s empowerment in Society. She is committed to supporting the fundamental causes of Embrave’s existence to address gender based violence concerns. She holds an undergraduate degree as well as a Certificate in Family Mediation from York University and continues to support several other community organizations.

Celia McKellar, Board Member

Celia has led a life marked by
dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to
community service. Celia is furthering her education at McMaster University, where she is pursuing Professional Addiction Studies. Her thirst for knowledge and her drive to make a difference are evident in her continuous efforts to expand her expertise.

Kelly-Ann Salerno, Board Member

Kelly Ann is a Dynamic
senior executive that has been dedicated to the social and human services sector for over 35 years. Kelly Ann’s expertise in the Housing and Homelessness sector is
unprecedented.

Chelsea Armstrong, Board Member

Chelsea is a Human Resources professional with designations in both Canada and the US. She is passionate about gender equality and ensuring that all voices are heard. Chelsea is excited to bring her experience to Embrave and join the fight against gender-based violence.

Amber Jones, Board Member

Amber holds a degree in Business and Hospitality Operations Management and brings over 25 years of experience in Hospitality and Events Management. In 2024, she became an entrepreneur as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), offering compassionate care to all her patients. She is honoured to join Embrave as a board member and contribute to the vital fight to end gender-based violence and support survivors.

Iman Ahmed, Board Member

Iman Ahmed (She/her) is a human rights defender and humanitarian aid worker specializing in Global Health and International Migration. She has spent her career working for the United Nations, leading complex humanitarian emergency response around the world. Iman is committed to advancing the human rights of women and 2SLGBTQI+ communities through rights-based, trauma-informed, human-centered approaches.

Board of Director Contact Information

To Contact Embrave’s Board of Directors Regarding Any Questions and Concerns, Please Email:

boardofdirectors@embrave.ca

Join our team! Learn more about working at Embrave and the current employment opportunities.