About

Olesja, born in Russia and raised in Kazakhstan and Germany, has played a key role in Manitoba’s settlement and immigration sector for over 12 years. After completing her education in Germany, she began her career working with immigrant children before moving to Manitoba. She coordinated settlement, employment, refugee support, SWIS, and integration programs, contributing significantly to the successful integration of newcomers into the community. Passionate about newcomer integration, Olesja believes effective immigration is vital for community success. She enjoys spending time with her two grown children and grandchildren and takes pride in her role as a marriage commissioner, helping to create new families.

Tessa lives in Steinbach with her husband Isi and their two daughters. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Providence College, TESOL certificate from Steinbach Bible College and worked in HR before starting the charity of Island Breeze Manitoba in 2009. She is involved in the newcomer community through her volunteer work with Cultures in the City each year as well as pioneering other events that feature the sharing of different cultural expressions in the community. Tessa finds joy in seeing people learn new things about other cultures for the first time, as well as learning herself.

Tessa has had many cross cultural experiences in the last 20 years spending time in Fiji (where her husband is from), Thailand, Ukraine, Australia, Cuba, and Nunavut to name a few examples. She is also connected to the business community and has served on the Steinbach Chamber’s Community Relations Committee for seven years and on the Board of Directors for two years. Tessa enjoys traveling, reading books on leadership and spending time with her family.

Inna grew up on the beautiful southern coast of Ukraine, near the Black Sea in the Odesa region — a place known for its rich diversity. From an early age, she was fascinated by the many cultures around her, which sparked a lifelong passion for learning about different people and traditions. Inna was raised in two cultures: Ukrainian on her mother’s side and Gagauz-Bulgarian, on her father’s side.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian, Inna has always appreciated how language brings us closer together and opens doors to new perspectives. She has had the privilege of working in Dubai alongside her husband from Egypt, which allowed her to experience even more cultures and deepen her understanding of the world.

One of Inna’s greatest joys has been exploring Canada, a country she loves for its welcoming, kind-hearted people and the natural beauty that surrounds it. There’s something truly special about the warmth and openness of Canadians, and she feel so fortunate to have experienced it firsthand.

Whether it’s traveling to new destinations, meeting people from different backgrounds, or discovering what makes each culture unique, Inna is always excited about the adventure life has to offer.

Emily was born in Bielefeld, Germany. At age 11, she moved to Canada with her parents and siblings. After living in both Alberta and Manitoba, Emily’s family decided to make Steinbach their home. She completed her studies in Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba and has since found her biggest passion to be helping others. Her career has enabled her to be involved with several non-profit organizations including working with families in crisis, teen support work in the north end of Winnipeg, and assisting those with physical and mental disabilities. She is passionate about using her skills and experiences to help newcomers make Canada their home. In her spare time, Emily enjoys gaming with her husband and playing with her dogs, Pippa and Nori.

Andrii grew up in Ukraine and also lived in Turkey, Istanbul briefly before moving to Canada with his wife in 2022. He received a degree in Computer Systems from Cherkasy Stage Technological University in 2017. Andrii loves living in Steinbach because of the kind people, the peacefulness, and the beauty of winter (when it’s not -35, of course!). He enjoys helping people and getting to know new people.

Itrat is originally from Bangladesh. He has a masters degree in business administration from IBA. Bangladesh is famous for the RMG (readymade garment) industry and Itrat began his career in the same industry as an executive. Together with his wife and daughter, he emigrated to Canada in 2023 during winter. Although initially it was hard to adjust to the climate, his family now enjoys the snowy weather. Living in Canada, Itrat really enjoys Christmas and how individuals from different countries bring their unique cultural traditions to Christmas festivities. In his spare time, Itrat loves spending quality time with his wife and two daughters and enjoys traveling. He has been to Poland, Nepal, Czech Republic, India, Russian Federation, Turkey, UAE, and Slovakia and hopes to visit more, especially Latin American countries and many places in Canada. Itrat enjoys geography because it helps him to understand people and their cultures. He is kind and helpful and looks forward to helping you!

With roots in Kenya and Rwanda, Sarah is currently married with one child and resides in La Broquerie, MB. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Ste Mary’s University in Halifax, NS, as well as a Missionary and Evangelism Diploma from Mount Hope Bible Training institute in Lansing, Michigan, USA. Sarah is an author and has written two books, “Miracle Escape” and “The Teenager’s Progress.” She loves to help other people and her golden rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Maria moved to Canada from Ukraine in 2023. She lives in Steinbach with her husband and three sons.

Maria’s is an open, cheerful person known for her sociable personality. She focuses on being open with and kind to others and is always willing to help where needed.

With a pedagogical education, Maria understands the basics of child psychology and development. She enjoys connecting with people and learning about different cultures. Maria believes that every person can make the world a better place through their actions.

Tiffany lives in Landmark, Manitoba with her husband and two daughters. Born and raised in Manitoba, Tiffany moved to the Dominican Republic to teach English after graduating high school where she met and married her husband, Juan. They resided in the beautiful coastal town of Montecristi, Dominican Republic for 4 years before immigrating back to Canada. Tiffany received her TESOL certification from Providence University College and has worked as both an English and Spanish instructor. Most recently, she worked as an Educational Assistant for Hanover School Division. Having worked directly with newcomer students in schools, Tiffany is passionate about finding ways to help students find confidence and connection in their new schools while also celebrating the strength found in uniquity, language and culture. She has walked alongside friends, family and community members during their immigration journeys and wants to help facilitate this transition for as many newcomer families as possible. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys creating art with her daughters, family movie nights and playing volleyball.

Originally from the Philippines, Bruce moved to Canada in 2017 with his family and has embraced the challenges and opportunities of starting fresh in a new country. As someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to be a newcomer, he is passionate about supporting others who are adjusting to life in Canada and building their new beginning.

Bruce worked across various educational settings—including high schools, middle schools, and daycare programs—and previously served as an Educational Assistant in the Hanover Division. These experiences taught him the value of empathy, patience, and creating supportive spaces where students can thrive.

Social at heart but grounded in reflection, Bruce enjoys making new connections while also appreciating the quiet moments. Outside of work, you’ll often see Bruce on the court playing basketball, out for a run, or heading off on an outdoor adventure like hiking, camping, or traveling. He is also passionate about filmmaking and photography, using visual storytelling to capture life’s moments. Bruce’s playlist is a mix of R&B, indie, emo rock, and a bit of rap—music that keeps him inspired and connected.

Always looking to grow and make a meaningful impact, Bruce brings both heart and hustle to everything he does.

Donna is originally from England, where she achieved a BA Honours in Journalism. She started her career in the healthcare field working as a medical secretary, first in a medical center and then in a specialized cancer hospital. Donna emigrated with her husband and young son to Canada in the fall of 2017, which provided them with a short period of time to acclimatize before their first Canadian winter! Before joining the EIS HIPPY program, Donna was a stay at home mom, looking after her two young children. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading, playing with her children and going on adventures to explore Manitoba and its wildlife.

Magali is originally from Mexico. She emigrated with her husband and three kids to Canada in December of 2022, so they were introduced to Canadian winters immediately! Before starting with EIS as a HIPPY Home Visitor, Magali enjoyed participating in the HIIPY program as a client. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and watching Disney movies with her children. Magali says she loves living in Steinbach because it is a peaceful place and people in the community help each other.

Marjut is originally from Finland. She emigrated with her husband and three kids and dog to Canada on January 2024. She has a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and she also completed her studies as a practical nurse in field of Care and Upbringing of Children and Young People. She enjoys being in nature, participating in any sports activities, spending time with her family and meeting new people. One of her mottos is “Work for what you believe in.”

Iryna is originally from Ukraine and moved to Canada in 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in International Economics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading detective stories and exploring the beautiful nature of Canada. After living in Manitoba and experiencing firsthand that the province lives up to its slogan, “Friendly Manitoba,” she is inspired to support immigrants in finding jobs and introducing them to the warmth and beauty of Manitoba.

Keitel is originally from the Philippines and has a Bachelor degree in Information Technology. She worked in various software development companies which focus on areas of quality assurance and project management. Keitel immigrated with her spouse to Canada in May 2013. She was introduced to Manitoba Start, an organization that helps newcomers settle, joined language training programs and employment preparation. Determined to do the same to others, she is paying it forward and serves as an Employment Facilitator at EIS (Eastman Immigrant Services), which has been momentous and transformative! Being of service to others is what brings true happiness.

Barb was born and raised in Canada but moved often as a child, learning to adapt to new environments and appreciate the unique culture of each place. She earned a diploma in Business Administration and worked for several years as an Administrator. Her interest in different cultures deepened through travel and her involvement with an international organization.

Now a trained TESOL instructor, Barb is passionate about helping immigrants improve their English and gain confidence in their communication skills. She brings a thoughtful, learner-centered approach to her work, drawing on both personal experience and professional training.

In her spare time, Barb enjoys baking, watching movies, spending time with family, and relaxing at home.

Bijan Babaie was born and raised in Iran. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tehran, the capital of Iran. With over 25 years of experience as a General Practitioner, Bijan is recognized for his dedication to patient care and his compassionate, empathetic approach. In 2018, he came to Canada and decided to open his business in Steinbach. He is deeply committed to helping others and his belief is that nothing is truly impossible. He loves helping newcomers to Canada as they start their new lives. Outside of his professional life, Bijan enjoys spending quality time with his family. He has a passion for driving, and his dream is to travel across the country in an RV, exploring new places.