Board of Directors

The Impakt Foundation for Social Change prides itself on having assembled a board of directors who are genuinely connected and concerned with the issues that newcomers and refugees in Canada are currently facing. In addition to their incredible experiences working with social services, charities, and community organizations, over half of our Board has personal experience as first and second-generation Canadians, and thus have a deep concern for the well-being and employment of other newcomers. Below you can read about the ways in which each of our Board members have dedicated themselves to the issues of newcomers and other important social issues in Canada, as well as the business experience they bring which allows us to relate to corporations and newcomers alike.

  • RONA GHANBARI (CHAIR)

    Rona Ghanbari is a corporate lawyer practising at Stikeman Elliott LLP. Her legal practice focuses on securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and general corporate and commercial law. Previously, Rona held positions as a legal researcher for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, and was a legal intern at SECTION27, a South African constitutional human rights legal centre. Rona is a volunteer with Matthew House Toronto’s Refugee Hearing Program, a program which helps refugees prepare for hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Rona currently also serves on the Board of Directors of Young Diplomats of Canada and the Howland Company.

  • REM LANGAN

    Rem has over 35 years of experience in executive leadership. As CMO for McDonald’s Canada, he directed all marketing and communications, oversaw annual marketing budgets in excess of $100 million and was also the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Rem was part of the team that was responsible for McDonald’s expansion into 19 new countries including its historic entry into the Soviet Union.

  • Yvonne Sinniah

    Yvonne Sinniah is a purpose-driven leader committed to building thriving, inclusive communities. She currently serves as Senior Director of Operations at WellFort Community Health Centre, supporting primary care, social services, and shelter-based care in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

    Previously, Yvonne was Chief Operating Officer at Indus Community Services, leading programs in seniors’ support, newcomer settlement, and family/domestic violence services. She has also held senior leadership roles in municipal and provincial governments, driving equity-focused strategies in health, social services, and community development.

    Her passion for equity and justice is deeply personal—Yvonne came to Canada as a Tamil refugee and has dedicated her career to breaking down systemic barriers and amplifying marginalized voices. She has also served on the board of Halton Black Voices, advancing programs for racialized communities.

    With expertise in strategy, operations, and community partnerships, Yvonne continues to champion meaningful, sustainable change alongside organizations and teams working to create a more just future.

  • Dee Diaz

    Dee brings over 25 years of transformational community and corporate philanthropy to optimize health and wellbeing, while advocating for greater equity, inclusion and access. Through innovative storytelling and partnership building, she has been successful in creating impact and opportunity for communities locally, across Canada and around the world-with a particular focus for women and children.

    Before becoming a leadership and fundraising consultant in 2025, Dee spent the last 10 years as CEO + President of Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Canada- a national organization dedicated to those managing the physical and mental health impact of cancer and its treatment.

    Prior to LGFB, Dee was proud to lead strategy and high performing teams at SickKids Foundation, UNICEF Canada and War Child Canada.

    With an educational background in community health, she began her career at SickKids Hospital and worked in health promotion programming before transitioning to a career in fundraising and organizational capacity building. Dee is a passionate leader driven by purpose and developing a culture that thrives on curiosity, agility and collaboration. Dee is inspired to contribute to the Social Impact Sector by building healthy and thriving communities, while achieving a sense of work joy driven by creativity and mentorship.

  • CLAUDIA GARCIA MAYNE

    As a first generation Canadian, Claudia has a deep appreciation and personal connection to the newcomer journey. For over 20 years, Claudia has led the Marketing for some of Canada’s most well-known brands. From her tenure at IKEA to Petro-Canada, Havas Worldwide to Doner Canada, and Mazda to Honda, Claudia's diverse range of experience in corporate and advertising agencies, has shaped her into the leader she is today. Throughout her career she has valued and championed diversity in the workplace and always found that different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are the catalysts for innovation and progress.

  • NILUKA KOTTEGODA

    Niluka Kottegoda is an empowering leader and avid philanthropist who founded the Dream Chaser Change Maker Foundation; investing in student-entrepreneurs with audacious dreams to change the world. With profound gratitude for her own good fortunes, Niluka continuously seeks opportunities to drive meaningful change. In addition to joining the Impakt Foundation she serves as a board member for GHTK (reducing neonatal and infant mortality) and the Starfish Canada (providing a voice for young environmentalists). Niluka also hosts the "Courage in Action" podcast to help empower women. As an immigrant to Canada herself, she is honoured to be of service to newcomers.