BDC Square and Hall
1133 Melville Street, Suite 1500 (15th Floor)
Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5

Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur (J.D., LL.M.)
(They/Them)

Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur is a transgender Palestinian born and primarily raised in Santiago, Chile. As a Chilean lawyer, Aleks specializes in human rights, reproductive and sexual health law, LGBTQI+ rights, and refugee rights. They hold an LL.M. from the University of Toronto and currently serve as the Co-Executive Director of Rainbow Refugee. Aleks is also the past President of the Canadian Council for Refugees and currently holds a position as an Executive Committee member. Additionally, they are the co-chair of From Borders to Belonging, a Canada-wide coalition in solidarity with LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers.

Previously, Aleks worked as the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs and SAH representative for the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Their past roles also include positions at LEAF (Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund), the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), and the International Reproductive and Sexual Health Law Programme at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law.

Their work focuses on facilitating pathways for refugee protection and co-creating communities of belonging for individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Aleks designs programs and services for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers, refugee claimants, and refugees, and advocates for refugee rights at various levels of government, both locally and internationally. Additionally, they provide advisory and expert opinions, represent Canada at international forums on refugee protection, and conduct webinars and workshops for numerous local and international organizations.

Ky Sargeant (she/they)
DEI Consultant and Comedian

Ky is an EDI consultant known for her engaged approach to facilitation, where she leverages 8 years of public speaking and performing arts experience to communicate complex DEI topics in an accessible way for all audiences. Previously the assistant to the Senior Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the UBC Sauder School of Business & currently an EDI Scholar in Residence at UBC Library, she brings a deep understanding of academic frameworks of EDI and how to translate that knowledge into practice. She has since co-developed a first-of-its-kind index and training program for business funders and is the Vice-Chair of the board for QMUNITY. Outside of work, she regularly hosts a 2SLGBTQIA+ Open-Mic Comedy night and performs stand-up comedy around the city.

Norma Lize Rhayem
Communications Manager, Rainbow Refugee Society

Norma Lize Rhayem, a transgender activist and advocate from the Middle East. Her activism started when she was studying journalism and communication arts, leading to her involvement with LGBTQIA+ organizations in the SWANA region and worldwide. Her lived experience, and work in Media and the Non-profit sector helped her to raise the voice about LGBTQIA+ issues around the world. Since relocating to Vancouver, she continues to fight for the rights of the trans community. She worked as a Sponsorship Coordinator at Rainbow Refugee, a Peer Facilitator at Mosaic, and a co-trainer at QMUNITY. Norma is currently working as a Communications Manager at Rainbow Refugee Society and is working on developing training materials to help raise awareness in workplaces and communities. Topic: Supporting Refugees

Adeline Huynh (she/her)
EDI strategist and founder, The Commons Consulting

 

Adeline Huynh is an equity, diversity, and inclusion strategist and founder of The Commons Consulting living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Səl̓ílwətaʔ, and Skwxwú7mesh peoples. With almost two decades of experience guiding nearly 100 organizations—from healthcare to higher-ed—she translates big-picture vision into practical, people-centred solutions. Adeline has championed newcomer inclusion by supporting ISSofBC’s EDI work and launching QMUNITY’s Routes to Roots program for LGBTQ2S+ immigrant and refugee youth. She also co-authored Authentically Inclusive Marketing and designs engaging online courses and in-person trainings that help organizations thrive. Away from the Zoom and workshop room, you’ll find her trying to keep up with her 7-year-old, swapping book recommendations, and plotting her next storytelling project over a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee. Topic: Creating Your Newcomer Strategy

Valerie Raghoebier (she/her)
Board Director, Sher Vancouver

Valerie (she/her) is a dynamic actress and model based in Vancouver’s thriving film industry. Beyond the screen, she is a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, actively working to reduce her carbon footprint. Valerie brings her creativity and compassion to the nonprofit sector as the newest Board Member of Sher Vancouver. She has also served as a juror for the prestigious January Award and is a shortlist juror for the Sundar Prize Film Festival, where she helps spotlight powerful and impactful stories from around the world. Topic: Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent

Joshna Hirani (she/her)
Manager of Community Engagement, Sher Vancouver

Joshna Hirani, of Gujarati origin and born in Kenya, is a dynamic community leader dedicated to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Professionally trained in Occupational Therapy, she combines cultural sensitivity with mindfulness and compassion to empower individuals and strengthen communities. As Sher Vancouver’s Manager of Community Engagement, Joshna is a driving force behind the organization’s public presence, representing it at major events, building networks, and raising awareness of its mission. She remains committed to learning from diverse communities, reflecting on her experiences, and continually evolving to be a better community member and leader. Topic: Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent