Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), today an-nounces receiving a grant from Gloria Baylis Foundation in the amount of $15,000. The funds will be used to strengthen access to crisis counselling, settlement support, and language services for immigrant and racialized women and their children.
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation supports Children Who Witness Violence with a donation of $15,000
Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO shared an uplifting and meaningful speech to all who attended IWSO International Women's Day in conjunction with World Skills
The Culinary Entrepreneur Program (CEP), celebrated the success of its latest cohort of women entrepreneurs with the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Ottawa choir donates $2,000 to Immigrant Women Services Ottawa
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) has received a grant of $22,400 for the Children Who Witness Violence Program from the Peter Gilgan Foundation.
Since it’s last update, IWSO’s Healthy Directions program has had a Summer full of momentum, and a Fall wind-down period with an impactful finish. Designed to increase access to mental health and substance use health services and supports for immigrant and racialized women.
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), announces receiving a grant from Mazon Canada in the amount of $2500 to purchase food vouchers
(IWSO) is pleased to receive $60,000 from a donor-advised fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation to continue supporting IWSO’s Sewing for Success Program.
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Healthy Directions focusses on increasing access through a tripartite approach, namely, through mental health needs assessments and action planning, peer support groups, and interactive workshop series’ that focus on understanding mental health ...
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) is pleased to receive $2,000 from the Ellen Savage Fund - Ottawa Community Foundation to support IWSO’s Milk Program.
IWSO is looking for individuals with the following skills or experience to fill current vacancies on the Board: • Legal • Communications • Finance
(IWSO) is proud to announce renewed support from the Columbus Club Council 485 Charitable Foundation for $1500, whose ongoing generosity helps fund crucial programming for immigrant and racialized women in the Ottawa area.
Interac employees generously donate $25,200 through employee giving campaign
TD Bank Group Directs $11,500 to IWSO in support of Immigrant and Racialized Women
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) is excited to share that it has been awarded a $121,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund
Medavie Foundation supports Children Who Witness Violence with a Grant of $80,000
Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health Directs $80,000 to Immigrant Women Services Ottawa
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 10, 2024 - at 6:00 pm
IWSO is looking for individuals with the following skills or experience to fill current vacancies on the Board: Accounting experience Legal background (Family Law; Immigration Law; Employment Law) • Fundraising experience Social service background • A background in policy Non-profit sector experience.
Interac employees generously donate $25,200 through employee giving campaign
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation supports Children Who Witness Violence with a donation of $20,000
Join Us of Tea & Topics: Money basics for newcomers WEDNESDAY NOV 1ST, 2023 and on WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2023
Subscribe to our Newsletter First Name * Last Name * Email (Primary) * Submit Immigrant Women Services Ottawa219 Argyle Avenue,…
IWSO is looking for individuals with the following skills or experience to fill current vacancies on the Board: • Finance • Fundraising
Annual General Meeting October 24, 2023 Tuesday at 6:00 pm
The right to food is a fundamental human right. It constitutes a right to survival. Yet, as we continue to hear about the high inflation rates, our ability to access nutritious meals, and meeting that human right, is becoming impossible.
Ottawa, ON – January 4, 2023… Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), today announced that the Harry P. Ward Foundation has graciously donated $2500 to strengthen and expand IWSO’s support group for Immigrant and Racialized women to help them break the cycle of violence.
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), today announces receiving a grant from Mazon Canada in the amount of $3120. The funds will be used to purchase food vouchers for some of the most vulnerable immigrant and racialized women and their children in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.
IWSO 2021 - 2022 Annual General Meeting will be held virtually this year on October 25th, 2022 at 6pm.
You are invited to IWSO's Annual General Meeting on October 25th at 6pm.
The Unifor Social Justice Fund shows it’s support with a donation of $5,000 to assist IWSO with programming
UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SURVIVORS AND THE OTTAWA POLICE SERVICE IWSO is inviting you to take part in a survey if you are at least 18 years old and are an immigrant or racialized woman who has experienced abuse, violence, or controlling behavior by a partner or family members. The survey is available in 7 languages and only takes a few minutes to complete.
TD Bank Group Directs $10,000 to IWSO programming in support of women and children fleeing violence
Kanata Foundation Funds Support Groups for Abused Women $1500 Grant from Knights of Columbus received
IWSOMercy Lawluvi,Executive Director(613) 729-3145mercy@immigrantwomenservices.com Canadian Women’s FoundationRebecca Aird,Strategic and Community Initiatives(416) 365-1444 RAird@ocf-fco.ca Ottawa Community Foundation Supports Digital Literacy $20,000…
Today, we celebrate all the women and girls who inspire others by showing leadership in the choices they make every day towards social, economic, cultural, and political progress.
WAGE FUNDS NEW IWSO PROJECT IWSO launches a new leadership building project for immigrant and racialized women
CAPG Directs $3600 to IWSO in general support of IWSO Programming ...
Ottawa, ON – December 10, 2021… Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) an-nounces the receipt of a donation of $20,000 from the Telus Friendly Future Founda-tion™ to support the IWSO Children Who Witness Violence Program.
The Ottawa Community Foundation Grants $25,000 to IWSO in support of The Children Who Witness Violence Program
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company shows it’s support with a donation of $10,000 to assist IWSO with capital costs
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), announced that The Robert Campeau Foundation has graciously donated $3000 in support of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. Funding will go directly to providing support to our many programs that support immigrant women and their children.
The Kiwanis Club of Ottawa shows it’s support with a donation of $2500 to the Children Who Witness Violence in the Home Program ... continue reading
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) recognized a significant donation of $10,000 from The Schulich Foundation – the philanthropic vehicle for Seymour Schulich, a leading Canadian businessman and philanthropist.
The Harry P. Ward Foundation Directs $2500 to Support IWSO’s Programming for Children Who Witness Violence In Their Homes
The Knights of Columbus awards $1000 grant to support IWSO’s programming
IWSO partners with Coastify in the support of Immigrant and Racialized Women in the City of Ottawa
Abigail Williams - Treasurer
Abigail Williams is a financial and policy analyst with a background in economic theory. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics from the University of Ottawa and is working towards her MA in Economics at Carleton University. Currently, Abigail serves as a Supervisor at the Bank of Canada, overseeing retail payments supervision by assessing operational and fund safeguarding risk of payment providers. Her prior roles involved critical risk analysis and resolution strategies for major financial institutions, including leading complex crisis simulations. Abigail's experience also includes policy analysis at Transport Canada and early career work in regulatory reporting and compliance. Her commitment to community service is evident from her board role at the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals and mentorship with Apathy is Boring, where she has championed youth engagement and development. Fluent in English and with intermediate French skills, Abigail brings a strong analytical background and effective communication skills to the Board of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. In her free time, Abigail enjoys running and catching up on her never-ending book list.
Maria Choque - Member
Maria Choque is originally from Colombia. She holds a diploma in Logistics Management and is completing her Bachelor's in International Business Management, having won a full scholarship for excellence in Sustainability and Innovation. Her leadership journey began as High School Class President in 2020, where she led projects benefiting over 1,000 families and earned recognition as the Best Youth Leader. She later served as a Youth Councillor in her city before relocating to Canada. Here, she is actively engaged in various youth initiatives, including the Ottawa Youth Council for Youth Ottawa, Youth Advisory Committee for YouthNet/CHEO, ambassador for Apathy is Boring and Global Shaper for the World Economic Forum.
She currently serves as a Program Officer at Incubator13, focusing on developing the first Community-based social innovation lab in the region. As a young immigrant woman her interests revolve around promoting gender equality, youth activism, and enhancing participation for underrepresented groups. She aspires to further her education with a Master's in Global Development Policy, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global social and economic development.
Hosai Qasmi - Member
Hosai Qasmi is a researcher and advocate with extensive experience in gender studies, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and international development. She holds a Ph.D. in Feminist and Gender Studies and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Ottawa.As the co-founder of Hosa Counselling and Research, an immigrant-operated organization, Hosai has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities. She is also a research consultant with Archipel Research and Consulting, an Indigenous-owned and women-led company.Hosai's expertise extends to working with prominent organizations such as Amnesty International Canada and the Office of the Special Representative to Combat Islamophobia. Her academic contributions include publishing book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and opinion pieces on topics such as postcolonialism, women’s empowerment, and media representations. Hosai is fluent in English, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu, with a basic comprehension of French.
.
Georgette Morris - Member at large
Georgette Morris holds an Honours BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies, a BA in Social Science, and an MA in Public Policy Administration and Law, all from York University. She also holds certificates in Law and Society, Public Policy Analysis, and graduate diplomas in Democratic Administration and Ethics and Public Affairs. She is a PhD student at Carleton University, in Law and Legal Studies. Her primary research interests have been in labour, policy, equity, human rights, immigration, citizenship, government, political debate, public reason, and agenda setting. Georgette possesses a range of experiences at all levels of government, within a range of departments and ministries. She has extensive experience in student government during her undergraduate and graduate studies, serving in roles of Communications and Vice President, steward, Chief Steward Unit 1. She has worked extensively in strategic policy and research. She has sat on several task forces regarding improvement, equity, diversity, inclusion, and modernization. She is also a long-time volunteer within youth, cultural, education, and immigrant non-profits.
.
Veronica Dingile Mbofana - Member
Veronica Dingile Mbofana is a recently licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB). She has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law. Veronica’s professional career began at TD Bank where she worked in customer service and later in operations before moving to join the public service as a communications officer at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. She has since moved on from the public service, opening her immigration consultancy firm VDM Canadian Immigration Consultancy Inc.Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Veronica immigrated to Canada over 10 years ago with her family. The journey, though interesting, was a difficult one with few resources at their disposal. Getting to the other side, having adapted to the Canadian environment and having knowledge of the immigration system, it is Veronica’s goal to assist newcomers to overcome the challenges and enjoy meaningful lives.
Ruth MacKenzie - Board Member
Ruth’s career in the charitable sector spans 30+ years and the local, national and global levels. She is currently the President & CEO of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), and Executive Director of the CAGP Foundation, national organizations that inspire and strengthen philanthropy in Canada. Prior to CAGP, Ruth was the president & CEO of Volunteer Canada.
Ruth is also a committed volunteer, and has served on many boards and committees at the national and international level. She served on the Governor General’s Volunteer and Philanthropy Advisory Committee from 2012-2015, and currently is the Chair of the Board of CanadaHelps. In 2015 Ruth was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in acknowledgement of her impact on
volunteerism, and received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2020.
Mechthild Meyer - Past Board Chair
Mechthild's work with other immigrant women in Ottawa dates back 31 years, when she became the coordinator of OCISO's Immigrant Women's Centre. The lack of services for abused immigrant women at that time led her (together with Lucya Spencer and Alma Estable) to spearhead an advocacy initiative that led to the creation of what is now known as IWSO.
Her commitment to women's equality, anti-racism, and social justice issues inspired many community-based research and training projects, as the co-principal in a social science consulting firm (Gentium Consulting, since 1989). She has implemented numerous public health, social research and evaluation studies for the non-profit sector and for all levels of government.
For 15 years she also was a member of the qualitative research team at the Community Health Research Unit (CHRU), University of Ottawa, co-authoring many publications and conference presentations. Currently, she is Gentium's lead researcher in two developmental evaluation projects for Canadian national women's organizations focusing on the prevention of violence against young women (cyberviolence; sexual exploitation).
Mechthild is the proud mother of three grown-up children, a son and two daughters, who as young children were dragged to many immigrant women's community meetings. She plays in two community music groups (an orchestra and a big band), and loves to ski and canoe in the Canadian wilderness.
Mechthild has a Masters degree in Counselling from the University of Western Ontario and holds a teaching degree (Political Science, Physical Education) from the University of Hamburg, Germany. She also completed training in peer-counselling. She recently finished a Certificate in E-Learning at the University of Toronto.
Juliet Woodfield, CPA, CA
Board Member, Vice-President, Finance & Human Resources and Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Woodfield joined DCC's Executive Management Team in September 2016. She brings more than 20 years of public and private sector experience, and was most recently the Vice-President, Corporate Services and CFO at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
She has worked with a variety of government organizations and has also served as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program in Brussels, Belgium.
She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary.
She has two daughters at university. She volunteers at the Ottawa Catholic Immigration Services of Ottawa as a career mentor for new Canadians and at the Immigrant Women Services Ottawa as a Board member (Treasurer).
Lori-Ann McDonald - Member
Lori-Ann McDonald is a Registered Social Worker, currently working as a Counsellor for Sexual Assault survivors and as a Women's Advocate at a local Domestic Violence shelter. Lori-Ann is an immigrant from Jamaica, now citizen of Canada who moved here with her family. Over the years, Lori-Ann has been gaining experience in the non-profit world with various agencies serving different populations.
She is a hard worker and even more caring person who seeks to see women living their best lives without fear of violence or anything unsafe.
