Staff

leah ettarh staff photo

LEAH ETTARH

Executive Director (Acting)

director@acgc.ca

I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) because access to quality education is key to a democratic and inclusive society.

I spent five years as ACGC’s Program Manager, responsible for public engagement and monitoring and evaluation of ACGC’s programming. With a BPhil in Leadership, BEd in Secondary Education, and a Masters degree in International Humanitarian Action, I have spent my career blending my passions for education and international development. This included working in the field of Education in Emergencies as a consultant with the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies in New York; teaching secondary school in Bolivia, China, Kenya, and Canada; and now in my role at ACGC.

andreanne martel

ANDRÉANNE MARTEL

National Program Director

spurchange@icn-rcc.ca

I am committed to Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goal) because working in collaboration is the only way to face current challenges including climate change. I also support Goal 5 (Gender Equality) because it’s through empowerment and access to decision making that marginalized people will swift the power balance. 
 
I am the Director of the Spur Change Program, which is a 5 years initiative aiming to increase the effectiveness of Canadian small and medium organizations (SMOs). Prior to joining ACGC, I was the lead of the Next Generation: Collaboration for Development program, a joint initiative between the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) and the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) aiming to foster better collaboration between practitioners and academics in the Canadian global development sector. My background is in research and M&E. I held a Research Award position in the Policy and Evaluation Division at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and used to be the coordinator of a research centre on international development at the University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM). Since 2010, I have also evaluated several major post-earthquake projects and programs implemented in Haiti by NGOs and international organizations. I have a Master’s degree in Political Science from UQAM.
robertsdg1_edited-square (Large)

ROBBIE ISHIMWE

Youth Program Officer

projects@acgc.ca

I am committed to SDG 2 (No hunger). There is no reason for some people to go hungry or not know where their next meal is coming from when the world has abundant resources for everyone. SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) also excites me a lot. The role of community in our daily life is undervalued and not utilized enough.

I am the ACGC Youth Program Officer, responsible for developing The Hub’s programming. I engage youth in their role of achieving a prosperous world through work they do in their communities and help them think how their work is achieving the SDGs. Prior to ACGC, I was working in refugee sponsorship, support and advocacy, as well as public engagement with student leaders across Western Canada and the Prairies. I am always encouraged by scores of young people I have met who are shaping their communities. Indeed, we can always dream of a better world.  I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology from McGill University. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to podcasts on behavioural economics, going on summer bike rides, and taking part in the Edmonton culinary scene.

kendra thompson communications coordinator

KENDRA THOMPSON

Communications Coordinator

communications@acgc.ca

I’m committed to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) because the peace and freedoms we enjoy in Canada are not the global norm. I believe that strengthening peace, justice and institutions plays a huge role in removing systematic barriers.

I am the Communications Coordinator at ACGC and my responsibilities include maintaining our online presence as well as piloting our Top 30 Under 30 campaign. I keep a pulse on what’s happening in the ACGC office and with our members so I can keep the world in the loop. Prior to this position, I work as a website copywriter for marketing agencies as well as an in-house digital coordinator. I completed my Bachelor of Communications with a major in Professional Communications from MacEwan University. Outside of work, I like to volunteer with a few different organizations in the Edmonton community, read historical non-fictions and spend my time outdoors.

IMG_5932

LASHA AYTENFISU

Project Officer

projects@acgc.ca

I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education), as it is an essential part of uplifting communities and diverse voices. With more accessible and inclusive education, I believe that the world will be filled with global citizens.

I am ACGC’s Project Officer, and I am involved in supporting the various public engagement projects going on. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish at the University of Alberta, with a Certificate in International Learning, and spent time studying in Mexico. I am also committed to supporting Edmonton’s newcomer and immigrant communities by volunteering with youth programs and education programs. I am passionate about development work and I look forward to engaging with it through ACGC’s members.

cedar staff photo

CEDAR MACRAE

Financial & Administrative Officer

finance@acgc.ca

I am committed to SDG 1 (No Poverty). Poverty, to me, means the difference between short term thinking and long term goals. Only when an individual’s basic needs are secure, can one move on to long term considerations, meaning access to choice and opportunity in the pursuit of happiness. Then we may all truly aspire to be the best version of ourselves. Other SDG’s that resonate strongly with me are SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

brett mcmillan staff photo

BRETT MCMILLAN

Public Engagement Program Coordinator

projects@acgc.ca

I am committed to SDG 17 (Collaboration for the Goals) because I believe it’s going to take everyone to solve the problems the world is facing – everyone talking, dreaming and working together.

I am ACGC’s public engagement program coordinator. My work focuses on engaging Albertans in development and helping them take active steps on creating change in the world. With my academic background in engineering, I found my way to development through extra-curriculars, by challenging (and being challenged by) my peers to be more globally conscious. I’ve worked with post-secondary students across Canada to amplify their efforts in actively learning about and taking actions towards different social initiatives in Canada and around the world. Joining ACGC has given me the great chance to connect with  Albertans – from elementary students to seniors – on pressing development issues and encouraging them to engage in acting towards a better tomorrow!

Photo_Kim

KIM TURCOTTE

Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator

spurchange@icn-rcc.ca

I am committed to Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action) because challenging our patterns of consumption and addressing climate change are crucial to build a more sustainable and fairer world. As global citizens, we all have responsibilities towards each other and the planet as we’re all interdependent and to make a positive global impact I strongly believe it starts with individual engagement.

I completed my postgraduate studies in International Development Management and my BA in Communications & Marketing. In the past years I’ve been delighted to contribute to the development and implementation of communications strategies
for renewable energy technology and social justice projects, and so am I to be part of the Spur Change team and support organizations and educator’s capacity-building towards gender equality, women empowerment, poverty reduction and the sustainable development goals. I’m a nature lover – you’ll most likely find me there camping, trail running, mountain biking, in the middle of a yoga session or drinking a cup of (fair trade) coffee!