Governance Overview
Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic leadership, accountability, and policy oversight. The Executive Director manages day-to-day operations, staff, and programs in alignment with the Board’s direction. Together, they ensure NICS remains transparent, community-driven, and effective in serving immigrants, newcomers, and equity-deserving populations.

VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD

Chair - Dr. Reginald Anyanwu

Secretary - Nnenna Okafor

Kashoro Nyenyezi is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she earned her PhD in Social Justice Education with a specialization in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Prevention. Since 2012, she has dedicated her career to supporting women and children affected by sexual abuse, providing advocacy, counselling, and education to empower survivors and break cycles of violence. She is experienced working with Francophone minority communities and multilingual newcomers, ensuring that language is never a barrier to learning or accessing justice. She is a consultant on human rights and an advocate for disadvantaged women, children, and victims of gender-based violence. She felt compelled to give back to these women and their children through education and protection programs that foster self-assurance and survival skills that lead to a sustainable lifestyle. She holds a bachelor degree in International Studies and Diplomacy and a master’s degree in Public Administration and certified in traditional trauma healing,

Dr. Kashoro Nyenyezi. PhD, MPA, BA

Vice Chair - French Expert

Titilola Omotosho CCC, RP.

Titilola is Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Global Health Specialist, and researcher with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. As a Mental Health and Wellness Consultant with Nelo Immigrant Organization, she is passionate about fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and belonging through culturally sensitive and compassionate care. A proud Black Canadian mother, Titilola brings empathy, balance, and lived experience to her work. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and exploring holistic approaches to wellness.

Bashar AlHadla is a scholar and researcher specializing in human rights law and social justice. He is also a human rights educator and advisor. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights from Union University in Belgrade, a Master’s degree in Social Justice Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and a Master’s degree in Refugee Law and Protection from the University of London. He has published numerous research papers and articles on topics including human rights violations, gender-based violence, domestic violence, and refugee rights and protection. Bashar has lectured at various European universities and worked with several international agencies and organizations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Danish Refugee Council.

Consultant

Bernadette Mujinga Bakashala is a Registered School Social Worker and Executive Director of Four Hearts Foundation, with over 17 years of experience serving communities across the Greater Toronto Area. She is deeply committed to helping children with disabilities thrive in inclusive school environments through compassionate, individualized support.

With extensive expertise in special education, social services, and community advocacy, Bernadette collaborates closely with teachers and families to promote learning, confidence, and independence among students. Passionate about equity, inclusion, and accessibility, she also supports French-speaking minority communities by providing translation and making legal education and information more accessible to underserved populations.

Bernadette’s lifelong dedication continues to champion opportunities that empower children and families while strengthening community connections across language and cultural lines.

Bernadette Mujinga Bakashala

Registered Social Worker

Theresa Awuni holds a Master’s degree in Education - Leadership and Management, with specialized training in Program Evaluation and Community-Based Development. As a Certified Employment Strategist, Theresa brings a strong background in workforce development, educational leadership, and program design that supports equitable opportunities for individuals and communities.

With a Diploma in Community-Based Development Programs, she has extensive experience in building initiatives that foster empowerment, skills training, and sustainable community growth. Theresa is passionate about advancing inclusive education, leadership capacity, and employment pathways, particularly within immigrant and underserved populations.

Her work reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact, bridging education, community development, and employment strategies to create lasting social change.

Bernadette Mary Poku, widely known as Nana Yaa Yeboaa, is a dynamic community advocate, author, and educator whose work bridges culture, storytelling, and social impact. A self-published author of poetry, short stories, and children’s books, she uses storytelling as a tool for connection, education, and empowerment.

With a background as a registered nurse and certified life coach, Nana Yaa brings a deep understanding of human experiences and well-being to her community work. Through her podcast and coaching practice, she creates safe spaces for dialogue on identity, resilience, and growth especially among immigrant and Black communities in Canada.

Her belief is simple yet powerful: “Knowledge lives within us all, and sharing it is how we build stronger communities.” Guided by this principle, she works to amplify voices, bridge cultural divides, and inspire collective action. Nana Yaa has also served as a festival organizer for Ghanafest Ghana, promoting cultural exchange and community celebration. Her literary works can be found on Amazon and in bookstores across Canada. Nana with her two children, continuing her mission to use storytelling, education, and compassionate leadership to strengthen communities and nurture belonging.

Bernadette Mary Poku -Advocate/Educator

Theresa Awuni

Employment Strategist/Educator

Our organization, led by professionals specializing in social justice, social worker, human right consultant, social service worker, mediator, counsellors, immigration and refugee and our legal partners initiate a comprehensive support project.

This initiative provides crucial assistance to refugees, immigrants, and newcomers, ensuring they can effectively navigate Canadian system. The programs focus on addressing critical legal matters relating to immigration, status, family reunification, humanitarian and compassion etc.

Our goal foster social inclusion, promote justice, and create stability for the vulnerable populations by providing the tools and knowledge necessary for them to succeed in accessing professional legal guidance and other services irrespective of financial limitations or language barriers.