Maria Rigby (President)

Maria Rigby has been active in refugee settlement since 1979, beginning with Ottawa’s Project 4000, which welcomed 4,000 Vietnamese refugees to the city. In 2001, she helped found OMRA Shelter Corporation. After more than two decades with OMRA, she continues to be inspired by the resilience and strength of newcomers and remains committed to addressing the ongoing housing crisis with compassion and action.

Carol Buckley (Vice-President)

Carol Buckley has been active in refugee sponsorship since 2016 and an OMRA Board member since 2017. Carol brings collaborative and communications experience from managing Canada’s energy efficiency programs and as a negotiator for federal greenhouse gas regulations. 

Doreen Dyck (Treasurer)

After a career as a research scientist and manager with the federal government, Doreen joined OMRA in 2017 as a Director.  While her primary duty is Treasurer, in a small volunteer-run organization, we all perform a variety of tasks.  It has been exciting to be part of an organization that has grown significantly and is having an impact on the lives of resettled refugees in Ottawa. in her spare time, Doreen enjoys tennis, golf, biking, and hiking in the woods. 

Ron Shutler (Secretary)

Ron has a bachelor degree in Computer Science and a masters degree in Applied Linguistics.  He worked in the high-tech industry for many years and also worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for many more years. He’s retired now and still does English tutoring for newcomers and refugees. He likes to travel and he’s an avid cyclist.

Karen Walker (Member at Large) 

Prior to her retirement, Karen worked as a consultant for federal government clients in the areas of mathematical modelling and forecasting, benefit-cost analysis, regulatory impact analysis and program evaluation. Since retiring she has served on the boards of several organizations including Centre 507, the National Capital Region Kiwanis Music Festival and Glebe-St. James United Church. She was also the church’s representative on a three-church partnership that sponsored nine refugee families between 2016 and 2020, leading the integration teams. Retirement has allowed for more time to travel, garden and cross-country ski.

Omid Noori (Member at Large)

Omid Noori holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and public administration, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Project Management. He brings over 16 years of professional experience in project management, humanitarian assistance, and community development, having worked with international non-profit organizations in both Afghanistan and Canada. Currently, Omid works with the Employment Ontario Program at the YMCA of the National Capital Region.

Sheila Riordon (Member at Large)

Sheila worked for the Government of Canada for 36 years obtaining experience in the areas of  governance, policy development and international negotiations, including serving abroad in Geneva and Washington DC. She is a member of various non-profits in a volunteer capacity.  Sheila has a passion for music and enjoys cycling, skating and cross-country skiing.

Keely Davison (Member at Large)

Keely is a retired software professional.  Her hobbies include running and travelling. For several years Keely has been involved informally with refugees and newcomers to Canada, including sharing her home with some.

Jim McIntyre (Member at Large)

Jim brings 12 years of fundraising experience as well as over 40 years of professional work to the board of OMRA. Starting off in commercial sales, Jim moved to the non-profit world in 2013, joining the staff of Citizens for Public Justice. In 2019 Jim joined the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, taking on the role of managing fundraising and foundation work. Jim has been married for 40 years, and has three adult children who are making their way successfully in the world.

Roya Shams (Member at Large)

Roya brings an extensive resume of experience as an activist and volunteer. She was born in Kandahar and came to Canada when she was 13. A strong feminist, she also brings her very real lived experience as a refugee to our board, as well as her strategic planning and fundraising expertise. She has worked at the Aga Khan Foundation, volunteered with Journalists for Human Rights, and offered her translation and tutoring skills at a number of settlement and refugee rights agencies in Ottawa.

Amena Khavari(Client Services Manager)

Amena brings extensive experience in governance, policy development, and humanitarian work, having held senior positions with international organizations across Afghanistan, the United States, and Canada. A passionate advocate for refugee and newcomer integration, she was honored with a Refugee Award in 2023 for her leadership in amplifying the voices of displaced communities and helping them build meaningful connections in their new homes. Amena is a Fulbright alumna and holds master’s degrees in Public Policy, Business Administration, and Leadership & Management from institutions in the United States. She first joined OMRA as a board member, serving for two years, before stepping into her current role as Client Services Manager. In this capacity, she provides direct support to refugees and newcomers, guiding them in accessing resources, integrating into the community, and finding the assistance they need to thrive.