Charlene Hay  (MEd., BEd.) is a former teacher who has lived and worked in Africa and an Aboriginal Community in northern Alberta. She has a Masters of Education in sociology and intercultural education. Charlene is currently the executive director of the Centre for Race and Culture, where she has worked since 1997.  The author of two teachers' resource booklets, Charlene has been involved in several research projects on race relations and is coordinating work with Education school districts in the Edmonton area toward ways to ensure racial and cultural equity in schools. She currently works with two school districts in Edmonton toward systemic change regarding racial equity. Charlene is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal for community work and the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.

Siye Abbenssetts (BA) is the administrative assistant for the Centre for Race and Culture; her desire to work at an equitable agency led her to CRC, where she has been since 2007. She holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from York University and believes in life-long education. Siye is an active member of the community and firmly believes in diversity and inclusion. She strives to enthusiastically engage herself and maintains a standard of personal achievement and encourages others to do so. 

Stephanie Molina (BA, Politics and Latin American Studies) is currently the Administrative Assistant for the Cultural Crossroads program and the Communications Associate at the CRC. She completed a Bachelor of Arts at Oberlin College, one of the top liberal arts institutions in the United States known for its progressive attitude towards diversity and inclusion. Her desire to make a difference has led her to explore the fields of education, the arts, immigration, human rights, family law, and international politics. Stephanie has consistently chosen to work for organizations whose mission she can whole-heartedly stand behind, the CRC being no exception.

Ricardo Carlos (BCom, International Business) is a professional with over 12 years of combined experience in facilitating, business development and management roles across different industries including hospitality, real estate, language training, cultural training, and international recruitment. He currently serves as the Manager of Cultural Crossroads with CRC, where he is responsible for a variety of programs in regards to Cultural Competency for businesses, schools and other organizations. Ricardo has vast experience dealing with individuals from different countries, cultures, social backgrounds and religious beliefs. He has served as the Chair of the Immigration sub-committee at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and has two passports and three languages at his disposal. Ricardo graduated with a Bachelors of Commerce in International Business from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. His academic studies also include exchanges with the University of Duisburg in Germany and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. He is a member of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC).

Junetta Jamerson is a Covenant Award winning vocalist, producer and community organizer. She brings years of leadership experience to the Keshotu Leadership Academy (KLA). She has been recognized as one of Edmonton's "Top 40 Under 40" for her work with the KLA, and has had the privilege of learning from top industry professionals such as Grammy winners Ron Kenoly, Frank Wilson and Mavis Staples. Junetta was designated an "Edmonton Icon" by CityTV and has received the Big Miller Award for musical excellence. She embraces a standard of personal excellence and encourages others to do so in an engaging, inspiring way.

Ian Mathieson (BA) has worked in youth and senior community programming, social justice, peace building and human rights in Edmonton and abroad for several years.  One of Ian's particular interests is the ability of social drama, dialogue, and performance to empower communities affected by conflict and oppression.  Ian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University of Alberta.  He has also attended the United Nations Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, and Innsbruck University, Austria for the Master of Arts Program in Peace, Development, Security and International Conflict Transformation.

Taro Hashimoto is a youth worker and youth program coordinator with skills in the area of multimedia arts, music and youth engagement. He has worked in the area of immigration and settlement of new immigrants and refugees for over seven years as a volunteer, youth settlement worker and as youth program coordinator. Taro additionally has worked with aboriginal youth programming and remains involved in several organizations doing youth oriented programming and advocacy. He has been involved in developing and implementing various programs and initiatives with local, national and international groups in empowering youth and facilitating youth leadership skills and advancement.
Taro's accomplishments include: Edmonton Arts Council - Artist's Trust Fund Award recipient 2008, Writer/Director/Producer of Edmonton Cultural Capital/Gronith Films/Catholic Social Services film project "Struggle to Survive", First Place winner of the 2008 Catholic Social Services Calendar Photo Contest, Canadian Millennium Award for Excellence - Laureate (2005), Member of the Canadian Council for Refugees Youth Network, Outstanding Volunteer Award for Catholic Social Services (2004).

Karen Chinaleong-Brooks  (bio coming soon)

Abdul Daash Hussein (BA, Msc) is a community leader and mentor who has over 10 years of experience working as a community liaison. He brings a wealth of experience as a volunteer, facilitator, program coordinator and program officer in the areas of multicultural initiatives and community partnerships. Abdul’s position as a Bamboo Shield Program Coordinator allows him to continue working on fostering the creation of relationships within the multicultural community and partnerships between multicultural communities and cooperative/educational organizations.  Abdul strongly believes in engaging parents, school administration and community members as partners in promoting personal and social responsibility in immigrant youth.