Presenters:
• Ohayla Al Khatib, Interpretation Services Manager, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
• Leigha MacDiarmid, Life Skills Worker, New Canadians Centre Peterborough
Ohayla has a business degree from Cuyahoga College in the USA. She immigrated to Canada in 1996 at which time she started working at Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre. Moving from an administrative position to Manager of Language Interpreter Services at KWMC, Ohayla is committed to the provision of professional interpreter services and has worked with a provincial network of providers towards this goal. Ohayla is also the instructor of the Language Interpreter Training Program (LITP) at Conestoga College. The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre has been providing trained interpreters for 30 years to various service agencies in Waterloo, Wellington, Brant regions and surrounding townships.
Leigha MacDiarmid is a dedicated life skills worker who has spent the past year developing a comprehensive program in Peterborough, emphasizing digital and financial literacy. With a background in International Development, specializing in immigration and forced resettlement policies and programs, Leigha brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Focusing on empowering clients to navigate email, online banking, translation, and using map independently, Leigha ensures that newcomers have the essential skills for resettlement and exploration in Peterborough.
