Staff

Carinna D’Abramo Rosales

Co-Director (External Relations)

Carinna has played a lead role in developing the Business Enterprise Support and Training (BEST) program and has worked with various community partners to customize the program for specific audiences such as youth, newcomer and Indigenous entrepreneurs. She was also involved in the design and development of Recognition Counts, a micro loan program for skilled immigrants seeking qualification recognition in Canada.

Carinna’s work at SEED has allowed her to focus on both program and enterprise development for low income individuals, groups, neighborhoods and projects with both a poverty reduction and job creation lens. Most recently, as part of the Manitoba Social Enterprise Strategy and the Manitoba Cooperative Association Board of Directors, Carinna focused on the development of local social enterprise endeavours in Winnipeg and examined the Manitoba context of social finance via policy study and participation with local and national practitioner groups.

Carinna’s background includes years of family business management in the hospitality sector, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, an Advanced Diploma in International Business, and a Certificate in Mediation Services with a focus on Organizational Leadership. She also recently graduated from the Women’s Leadership Certificate program at the Coady Institute of Development at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.

Contact: (204) 927-9931 Send Email

Louise Simbandumwe

Co-Director

Louise played a lead role in working with partner organizations to develop SEED’s financial empowerment programs. These programs have been replicated by other community-based organizations in Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and BC. SEED now delivers a range of financial empowerment interventions through a network of over 100 organizations in Manitoba.

SEED has worked with other organizations to build a regional and national community of practice for the emerging field of financial empowerment. Louise is a founding member and co-chair of the Manitoba Financial Empowerment Network and a founding member of the national Asset Building Learning Exchange and currently serves on its Steering Committee.

A former refugee, Louise is passionate about human rights and social justice. Her volunteer commitments include the Public Interest Law Centre Advisory Committee and the Immigration Partnership Winnipeg Council. She also served on the advisory committee for Manitoba’s poverty reduction strategy and the Ministerial advisory committee for Canada’s first poverty reduction strategy.

Louise has a Bachelor in Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters in Comparative Social Research from Oxford University. She has developed and taught innovative courses on financial empowerment, community economic development, and human rights advocacy at the University of Winnipeg.

Contact: (204) 927-9948 Send Email

Alex Pazmiño

Finance Coordinator

Alex brings extensive experience in commercial and financial sectors within manufacturing and retail industries. He is passionate about social work and has actively volunteered in various programs, including Winnipeg Harvest, representing the Spain pavilion at the Folklorama festival, participating in the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and engaging in various activities at Red River College during his time as a student. Also, he took on a helping role for the victims of the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador. In this role, he adeptly coordinated donation distribution efforts and actively participated in housing reconstruction. Alex holds an MBA, along with dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and business, complemented by a certification in Applied Accounting.

Contact: (204) 927-9935 Send Email

Andrew Proulx-Courchene

Administrative Coordinator

In 2014, Andrew accepted his first job as one of SEED’s Junior Facilitators. Over the next five years, he pursued a career in construction. However, his love for SEED and the summer work experience he fondly remembered, drew him back to SEED as a returning 2019 Junior Facilitator. Andrew grew up in the inner city for most of his life and is grateful to SEED for providing him with valuable life skills through financial empowerment programs. He is excited to continue sharing his passion and knowledge with other youth through the facilitation of the Money Stories program.

Contact: Send Email

Daisydee Bautista

Finance Manager

Daisydee joined SEED in October 2008. She is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics. With over a decade of experience as a volunteer, tutor, organizer, and administrative officer in the inner-city and among the immigrant and refugee community, Daisydee brings with her a wealth of experience. She is a proud volunteer and founding member of the Filipino-Canadian youth organization Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Inc. as well as its social enterprises ANAK Filipiniana & Books and ANAK Publishing Worker Cooperative.

Contact: (204) 927-9933 Send Email

Hibo Ahmed

Administrative Coordinator

Hibo Ahmed, started her first job in Canada with Seed in 2024 with 12 years of experience working in administrative roles, community development and protection, including project management and training facilitator.
She is passionate about serving communities and generally marginalized groups. She believes {leaving no one behind} is a commitment made by the United Nations (UN) Member States to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and end discrimination for a better world.
In her current role, she coordinates administrative front desk tasks and is excited to be part of SEED Winnipeg.

Contact: (204) 927-9935 Send Email

Kevin Schachter

Manager, Innovation and Evaluation

Kevin has played a variety of roles since joining SEED in 2009: as an Administrative Coordinator, a Program Coordinator, and Information Manager. In his current role, Kevin collaborates with SEED colleagues and partners to test out innovative ways to deliver our services, and evaluate our impact. Kevin holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Manitoba. He completed thesis research on nonprofit and public sector benefit intermediary programs, for which he received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. As a trained sociologist and self-taught software developer, Kevin is passionate about using research, data, and technology to increase the impact of social services.

Contact: (204) 594-0548 Send Email

Leyla Shahsavar

Finance Coordinator

Leyla joined SEED in July 2021, excited to be working with such a committed and supportive organization. They studied Business Management and have 10 years of experience as an accountant and business manager outside of Canada. Before joining SEED, they worked in finance in Winnipeg’s private sector. They’re passionate about social justice and Human Rights, particularly the rights of women, Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQ2S+ community. They’re volunteering with Villa Rosa, Winnipeg Harvest, Rainbow Resource Centre and Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Contact: (204) 927-9920 Send Email

Raena Penner

Office Manager

After moving to Canada in 2006, Raena became interested in local issues and how CED organizations work to address structural inequalities and systemic barriers. Raena joined SEED in 2011, coordinating administrative work in the Asset Building Programs. She went on to work with families to open RESPs and obtain IDs as well as facilitate Money Management classes. For a number of years she coordinated the AssetBuilders Partnership (now Empower MB) and did reporting, training and database work. She currently works across programs as the Office Manager. She holds a BA, having double majored in International Development Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Contact: (204) 927-9934 Send Email

Saman Azizkhani

IT Manager

Saman is a dedicated IT professional with a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change in the nonprofit sector. Since immigrating to Canada, Saman has committed his career to supporting mission-driven organizations in Winnipeg.

With over a decade of experience in IT, Saman brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role as IT Manager at SEED Winnipeg. He oversees the organization’s technology infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with SEED’s mission of empowering individuals and communities through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Saman is always eager to stay current with the latest IT developments and continually seeks innovative ways to use technology for the greater good. Outside of work and immersing himself in Winnipeg’s vibrant arts and culture scene, he stays active through sports and outdoor activities.

Contact: (204) 594-0548 Send Email

Sherise Fleury

Senior Administrative Coordinator

Sherise is very proud to be part of the SEED team. Some of her first memories in life are of walking down Selkirk Avenue with her KEEP Childcare daycare peers, and swimming and playing at the Old Ex and MacKenzie Park. She feels honoured to be back in the North End and being able to help community here. Previously, Sherise spent 4 years working in the banking industry but felt disconnected from the people she cares about most. She is passionate about anti-racism work, grassroots organizing, and empowering community.

Contact: (204) 927-9935 Send Email

Ana Antunes

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Ana joined SEED in November 2019, with over six years of experience facilitating learning programs in a variety of settings and providing support to individuals of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. With a background in biology and through her involvement in promoting more sustainable ways of living, Ana learnt that implementing sustainable practices in the community level is much more complex and involves multi-faceted and interconnected social, cultural, economic, educational and environmental aspects that require a holistic approach. This learning led her to study Community Economic Development at Red River College to follow her passion for sustainability, people empowerment, diversity and education for citizenship. She enjoys connecting with new people and learning about other cultures and is looking forward to supporting the community through her work at SEED.

Contact: (204) 927-9945 Send Email

Anna Levin

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Anna joined SEED October 2018, with over 10 years of experience working in Winnipeg’s non-profit community. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy at the University of Manitoba, she became passionate about community development, and has enjoyed exploring the ways this intersects with all different themes throughout her career so far. Anna has worked in a variety of different areas, from youth work, to outdoor education to food security, and is excited to be bringing the learning from those experiences to her financial empowerment work. She is an experienced facilitator and loves engaging groups in meaningful discussion and learning.

Contact: (204) 942-7992 Send Email

Anneliese Schoppe

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Anneliese joined the SEED team in September 2020, bringing with her over 12 years of experience working in Manitoba’s non-profit community. She has 10 years experience leading and facilitating workshops on topics including healthy cooking, youth leadership, safe food handling, frugal living, and various DIY skills. Anneliese also brings her background and knowledge of gardening and agriculture through working with programs through the National Farmers’ Union and Via Campesina. She is excited to be bringing the learning from her wide array of experiences to her financial empowerment work with SEED.

Contact: (204) 272-6264 Send Email

Bemnet Hailegiorgis

Manager, Asset Building Programs

Bemnet’s journey began with SEED in 2008 as a participant of the IDA program. After completing the training and working in the area of supporting newcomers to Canada, she joined SEED Winnipeg as a staff in 2013 as a program coordinator. For the first few years, Bemnet facilitated Money Management Training for all walks of Life, provide resources that help build community members knowledge on Financial Literacy and advocate for refugees who face financial barriers when coming to Canada.

Bemnet is passionate to serve the community and enjoys meeting new people.

Contact: (204) 927-9939 Send Email

Calandra Necan

Administrative Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Calandra’s relationship with SEED began as a participant of the Money Stories program delivered at Children of the Earth High School in Winnipeg’s North End. In 2014, after completing the program, she was hired as a Junior Facilitator at SEED for the next three consecutive summers, and as a casual Administrative Assistant during the year. Today, Calandra’s work has expanded into an Administrative Coordinator which includes being a Money Stories Youth Mentor during the summer. She is a smiling face of encouragement and a role model for Indigenous youth at SEED.

Contact: (204) 927-9947 Send Email

Jacklyn de Visser

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Jacklyn was honoured to join the SEED team in fall of 2023. She has spent the last 6 years working and volunteering with various organizations in the North End and Inner City, where she has walked alongside many folks who have taught and mentored her in ways she values to a much greater degree than her conventional westernized education. She has a passion for advocacy and helping others, as well as learning new skills to assist her along her journeys. In her spare time, she likes to stay active and spend time outside, garden, pursue various creative endeavors, and spend time with her family, friends, and pets.

Contact: (204) 927-9946 Send Email

Janet Steep

Helpline Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Janet is excited to join the team at SEED Winnipeg. Previously Janet worked for 13 years with newcomer immigrants at Welcome Place as a Life Skills Trainer, a Life Skills Counsellor and a Sponsorship Counsellor. Janet has a passion for helping to empower others to attain their goals.

Contact: (204) 594-1639 Send Email

Jennifer Bogoch

Manager, Asset Building Programs

Jenn Bogoch first came to SEED in 2003 as a matched savings program participant before becoming a staff member in 2005.
Jenn has over 20 years of experience delivering a wide variety of community programs, including 18 years with SEED’s Asset Building Programs. She currently manages SEED’s Access to Benefits program and works with an amazing team of co-workers and a variety of partner organizations to bring financial empowerment to as many people as possible. With over 10 years of practical experience running programs to support families in accessing benefits, Jenn has a deep understanding of the barriers that face many families living on a low-income.

Photo taken by Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press

Contact: (204) 927-9941 Send Email

Jennifer Nembhard

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Jennifer joined SEED in 2018. Jennifer has had the opportunity to work in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. These experiences have offered her an appreciation of the wonderful diversity in Winnipeg. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys listening to music and reading, particularly works from local and Canadian artists.

Contact: (204) 927-9945 Send Email

Jocelyn Friesen

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Since joining SEED in 2012, Jocelyn has filled many roles, beginning as a temporary administrative coordinator for the front desk reception. After a few years, she began applying her organizational and technical skills to support the delivery of the Asset Building Programs. She has also become a mentor for Indigenous youth in the Money Stories program and a workshop facilitator in the community. Jocelyn’s work is informed by her own lived experience of raising a family on a low income. She is passionate about Indigenous issues and in her spare time, drives for Ikwe, a local safe ride group, and spends time with her four kids.

Contact: (204) 927-9947 Send Email

Markus Martin

Administrative & Program Assistant Trainee

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Contact: (431) 222-3090 Send Email

Michael Huntinghawk

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

After Michael graduated from Neelin High School in Brandon, he worked in the restaurant industry for 5 years. Through this, he learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and social skills. In March 2021, Michael completed Money Management Training through the Money Stories program and then become a Junior Facilitator in January 2022. During his time in the program, Michael realized the importance of community growth and helping those in need to gain new skills for the long-term. Michael’s mentors at SEED inspired him to find the passion to become a role model within the community and to grow and explore new possibilities in order to help and inspire future generations. As someone who is Indigenous, Michael is proud of where he comes from and is happy to step up and help Indigenous youth of all ages to find their own talents and goals.

Contact: (204) 594-1159 Send Email

Ryleigh Todd-Moore

Administrative & Program Assistant Trainee

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Contact: (431) 222-2962 Send Email

Lani Zastre

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Lani joined SEED in November of 2014 after graduating with her Bachelor of Social Work Degree and working for Employment and Income Assistance (EIA). Both Lani’s practicum experience working with the Social Planning Council and with Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) developed her interest in helping to address the gaps and barriers that exist for those living with disabilities, trying to survive on a low income, or facing discrimination. With her own lived experience, Lani first came to SEED as a participant back in 2007, and her deep desire to give back grew from that point on. Much of Lani’s work experience was gained from non-profit organizations like L’Arche Winnipeg, TSEN and Winner’s Foundation. She has volunteered for several Boards, including two child care centres and the Elmwood Community Resource Centre.

Contact: (204) 927-9945 Send Email

Lauren MacDonald (On Leave)

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Lauren is very excited to be part of SEED Winnipeg and to be supporting its Access to Benefits and Partnership work. Lauren is a member of Fort Alexander (Sagkeeng) First Nation and grew up in Winnipeg’s Inner City, where she has raised her children while living on a low income. Lauren is a graduate of SEED’s Saving Circle program and returns to the organization with Administrative and Support Worker experience. Lauren is passionate about helping families and enjoys spending as much time as she can with her own loved ones.

Millie Acuna

Manager, Asset Building Programs

Millie joined SEED in February 2015 with fifteen years of experience working in the Credit Union system, including management, training and project management. Millie holds a BA and is a certified Six Sigma Greenbelt, specializing in process improvement. She is passionate about serving those who are unbanked/underbanked, strengthening relationships within the community, and supporting financial empowerment for all to build a sustainable future.

Contact: (204) 594-1368 Send Email

Natalie Wiebe

Manager, Asset Building Programs

Natalie is an experienced facilitator with over 5 years working in the non-profit sector. Her background is in Criminology, specifically working with crime prevention initiatives for youth at risk. Natalie first became a community partner facilitator for SEED while working at the Elmwood Community Resource Centre before moving over to SEED as an ABP Coordinator, now as Manager of the Matched Savings Programs. She has facilitated both the basic money management training and homebuyer-specific training to SEED participants, as well as traveled around the province to provide professional development to service providers working on the front lines with clients. Natalie also sits on the boards for the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties and the Daniel MacIntyre/St. Matthews Community Association.

Contact: (204) 594-1637 Send Email

Pamela Krasniuk

ABP Coordinator/Indigenous Programs Developer

Pamela joined SEED in March 2014. She brings a wide range of experience working with, and for, a number of nonprofit organizations in the North End over the past 13 years. Pam’s educational background includes Aboriginal Child Support, Early Childhood Education, Trauma, Therapy and Addictions and Counseling. Through her ventures within the Inner City, she has developed her passion to create programming focused on empowering communities for positive change. She is a strong Métis advocate who is passionate about giving a voice to those who cannot speak.

In her current role, she coordinates a Money Management project designed to empower First Nations youth to work collectively in the community with other youth and organizations to develop culturally sensitive financial literacy approaches under the guidance of community spiritual caregivers.

Contact: (204) 927-9938 Send Email

Roshani Perera

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Roshani joined SEED in 2022 as a Program Coordinator. She moved to Winnipeg in 2011 and has worked as a Montessori Teacher/Early Childhood Educator for many years. Roshani graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba in 2020. She did her field placements at two newcomer serving organizations and gained experience in providing support to immigrants and refugees. Roshani believes that accessing government benefits and community resources play a vital role towards financial empowerment and a better quality of life.

Contact: (431) 222-3090 Send Email

Sara Bennet

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Sara joined SEED in 2019 as an Administrative Coordinator with an immense depth of knowledge and background in administrative work. Sara initially came to SEED in 2012 as a BEST client. After gaining a wide variety of work experience, Sara decided she wanted to work in a field that focuses on community building and working directly with people. She is now working as a Program Coordinator providing support to Money Stories, Matched Savings and Access to Benefits.

Contact: (204) 272-6270 Send Email

Yanit Endrias

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Yanit joined SEED in the fall of 2023 as a program coordinator. She brings with her experience working in non-profit and federal government settings. Recently, she contributed to a refugee claimant project, assisting claimants in navigating the claim system and establishing the groundwork for the project. Yanit found fulfillment in holding space for the stories of the claimants and guiding them to feel empowered by their harrowing journey to their new home.

Yanit’s educational background encompasses Accounting, Small Business Management, and Community Support. She is deeply passionate about social justice issues. Her work is shaped by her lived experience of immigrating to Canada in her teens and navigating the systems as a parent to young kids.

Contact: (204) 594-2570 Send Email

Barb Wilton (On Leave)

Client Support Specialist, BEST

Barb joined SEED in 2012. Currently she works with BEST business supports & training program, helping people access community resources, manages projects, and supports groups with organizational development. Previously, she worked as a program coordinator in the Asset Building Program (ABP). In that role, she facilitated money management training (MMT), coordinated Matched Savings programs, supported Access to Benefits (AtoB) work and managed projects with the Money Stories Junior Facilitator program.

Barb holds a BA in International Development Studies. She has worked and volunteered for over two decades in the non-profit sector, both locally and internationally. She brings a trauma-informed, mindful, creative and holistic approach to her work.

While working at SEED, Barb continues to be a student of life: practicing Mysore and teaching Ashtanga yoga for over 10 years.  She is a helper within a Sundance community and a part of the Latin dance community of Winnipeg. 

Contact: Send Email

Qiuyi Kate Zha

Administrative Coordinator, BEST

Kate began at SEED in July 2023, in the role of Administrative Coordinator for Business Development Services and Operations. With a three years of experience in the non-profit sector, she brings a wealth of experience to her current position.
Kate is passionate about Human Rights and diverse perspectives, actively volunteering at the Canadian Human Rights Museum. Kate holds a B.A. degree in Labour Studies within the Social Science category from the University of Manitoba.

Contact: (204) 927-9944 Send Email

Lisa Forbes

Manager, BEST (Business & Enterprise Support & Training)

Lisa helps people find the resources they need to make their business a success. She is an Aboriginal Winnipegger, currently living in Elmwood and is a member of Peguis First Nation. In the past, Lisa has been self-employed as a facilitator, researcher, and writer. She has a B.A. (Economics). In her spare time, Lisa volunteers for human rights and social justice initiatives.

Contact: (204) 927-9949 Send Email

Priscila Calderon

Business Consultant, BEST

Priscila joined SEED as a Business Consultant in the fall of 2021. She brings her experiences to SEED of the day-to-day challenges of running businesses for over 15 years in multiple countries. Priscila also has the insider experience of being a former SEED business client in 2018, which informs her approach to advising current business clients at SEED.

Priscila’s background also includes practicing as a lawyer in her home country and studying Human Resources Management at the University of Manitoba. In her own businesses, she has recently been developing her social media and marketing skills. In addition to being a natural entrepreneur, Priscila is also an active leader in women’s rights and social justice initiatives.

Contact: (204) 927-9932 Send Email

Jeff Patteson

Loan Coordinator, Recognition Counts

Jeff started with SEED Winnipeg in June 2022. Jeff brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having worked at both banks and credit unions. The majority of his experience lies in personal finance and helping individuals and families plan for and achieve their financial goals. Now, he brings this considerable knowledge to work in the community finance sector at SEED. There, he teaches about financial empowerment and helps newcomers to Canada navigate their path to accreditation.

Jeff is an avid gardener and is passionate about Community Economic Development. He enjoys working for an organization that supports his belief that using finance for good makes a positive impact on the lives of the members of the community that SEED serves.

Contact: (204) 927-9937 Send Email

Jhocelin Gilbert

Outreach Coordinator, Recognition Counts

Jhocelin brings dynamic energy to her role as Outreach Coordinator for Recognition Counts. With a background in networking, training, and engaging with diverse groups, Jhocelin is dedicated to fostering interactions between non-profit initiatives and the public. Jhocelin actively participates in community events, leveraging her social media expertise and genuine desire to support others. Her efforts bridge resources and opportunities for newcomers and vulnerable individuals, both online and in person. Through her role at SEED Winnipeg, she embodies a commitment to empowering groups and making a positive social impact.

Contact: (204) 927-9924 Send Email