Staff

Cindy Coker

Executive Director

Cindy joined SEED Winnipeg in 2002 with extensive experience working in the economic development field in the United States, primarily using a worker cooperative model for enterprise development. Cindy worked as a consultant to worker cooperatives, providing advice and training in the areas of management design and training, financial systems, and strategic planning. She was a founding member of a worker cooperative network in the field of childcare and served as its initial president, and she also founded and served as the executive director of a non-profit set up by the network to oversee development, training and organizing projects. Cindy has an undergraduate degree in psychology and studied educational and social psychology at the graduate level. She was an organizing member of the National Network of Sector Partners in the US, served as one of the delegates for the Ms Foundation for Women to the United Nations International Conference on Women in China in 1995, and is a member of the Cooperative Charitable Trust. Cindy currently serves as a member of the Manitoba Cooperative Association, as the Chair of the Manitoba Cooperative Promotions Board, and is also the founding Co-chair of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council.

Contact: (204) 927-9933 Send Email

Daisydee Bautista

Executive Assistant

Daisydee joined SEED in September 2008. She is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics. With nearly 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 currently the Director of Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Inc. a Filipino-Canadian youth organization based in Winnipeg’s West End.

Contact: (204) 927-9935 Send Email

Susan Belmonte

Office Manager/Network Administrator

Susan has been with SEED since 2001. She holds a Management Information Technology Diploma, Microsoft certification, Business Management and Information Assurance & Security Certifications from the University of Winnipeg, along with various software and network security certifications. After co-directing a non-profit Philippine community organization for over 20 years, she is now teaching a Philippine dance class and is currently the President of the Fort Garry Community Centre.

Contact: (204) 927-9934 Send Email

Christina Redekopp

Administrative Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Contact: (204) 927-9935 Send Email

Sharon Jonatanson

Financial Officer

Sharon began her life with Seed as Financial Officer in July 2005. She brings with her 15 years of experience in accounting and three years experience in owning and operating her own courier business in Winnipeg. Sharon graduated with honors from Robertson Career College in Computer Office Accounting with the equivalency of a 1st year CGA. In her spare time, Sharon volunteers as a coach for YBC (the Youth Bowling Council) in Selkirk. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Navy League of Canada, Selkirk Branch (Navy Cadets and Sea Cadets programs) as Treasurer, and as Bingo Chairperson.

Contact: (204) 927-9940 Send Email

Kim Cormier

Bookkeeper

Bio coming soon.

Contact: (204) 927-9920 Send Email

Laura Gordon

Social Worker

Laura brings years of office administration and management experience to SEED Winnipeg, including 8 years as a federal public servant with the Department of Justice, RCMP, and Indian and Northern Affairs. Laura is also a former SEED client who successfully created employment for herself by launching an office administration business. With her experience working in the field of addictions, Laura became SEED’s first full-time Social Worker after attaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree through the part-time inner city social work program at the University of Manitoba.

Contact: (204) 927-9937 Send Email

Laurel Daman

English as an Additional Language Specialist

Laurel joined SEED Winnipeg in February 2010, bringing with her over 30 years experience in the banking industry. After taking early retirement in 2004, Laurel obtained her Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Manitoba and completed a Diversity and Intercultural Training program offered by Manitoba Labour and Immigration. Laurel has taught EAL for both settlement and specific purposes and has conducted intercultural training workshops for Manitoba organizations.

Contact: (204) 927-9924 Send Email

Liz Esquega

Coordinator, Aboriginal Community Collaborations

Liz brings to SEED a diverse working background in a broad range of environments such as government , justice, child and family services, health, non-profit organizations and Aboriginal training/education programs. Liz is a Certified Intercultural Trainer with expertise in program administration and management, coupled with a Certificate from the University of Winnipeg Advanced Management Development Program. Liz is committed to life-long learning principles and her enthusiasm for empowering others is inspirational, both personally and professionally.

Contact: (204) 927-9922 Send Email

Louise Simbandumwe

Director, Asset Building Programs

Louise has over 15 years of experience in a variety of local and international CED work. She has worked on development projects in Bangladesh, India, and South Africa. At a local level, she was involved in establishing the Mondragón Bookstore and Coffee House, a worker’s collective based on participatory economic principles. Her expertise includes program development, program evaluation, adult education, small business development, and community organizing. She has a Bachelors degree in Commerce and has completed a Masters in Comparative Social Research. As a former refugee, Louise is passionate about human rights and social justice. Her volunteer commitments include Amnesty International, the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council Recreation and Culture Working Group and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation.

Contact: (204) 927-9948 Send Email

Sheri Bailey

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Sheri graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Education degree and has been with SEED Winnipeg since 2003. Along with her educational background, she brings several years of bookkeeping experience and volunteer work in the non-profit sector, including Amnesty International. Sheri coordinates the AssetBuilders Partnership in Manitoba. She also facilitates and develops materials for SEED’s Money Management Training and Train-the-Trainer Programs.

Contact: (204) 927-9942 Send Email

Aileen Krush

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Aileen joined SEED Winnipeg in 2002. She has over ten years’ experience in the non-profit and CED sectors. Aileen coordinates the program database, develops procedure manuals, and works with the AssetBuilders Partnership and Train-the-Trainer Program. She is an active volunteer and currently sits on the board of the Daniel McIntyre-St. Matthews Community Association. As a single parent and a former SEED client, Aileen brings a unique mix of personal and professional experience to her work at SEED Winnipeg.

Contact: (204) 927-9946 Send Email

Jennifer Bogoch

Manager, Asset Building Programs

Jennifer brings with her over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, and in delivering community programs. She has coordinated programs for families such as a community kitchen, parenting workshops, and family activity programs. Jennifer has a certificate in CD/CED from Red River College and has served on the Board of Directors for LITE (Local Investment Towards Employment) since 2007, currently serving as Co-Chair.

Contact: (204) 927-9941 Send Email

Tiffany Barbosa

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Tiffany holds a Bachelor Degree in Hotel and Business Management, and a Master in Community Development Projects. She has many years of experience in administration, public relations, social programs and social projects and as an Event Coordinator in Government and the non-profit sector. Tiffany came to Canada in 2004. She completed her English language studies and obtained her certificate in Workplace Communication for Community Social Workers at Red River College. Her Canadian work experience began with general office duties at Lakeview Insurance. She then moved on to the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council to work with newcomers as a Life Skills Trainer, then to the Community Education Development Association (CEDA) to do housing studies in the West Alexander Area of Winnipeg. Tiffany is also involved with the Refugee Advisory Committee at MMC and is an active Member of Kairos focusing on International Issues of Peace and Justice. Tiffany joined SEED in 2007 and is currently attending a course in Community Advocacy at the University of Winnipeg.

Contact: (204) 927-9921 Send Email

Jacob Carson

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Jacob has over ten years of experience in many different areas of the nonprofit sector including the environmental field, the co-op sector and the CED field. He was a long serving member of the Mondragón Bookstore and Coffee House, a radical worker’s co-operative in Winnipeg Exchange District and has most recently run a CED social enterprise called the Community Garden Preserves with community members in the Spence/Daniel MacIntyre neighborhood. He currently sits on the board of LITE (Local Investment Towards Employment) and is involved with several other activist pursuits. (Jacob is currently on leave.)

Contact: (204) 927-9936 Send Email

Kevin Schachter

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Kevin joined SEED in the summer of 2009 after completing a B.A. (Honours) in Sociology at the University of Winnipeg. While studying at the university, he worked as a senior research assistant on the First National Climate Survey of Homophobia in Canadian Schools and as a graphic designer for Peace Research: The Canadian Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies. Outside of work and school, he has volunteered at the West End Cultural Centre and at the North End-Stella Community Ministry.

Contact: (204) 927-9945 Send Email

Harnet Weldihiwet

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Bio coming soon.

Contact: (204) 927-9923 Send Email

Lisa Forbes

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Lisa has studied and practiced CED in her jobs as a business counselor and community development worker for Aboriginal communities. In her current role, she facilitates learning in money management training and assists people in their goal to build assets and save for future goals. She has a B.A. (Economics). Lisa’s passion is as an activist for positive change in anti-poverty, social justice, Indigenous women’s rights and other human rights initiatives. She loves living, working and walking the family dog Fred – in the North End. People before profit!

Contact: (204) 927-9939 Send Email

Sandra Leone

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Sandra first joined SEED as a member of the Board of Directors in 2007. In July 2011 she took on the position of Program Coordinator in the Asset Building Program. Sandra holds a BSc. and MSc. in Computer Science from the University of Winnipeg and brings to SEED extensive experience in Community Economic Development, Cooperative development and office administration in Canada and her native Argentina.

Contact: (204) 927-9936 Send Email

Cecilia Weldon

Administrative Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Arriving at SEED in November 2009, Cecilia brought many years of office experience with a background in Business Administration, Administration Assistance, and Life Office Management. After arriving in Canada from her homeland of Malaysia in the 1990’s, Cecilia become an active and committed member of her community while residing in Vancouver. Cecilia is guided in her work by her passion and desire to help people combat poverty, and by making the community a safer, happier, and healthier place to live.

Contact: (204) 927-9947 Send Email

Michelle McPherson

Administrative Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Bio coming soon.

Contact: (204) 927-9947 Send Email

Raena Penner

Administrative Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

After moving to Winnipeg in 2006, Raena quickly became interested in local issues and how CED organizations are working to address structural inequalities. Happy to join SEED in 2011, Raena had recently completed her BA at the University of Winnipeg. She double majored in International Development Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies, which gives her the background and experience of examining social and systemic barriers. Raena is interested in how community economic development intersects with sustainable food, alternative health practices, and politically radical undertakings.

Contact: (204) 927-9947 Send Email

Carinna Rosales

Director, Business Development Services

Carinna has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit and CED sector. The foundation of her experience stems from family businesses, primarily in the hospitality industry. She also has international business experience, particularly in communications, market research and the development of export-market feasibility studies. Carinna holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba, an Advanced Diploma in International Business from Red River College and is working toward a Certificate in Mediation Services specializing in Organizational Leadership. Carinna’s expertise includes small business development, program planning and implementation, program administration, facilitation of training and workshops, and assistance to individuals and groups toward achieving their business goals.

Contact: (204) 927-9931 Send Email

Billy Granger

Business Counsellor, Build a Business Program

Entrepreneur, researcher, writer and activist, Billy Granger joined SEED Winnipeg as a Business Counsellor in August 2009 after spending the better part of a decade working in the non-profit sector to support and establish innovative solutions to protect the rights of Aboriginal people and the environment in his native Manitoba. Billy began a transition in focus to urban poverty reduction in 2004 when he began working with SEED Winnipeg as a client to develop what was to become the Vasa Cooperative. Since then, he has overseen its steady growth into an active member of the CED community and a rapidly expanding business that provides above-scale wages for unemployed or underemployed newcomers to manufacture high-quality, environmentally-friendly clothing and textile products.

Billy attended the University of Winnipeg where he studied a range of topics including philosophy, literature, languages, and international development. The philosophical thrust of his work is to develop and explore powerful and positive collaborations to make stronger, healthier, more inclusive communities, and brings to SEED a tireless commitment to business development as a means to combat poverty and improve quality of life.

Contact: (204) 927-9949 Send Email

Frank Atnikov

Business Counsellor, Build a Business Program

Frank brings over 20 years of small business experience with him to SEED Winnipeg. His background includes general management in the water treatment industry; starting, growing and selling a massage therapy clinic and various other management and entrepreneurial positions.

His entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help others is evident in many of his pursuits including teaching adult education classes at the Winnipeg Technical College , Massage Therapy College of Manitoba, St. James School Division Department of Continuing Education and with the City of Winnipeg through the Leisure Guide.
Frank’s practical experience with the entrepreneurial process includes preparing business plans, target marketing, financial systems and other essential components of starting a small business. In addition, he is currently working towards his Certification in Management with the Canadian Institute of Management.

Frank strongly believes that today’s business must include a positive social and environmental impact in addition to being financially viable as a true measure of success.

Contact: (204) 927-9943 Send Email

Karen Mallett

Business Counsellor, Build A Business Program

Karen Mallett joined SEED in the spring of 2011 as a Business Counsellor. She also owns the internationally recognized training company Civility Works. Karen is a professional speaker with broad teaching and facilitation experience and is in high demand as a conference presenter. She is an established author and provides SEED with specialized skills in developing curriculum, facilitating business management training, and mentoring entrepreneurs in all stages of business development. Her accomplishments include working with Cambridge University in New York as a mentor for the Operation Enterprise program for under-privileged youth to become entrepreneurs, working with Canadian Tourism Human Resources Canada to develop standards for essential skills, and writing for Canadian Living Magazine as a columnist for “Sticky Situations”. Karen has proudly worked with many business owners, worldwide, to help build success within their companies and organizations.

Contact: (204) 927-9938 Send Email

Sarah Fox

Administrative Coordinator, Business Development Services

After working with SEED’s Asset Building Program in the summer of 2009, Sarah joined Business Development Services as its full-time Administrative Coordinator. She has a long history of grassroots community organizing, most recently with Winnipeg Copwatch, where she works to fight the criminalization of poverty. Sarah also has a keen interest in co-ops, having been a member/owner of Organic Planet Worker Co-op and she is currently part of a newly-formed co-op engaged in the effort to purchase a grassroots and radical space in the Exchange District.

Contact: (204) 927-9944 Send Email