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

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: (204) 927-9935 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

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 an experienced IT professional with a passion for using technology to make a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Saman has dedicated his career to supporting mission-driven organizations in Winnipeg.
With over ten years of experience in IT, Saman brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as IT Manager at SEED Winnipeg. He is responsible for overseeing the organization’s technology infrastructure and ensuring that it supports SEED’s mission of empowering individuals and communities through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Saman is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in IT and is always exploring new ways to leverage technology to drive positive change.
In his free time, Saman enjoys exploring Winnipeg’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

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

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

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 studied Sociology and Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg and she graduated with honours from the Community Development/Community Economic Development program at Red River College.

Jenn has over 15 years of experience delivering a wide variety of community programs, including 10 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 eight 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.

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

Administrative 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

Michael Huntinghawk

Administrative 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

Justin Morriseau

Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Justin joined SEED in September 2018, with a passion for helping those in need. Growing up in the North End, he witnessed firsthand some of the challenges those in the community face and is excited to be working in a capacity that can help alleviate some of those stresses. He has experience working for non-profit organizations through his time at Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre, where he worked with under-privileged youth, and Main Street Project, where he worked as an intake worker for their homeless shelter and detox programs. More recently, Justin worked as a licensed Paramedic and Instructor where he facilitated first aid, EMR, and paramedicine courses throughout Manitoba, including various First Nation communities.

Contact: (204) 927-9942 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

Roberta Douglas

Helpline Coordinator, Asset Building Programs

Roberta joined the staff at SEED in 2015. As a past participant of SEED’s Saving Circle, IDA and Homebuyer programs, she is thrilled to be able to share her experience and help others to achieve their goals. Roberta has over 15 years of experience in the administrative field, and almost as many years in the hospitality industry. Her passions include continuing her education to better serve people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and addictions. She is a mom to three fabulous children and spends as much time as she can with them, keeping up with their extracurricular activities and volunteering with various organizations.

Contact: (204) 927-9922 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

Barb Wilton

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: (204) 927-9921 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

Melissa Chung-Mowat

Business Consultant, BEST

Melissa joined SEED Winnipeg in November 2021 as a business consultant. She holds a BA in Political Studies from The University of Winnipeg and an MA in Immigration and Settlement Studies from Ryerson [X] University, where her research focused on relationships between Indigenous peoples and racialized newcomers in Canada. She is Chinese and Metis and is passionate about supporting Indigenous peoples and new Canadians in their search for training, employment, and business opportunities. Melissa has worked in the Community Economic Development and business sector for the past 10 years with organizations including BUILD Inc, United Way Winnipeg, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and AMIK Inc. She believes deeply in the power of mentoring and is a long-time volunteer mentor (and past mentee) with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

Melissa is a proud North End Winnipegger and strives to be a positive contributor to her vibrant community.

Contact: (431) 222-3040 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

Farahnaz Afaq

Outreach Coordinator, Recognition Counts

Farahnaz’s academical background is in Mathematics, Economics and Middle Eastern and North African Studies. Where her quest for academic advancement has taken her from Afghanistan to Pakistan, the UK, and the USA.
As a refugee herself, Farahnaz understands the challenges refugees, immigrants and newcomers go through in order to settle down in their new homes. She is passionate about being part of empowering newcomers and helping them to flourish in their new communities.
Farahnaz’s career in finance started in 2018 when she moved in Winnipeg. As a number lover, Farahnaz has helped hundreds of Winnipeg community members and families establish their finances to become independent financially and achieve their short and long-term goals.

Contact: 204-927-9924 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