Immigrant Advisory Table | Richmond LIP

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Immigrant Advisory Table

The RLIP Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) consists of individuals who represent a range of countries of origin, length of time in Canada, occupational background, ages, gender, and various other form of diversity. Members will possess experience, knowledge, abilities, or skills related to immigrant settlement and integration in Richmond and are non-partisan. Members of the Immigrant Advisory Table make a minimum one-year commitment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Review the LIP Strategic Plan to ensure it reflects immigrant and newcomer needs and priorities. 
Provide input to the RLIP and its work by participating in Council and working group meetings.
Act as a resource for Richmond community service providers.
Help lead or co-lead the implementation of strategic priorities in collaboration with the RLIP members.
Reach out to ethno-specific communities to share RLIP information and encourage participation in its work .

Bimla Kannangara

Originally from Sri Lanka, Bimla Kannangara is an Administrative Analyst at Vancouver Coastal Health, based in the Richmond Community Centre. With over a decade of experience in healthcare administration, project leadership, and e-commerce operations, she brings a diverse skill set and a strong commitment to organizational and community development.

Sylvia Li

Sylvia is an immigrant from China currently living in British Columbia. She holds a degree in fashion design, has 11 years of experience in human resource management for Fortune 500 companies, and is a certified E-RYT 200 yoga teacher who taught in China.

Halas Rashid

Halas is Kurdish and originally from Iraq. She came to Canada in 2023 with her husband and son and is working hard to build a new life for her family. Before coming to Canada, she worked for 13 years as an auditor at the University of Sulaymaniyah and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She also has experience working in human resources and natural resources.

Yin Yao

Yin Yao has been a resident of Richmond, BC, for almost two years and appreciates living in such a highly international city. She has been welcomed by an incredible sense of community and diversity, from the cuisine and multilingual environment to the genuine interpersonal connections.

Nuh Topkaraoglu

Nuh Topkaraoglu was born in Germany and raised in Turkey. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science and completed a Master’s degree in cataloguing digital photographs. He worked as a librarian at universities for nine years.

Olivia Li

Olivia is a passionate community volunteer dedicated to welcoming and supporting newcomers in Richmond. She has extensive experience in community service, helping people connect with local programs and resources while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

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