Board of Directors
Shamsa Jessa
ChairFaculty of Science and Technology,
Douglas College
Aaron Cheung
Vice ChairSenior Manager, Advisory Services,
Deloitte Canada
Martin Ferreira Pinho
Past ChairPartner,
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Brea Sami
TreasurerPartner, Assurance & Advisory
MNP LLP
Shawn Miner
SecretaryDirector, Operations – Minerals Canada and Alaska
BUREAU VERITAS
Zahra Kolia
DirectorVice President, Finance
IFS Copperleaf
Executive Director: Monika Verma
For the past 20 years, Monika has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills and a proven track record of serving our community, especially women and children. Monika served as Executive Director of SARA for Women Society, where she managed 9 facilities and 100 employees serving women and their children in need. While working as Health Director at Lookout Society, Monika established a non-profit dental clinic for the marginalized population and pioneered NARCAN training for staff and clients. As CEO of SEEDS, she established self-employment programs for Indigenous and immigrant communities. Monika has been recognized receiving many community awards including Shakti Award for leadership and empowering women, SEEDS Life Time Award, Times of Canada Social Services award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to our country and community, and many others. Monika has been awarded the Purple Ribbon for Executive of the Year, celebrating leaders whose vision and dedication have fostered significant progress in the mission to support survivors of domestic violence.
Manager of Operations and Services: Claire Kalfon
Claire has been working in the field of Violence Against Women for many years. She has been with Dixon Transition Society for 18 years working in different roles. Claire started out as a casual Women’s Support Worker and she now holds the position of Manager of Operations and Services. She feels grateful to be involved in this journey to eradicate all forms of violence against women and children. Claire has a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Assistant Manager of Operations and Services: Allison Bota
Allison has been working with Dixon Transition Society for 8 years working in different roles. Allison started out as a casual Women’s Support Worker, then becoming Coordinator of our Second Stage program, and then Coordinator of all Transitional Housing Programs. Allison holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work and continues to work towards building up the organization, the team of staff and the women and children we serve.
Communications Specialist and Fundraising Liaison: Jessica Ryan
Jessica has been with Dixon Transition Society for 4 years, growing with the organization through several roles. She began as Social Media Assistant, then served as Executive Assistant, and now works as Communications Specialist and Fundraising Liaison, supporting Dixon’s communications, community engagement, and fundraising efforts. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and has additional certifications in Digital Marketing and User Experience Design. She is grateful for the opportunity to help advance Dixon’s work in supporting women and their children as they rebuild their lives free from violence.
