Staff and Board

Janice has worked at MCIC since 1988, in various capacities, and has been the Executive Director since 2000. She has a keen interest in public engagement and enjoys finding creative ways to get more people interested in international development and seeing the connections between global and local issues, with the ultimate goal of creating more global citizens. She has participated in a number of committees, both nationally and provincially, regarding public engagement. Her first international experience was as a Canadian Crossroads International volunteer in Kenya. She has also worked for the Canadian Red Cross, The Marquis Project and World Food Day Association. Janice considers it an honour to be able to work with such great colleagues on staff, board, with our member agencies and with so many others who are working to make this a more just world for all.

James has worked in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance for 18 years. He is a teacher by profession, having taught in middle and high school classrooms in Manitoba. James served as a community development worker with Mennonite Central Committee in Mozambique for four years and later went on to work as public engagement coordinator for Canadian Foodgrains Bank for 14 years.

James’ experience in public engagement includes leading numerous learning tours on global food security to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East. He has developed educational activities for Canadians to learn about global issues and has given leadership to learning and advocacy campaigns encouraging Canada to do more on international aid and development assistance.

James lives with his family in Winnipeg. He is excited to be part of a dynamic team at MCIC engaging Manitobans on global citizenship and raising awareness about the great work Manitoba organizations are doing internationally. 

Jane has been working at MCIC since 2015, having made a mid-career change after working in hotels for 20 years. Originally from Victoria, BC, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and is currently taking her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University. She has lived overseas in Dubai, UAE and London, UK and is trying to change the world one office coordinator task at a time.

Abdal holds a Bachelor degree in political science, and an MBA in Global Management from Paris ESLSCA Business School in Egypt. He has previous experience in international development focusing in business development, education, and humanitarian programs in the Middle East funded by USAID and European Union.

Recently, he was working with the United Nations Association in Canada as a Regional Coordinator in Manitoba for the Canada Green Corps Program and with iDE Canada as a Fundraising Manager.

Abdal considers it an honour to be able to work with great colleagues - staff, board, and with our member agencies; and being able to contribute to the great work of MCIC and our members.

Grace has worked in international development among community-based projects and large-scale international relief operations around the world. Whether within communities here in Canada or as part of development projects in the global south, Grace’s passion for social justice has informed her life and work.

A lifelong learner, Grace enjoys facilitating learning opportunities for others and exploring innovative ideas for development practice. She is a graduate of the International Development post-graduate program at The Business School at Humber College and enjoys supporting MCIC members and engaging Manitobans as global citizens.

Ben is a lifelong advocate of justice and global equity.  He holds a Diploma in Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Marketing from the University of Winnipeg, and has worked and volunteered with multiple non-profits working in Canada. He is excited to turn to international development with MCIC. 

Ben's previous work includes time spent with the YMCA and Tim Horton's Children's Camps as an educator and program facilitator for youth from disadvantaged communities.  Seeing the potential of newly empowered young people first-hand motivates him to promote organizations doing similar work in communities around the world.  

He is eager to grow MCIC's reach in the community, making it an accessible and authoritative voice on sustainable development and global equity.

Lauren (she/her) studied digital media design, majoring in motion graphics and videography, at Red River Polytechnic in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lauren received multiple awards during her time at Red River Polytechnic and graduated with honours.

Passionate about sustainability, healing ecosystems and gender equality, Lauren works to support the team in both the digital and print space to connect with Manitobans of all ages. Her office is surrounded by inspirational quotes including “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”- Maya Angelou.

Amanda began her career in education as a Heritage Guide at Riding Mountain National Park. She then joined the education programming team with Ducks Unlimited Canada at Oak Hammock Marsh for six years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Manitoba.

Amanda has always been focused on ecology and environmental conservation but since joining MCIC in January 2023, she is excited to expand her expertise to include sustainability in all forms and deliver fun and impactful educational programming across Manitoba.

Leslie graduated from the University of Winnipeg, earning a degree in International Development. Recently, Leslie participated in an international internship program with ACIC that took him to Cambodia for three months. He is excited to continue learning about the international development sector while sharing his own skills and knowledge as the Sustainability and Inclusion Specialist with MCIC.

Previously, Leslie worked for several years in social services before turning his attention to international development. Leslie has a keen interest in social inclusion and sustainable practices with a particular focus on environmental and social sustainability. Leslie is happy to join the MCIC team and is looking forward to making positive strides towards creating an equitable and sustainable future.