Board of Directors
Dedicated to Our Mission of Helping Individuals and Families Learn and Grow
University Settlement is governed by its Board of Directors, a diverse group of community leaders and senior volunteers who provide vision, strategic leadership, advocacy, accountability, and stewardship.
Board of Directors
Chair
Hannah Riordan, Board Chair
Board Chair Hannah Riordan is the Manager of Programs at the C.D. Howe Institute. She stays informed on trends in Canadian public policy and provides strategic direction for the Institute’s policy initiatives (events, Policy Councils, Task Forces, Working Groups). She is passionate about sports equity and using recreational activities as a medium in building healthy communities. Hannah has been a member of University Settlement since 2017 and works to leverage her professional experience to give back to the community.
Vice Chair
Mark Haan, Vice Chair
Mark Haan is a passionate leader who loves to create and execute strategies that make a positive impact on people and organizations. He has over 25 years of experience in managing and collaborating with various stakeholders, such as CEOs, boards, community groups, media, and government. He is the Executive Director of the Canadian National Migration & Naturalization Association. He is an optimist and quite flexible in different capacities with operations as a strong suit.
Secretary
Jeffrey Zhu
Jeff Zhu has been a lifelong member of University Settlement from participating and volunteering across afterschool, recreation, and Music and Arts programs. He has experience in nonprofit governance. fundraising, and strategic planning. His prior experience includes volunteering as governance chair of the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, leading the Waterloo Engineering Endowment Foundation, and organizing Hack the North. Jeff is eager to contribute to the community in a new way!
Treasurer
Georgina Kossivas
Georgina brings strategic, operational and governance experience from a career contributing to small, medium and large organizations. She has held finance executive positions in large publicly traded Canadian companies as well as not-for-profits in the extended public sector in a broad range of industries. This includes Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Atomic Energy of Canada, TELUS, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Tire Corporation. Georgina’s broad experience includes strategy development, strategic planning facilitation, independent consulting, project management, operations management and human resources. She holds a CPA, CA designation and a degree in Honors Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Her personal interests include travel, fitness and theatre and is pleased to volunteer time to support a vibrant community organization.
Members
Dariusz Szypula, Board Member
With over 15 years of international experience in the financial industry, Dariusz has a strong record of risk management, strategy execution, and operational improvement. In addition to setting up a subsidiary for Bibby Financial Services in Warsaw, he has held leadership positions at RBS Bank in London (UK) and an investment firm in Toronto. Dariusz currently manages counterparty and market risk at Scotiabank. He holds MBA from Rotman School of Management in Toronto. Dariusz enjoys dancing and hiking, including great memories from climbing Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu.
John Amardeil, Board Member
John brings extensive experience in the new home industry, having founded a digital marketing agency and held senior roles at Mattamy Homes and Tribute Communities. He chaired Enerquality Corp.’s Audit Committee for 10 years and served as interim CEO in 2021. Since 2020, John has focused on residential land development and contributes actively to Muskoka’s District Housing Task Force and Attainable Housing Committee. As the proud son of immigrants, he advocates for immigration as crucial to Canada’s success. John holds a BA from Queen’s University and an MBA from York University’s Schulich Business School.
Mark Van Ginkel, Board Member
Mark is a lawyer at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, a management-side labour and employment law firm based in Toronto. Mark has an undergraduate degree in sociology and economics from the University of British Columbia and a law degree from Western University. Mark has a range of experience advising and acting for clients in both the public and private sectors, including on issues relating to collective bargaining, grievance arbitrations, civil litigation, human rights and privacy. Currently, Mark lives just steps away from the University Settlement office at 23 Grange Road and is an active member of the community.
Michelle Lin, Board Member
Michelle Lin is a highly motivated and driven Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and Certified Public Accountant (US Vermont). She is currently enrolled in the UofT Rotman’s Executive MBA program, graduating in 2024. A first-generation immigrant, currently serving as the Executive Director for Finance Transformation at KPMG Canada and seeking to apply her skills and experience to help immigrants succeed in Canada.
Myriam Gafarou, Board Member
Myriam is an Associate Partner with Ernst and Young. Prior to rejoining Ernst and Young, she was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She focuses on providing corporate clients with cost optimization solutions around their third parties. Myriam is a strong supporter of community services and has volunteered with many organizations over the years. Whether at work or in the community, she believes in the power of teaming and thinking outside the box. Myriam holds a joint honors B.A. in economics and finance from McGill University and a Master in construction finance from Cornell University.
Sagun Vaidya, Board Member
Sagun Vaidya is a senior manager with MNP accounting advisory services team. With a vast expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and governance, Sagun is a highly accomplished professional and a member of Chartered Professional Accountants in Canada and Certified Public Accountant in the United States. Sagun is a collaborative and influential leader and has a proven ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including executives, and stakeholders while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within organizations.
Andrew Massey, Board Member
Andrew Massey, a Grange Park resident, is an editor and writer with expertise in East Asian studies from U of T. He participated in the JET programme, teaching English in Japan. Active in the JET Alumni Association of Toronto, he held various roles like Treasurer and Canada Representative at local and international level. Specializing in strategic communications and fundraising, he aims to enhance University Settlement’s afterschool program and rejuvenate fundraising efforts through targeted campaigns and local events. He has been a member since his son started Day Care in 2020.
Gloria Er-Chua, Board Member
Gloria Er-Chua is a risk management executive at an asset management firm. Previously, she held senior roles in the Ontario Public Service, including Director of Policy and Chief of Staff for various portfolios. She has a Master of Arts in immigration policy and an MBA from Rotman (U of T). She’s lived near Grange Park since immigrating from Malaysia and is an active volunteer in settlement and support services.
Ripudaman Jagayat, Board Member
Ripudaman Jagayat is an experienced legal, risk and compliance leader. He has helped to launch new financial services at multiple institutions by building and maturing their regulatory compliance and operational risk management functions. He has a history of engaging with community groups and helping vulnerable peoples through his experiences at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, legal clinics, mentorship programs, and college programs.
Sherry Mc Lean, Board Member
Sherry holds an MBA in Investment Management and brings over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. With solid board governance expertise and non-profit board experience, she has developed strong skills in strategy development and fundraising. Her family has long been supporters of University Settlement and truly love the sense of community it fosters. She will be actively contributing to financial oversight, strategic planning, and bringing additional funding to support and enhance our programs.
Sonya Gulati, Board Member
Sonya Gulati, a partner at KPMG Canada, specializes in economic modeling, public sector transformation, and corporate strategy. She has experience in the public sector at federal and provincial levels, the financial sector, and as a payment systems regulator. Sonya has led large-scale cost optimization and transformation projects. She holds degrees from the University of Toronto and McMaster University and is a certified Management Consultant and Prosci certified in change management.
Advisor
Andrew Lam, Board Advisor
Completed three consecutive terms as a director – seven years as Board Secretary. Led the efforts to revise the By-law, develop the strategic plan and policy framework, and policy reviews. Retired Canadian diplomat, M.Sc. and MBA. Board director of various organizations, including the Counterpoint Community Orchestra and Toronto Choral Society. Past Public Service manager, college and high school teacher, laboratory technician, farm worker. Trustee of Ottawa Carleton District School Board, President Chinese Community Association of Ottawa, Vice President of Ontario Public School Boards Association. A violin player in his spare time.
Board of Directors
President
Mulaho Hassan, Board President
A digital marketing executive with over 10 years of experience in banking, legal and information technology, Mulaho Hassan has managed integrated marketing campaigns across industries. Equipped with strong business analysis, product management and client servicing skills, Mulaho has launched a multitude of high-end marketing initiatives for global brands. Mulaho attended the University of Toronto for a degree in Political Science and completed her MBA at the University of Leicester. In her role as member of the Board of Directors, Mulaho will provide strategic advice on marketing initiatives offered by University Settlement. As a first generation Canadian, Mulaho’s focus is initiatives that aim to help serve newcomers to Canada through social programming.
Vice Presidents
Hannah Riordan, Board Vice President
Board Vice President Hannah Riordan is the Manager of Programs at the C.D. Howe Institute. She stays informed on trends in Canadian public policy and provides strategic direction for the Institute’s policy initiatives (events, Policy Councils, Task Forces, Working Groups). She is passionate about sports equity and using recreational activities as a medium in building healthy communities. Hannah has been a member of University Settlement since 2017 and works to leverage her professional experience to give back to the community.
Secretary
Andrew Lam, Board Secretary
Retired Canadian diplomat to Beijing and New Delhi, M.Sc., M.B.A. At present, Board Director and violin player for Counterpoint Community Orchestra. Past Public Service manager, college and high school teacher, laboratory technician, farm worker. Social involvement includes: Librarian Toronto Choral Society, publicly elected Trustee Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, President Chinese Community Association of Ottawa, Vice President Eastern Region of Ontario Public School Boards Association. Has enjoyed servicing the following board committees of University Settlement – Strategic Planning, Policy Review, Finance, and Fund Development.
Treasurer
Johanna Lim (CPA, CMA, PMP, Prosci), Board Treasurer
Johanna has combined decades of both public and private sector experience in governance, audit, risk management and compliance providing her with significant opportunities to define value-added solutions to advance organizational objectives.
She is currently supporting the oversight of the Toronto Transit Commission’s integrated internal audit, risk management and compliance programs and directing assurance and advisory services to improve the TTC’s operations.
Johanna devotes her personal time as a Director in a number of board committees allowing her to leverage her knowledge and experience to serve her community.
As a Board Treasurer of University Settlement, Johanna commits to supporting the collective efforts of the organization in enriching the lives of the people it touches everyday – and continues to be an agent of help as she best represents those to whom we dedicate our service.
Members
Danielle Rombough, Board Member-at-Large
Danielle has years of volunteer experience with United Way Greater Toronto as an Agency Liaison Volunteer and GenNext Co-Chair, and has volunteered as both a front-line volunteer and board member of several member agencies. Danielle has been a Director at University Settlement since 2020, and looks forward to using her financial acumen and volunteer experience to give back to the community.
Dariusz Szypula, Board Member
With over 15 years of international experience in the financial industry, Dariusz has a strong record of risk management, strategy execution, and operational improvement. In addition to setting up a subsidiary for Bibby Financial Services in Warsaw, he has held leadership positions at RBS Bank in London (UK) and an investment firm in Toronto. Dariusz currently manages counterparty and market risk at Scotiabank. He holds MBA from Rotman School of Management in Toronto. Dariusz enjoys dancing and hiking, including great memories from climbing Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu.
John Amardeil, Board Member
John has extensive background in the new home building industry. He was founder and owner of a digital marketing and advertising agency and a senior executive with Mattamy Homes and Tribute Communities. He was Chair of the Audit Committee of Enerqualty Corp., where he has served for 10 years on the Board of Directors, as well as interim CEO in 2021. John is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Housing Task Force and Attainable Housing Committee in Muskoka. John is the proud son of immigrants and feels strongly that immigration is the foundation of Canada’s success and future growth.
Joshua Grondin, Board Member
Joshua is a proud resident of Grange Park and currently works as a Development Associate for University of Toronto Advancement, supporting major gift fundraising and donor stewardship. He has several years of experience in fundraising, non-profit management, and organizational governance, including involvement with the University of Toronto Students’ Union, governance bodies at the University of Toronto, the Hart House Board of Stewards, and disability-justice organizations. Joshua holds a BA in Economics and is currently completing a Master of Education, focusing on higher education, public sector funding and community-engaged learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
Kasha Huk, Board Member
Kasha currently leads activism for The Body Shop North America, supporting policy, social and environmental impact work. Prior to this, Kasha lead B Lab Canada, the non-profit behind B Corp Certification. B Corporations are for-profit businesses verified by an independent third party to hold higher environmental and social impact standards. Through accountability and transparency, these companies are working to create a more equitable and regenerative economy. Kasha has also worked across the private and non-profit sector, working with a B Corp marketing agency, the United Nations Agency for Migration (IOM) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Mark Van Ginkel, Board Member
Mark is a lawyer at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, a management-side labour and employment law firm based in Toronto. Mark has an undergraduate degree in sociology and economics from the University of British Columbia and a law degree from Western University. Mark has a range of experience advising and acting for clients in both the public and private sectors, including on issues relating to collective bargaining, grievance arbitrations, civil litigation, human rights and privacy. Currently, Mark lives just steps away from the University Settlement office at 23 Grange Road and is an active member of the community.
Myriam Gafarou, Board Member
Myriam is an Associate Partner with Ernst and Young. Prior to rejoining Ernst and Young, she was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She focuses on providing corporate clients with cost optimization solutions around their third parties. Myriam is a strong supporter of community services and has volunteered with many organizations over the years. Whether at work or in the community, she believes in the power of teaming and thinking outside the box. Myriam holds a joint honors B.A. in economics and finance from McGill University and a Master in construction finance from Cornell University.
Wendy Yang, Board Member
Wendy strives to provide value-adding insights to the Board through her experiences in the non-public sector. With a Masters in Accounting, a holder of the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA), Wendy hopes to bring her core technical knowledge in accounting/financial literacy to the Board. Being a community-focused individual, Wendy’s personal values align with that of University Settlement. Wendy is particularly passionate in youth mentorship and giving back to the community; some of her many community involvements are: volunteering with Junior Achievement and participating in the United Way campaign. She also has experience with Board governance having served on other Boards in the past.
Sagun Vaidya, Board Member
Sagun Vaidya is a senior manager with MNP accounting advisory services team. With a vast expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and governance, Sagun is a highly accomplished professional and a member of Chartered Professional Accountants in Canada and Certified Public Accountant in the United States. Sagun is a collaborative and influential leader and has a proven ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including executives, and stakeholders while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within organizations.
Michelle Lin, Board Member
Michelle Lin is a highly motivated and driven Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and Certified Public Accountant (US Vermont). She is currently enrolled in the UofT Rotman’s Executive MBA program, graduating in 2024. A first-generation immigrant, currently serving as the Executive Director for Finance Transformation at KPMG Canada and seeking to apply her skills and experience to help immigrants succeed in Canada.
Mark Haan, Board Member
Mark Haan is a passionate leader who loves to create and execute strategies that make a positive impact on people and organizations. He has over 25 years of experience in managing and collaborating with various stakeholders, such as CEOs, boards, community groups, media, and government. He is the Executive Director of the Canadian National Migration & Naturalization Association. He is an optimist and quite flexible in different capacities with operations as a strong suit.
Ex-Officio
- Councillor Ausma Malik, City of Toronto Ward 10
- Maureen Gans, Past Board Chair