Andrew Lam, Board Chair

Andrew has extensive experience in supporting University Settlement’s Board of Directors—three consecutive terms as a director and seven years as board secretary. He led the efforts to revise the General Operating By-law No. 12, develop the strategic plan and policy framework, and conduct policy reviews. Retired Canadian diplomat, M.Sc., and MBA. Andrew was a board director of various organizations, including the Counterpoint Community Orchestra and Toronto Choral Society. He worked as a public service manager, college and high school teacher, laboratory technician, and farmworker. Andrew was also nominated Trustee of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, President of the Chinese Community Association of Ottawa, and Vice-President of the Ontario Public School Boards Association. Andrew is also a violin player in his spare time.

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.

Jeffrey Zhu, Secretary

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!

Michelle Lin, Treasurer

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.

Aleem Dhanani, Board Member

Aleem Dhanani has over 15 years of experience in finance, strategy, and risk management. Currently, he is a Managing Director in Corporate Development, and Mergers & Acquisitions at BMO. His education includes an MBA, CFA, and B.Com. Aleem’s community experience includes involvement with ACCESS Community Capital Fund, the MaRS Social Venture Connection, and Junior Achievement, among other initiatives. He is interested in finance, strategy, fundraising-related committees and all program areas.

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.

Danielle Pal, Board Member

A long-time neighbour and member of University Settlement has 7-plus years of experience in supporting executive teams in strengthening governance, risk oversight, and sustainable growth initiatives. Throughout her career, Danielle had the opportunity to support complex organizations in navigating material issues with transparency and accountability—skills that directly translate to the responsibilities of a board member in today’s not-for-profit landscape. Danielle holds a degree from the University of Toronto and accumulated experience in volunteering and fundraising for charity.

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.

Justin Boyd Manuel, Board Member

Justin Boyd Manuel has a BA Hons in Political Science and Law with 10 years of progressive policy, government relations and governance experience. Passionate about community accessibility, he wishes to join the Board to ensure community needs are met with integrity, while enhancing the impact of University Settlement’s vital community programming.

Maureen Neglia, Board Member

Maureen Neglia has over 25 years of human resources, risk, governance, and strategic planning experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors. She is also a licensed HR practitioner (CHRL, CHRP), a certified Director of Volunteers and holds a BA (hons) from the University of Toronto. She has held multiple HR, recruitment, talent, management, and diversity leadership roles which allowed her to integrate marginalized communities into corporations in Canada. As a child of immigrants, she has seen firsthand the important role of community in providing support to newcomers.

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.

Naomi Santesteban, Board Member

Naomi Santesteban is an associate lawyer at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP and a 2023 graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. During law school, she completed a placement at Parkdale Community Legal Services, where she contributed to initiatives that promoted access to justice and legal education for underserved and marginalized communities. Having lived across the street from Grange Park for many years, Naomi has developed a strong connection to the surrounding community and is excited about the opportunity to join University Settlement and support its ongoing programs and community initiatives.

Rebecca Rosenberg, Board Member

Rebecca Rosenberg holds a Bachelor of Social Science with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Ottawa and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She is currently an Associate at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP. Rebecca has previously worked with University Settlement matters through her legal work and has developed an appreciation for the organization’s impact in providing essential social services to a diverse community. She is particularly interested in supporting newcomer communities and seniors, informed by her personal background and caregiving experience. She also values University Settlement’s cultural programming and community events and is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission.

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.

Shraddha Bhagwat, Board Member

Along with being a CPA, and a CMA, Shraddha is also a Strategic Finance Executive with over 12 years of experience in financial reporting, acquisition integration, and driving growth strategies. With expertise in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, Shraddha has a proven ability to streamline operations, optimize financial systems, and deliver insights that support executive decision-making. She is also recognized for leading post-acquisition integrations and aligning financial strategies with organizational goals to drive sustainable growth.