Community

Through their leadership LIP Community Champions help create welcoming communities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. These champions share why they are so passionate about this work.

Former Mayor Mike LeMay

City of Pembroke

A former high school vice-principal and guidance counsellor, Pembroke’s former Mayor Mike LeMay, says he spent a lot of time listening and empathizing with marginalized students. That experience helped him become an advocate for these students and spurred him to become a champion for inclusion.

While in office, the former Mayor set up a Diversity Advisory Committee, a group that will focus on educating the city council and the broader community on how to eliminate racism and discrimination. “We will ensure our communication emphasizes that Pembroke is welcoming, safe and inclusive,” says LeMay.

The former Mayor understands the need for smaller municipalities to attract newcomers, adding, “It is essential not only for economic growth but also cultural growth. The onus is on our city and our residents to welcome everyone who wants to move here and help us grow and prosper,” says LeMay.

Karthi Rajamani

CEO Pembroke Public Library

In her work as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pembroke Public Library, Karthi Rajamani knows that libraries take on a leadership role in community development. She has worked hard to bring cultural celebrations, ethnic cooking classes and an annual multicultural festival to the community.

But it’s her own personal experience as an immigrant from India that has made Rajamani a community champion. She says she faced struggles and discrimination as she settled in her new country.

“During those times, I always thought about how one day, when I got the opportunity, I would work to create a welcoming community in all ways possible so that any newcomer would not feel the same way that I did,” says Rajamani.

Citing economic and population growth as being vital for smaller communities, Rajamani says by creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes immigrants, it will result in wealthier and happier communities.

“I feel strongly that we should strive to create an inviting atmosphere for newcomers because when an immigrant is welcomed into the community, it gives the feeling of warmth and security,” adds Rajamani.

Jordan Kennie

Perth Business Owner

Jordan Kennie has always been drawn to help marginalized people. As a teacher she was interested in helping students who were at risk and activities that supported their success such as breakfast programs, sports and tutoring. Not surprisingly, Kennie joined the Community Association for Refugee Resettlement to help sponsor several Syrian newcomer families who settled in the Perth area.

For the past five years, Kennie has been a staunch advocate for newcomers, an experience that she calls rewarding and an educational experience like none other. Helping these refugees feel welcomed in the community has become her mission.

“Newcomers bring with them a wealth of life experience, a differing perspective and new ideas. I think that attracting newcomers to any community makes a community richer in experiences,” says Kenney.

Kenney adds that newcomers and refugees are some of the strongest and most resilient people she has ever met. “They give up so much and work so hard to create opportunities for themselves and their children, despite obstacles and hardships that most of us can not imagine, with a grace few possess.”

Kenney is an inspiration for all of us who want to create welcoming communities for immigrants.

Community

Through their leadership LIP Community Champions help create welcoming communities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. These champions share why they are so passionate about this work.

Former Mayor Mike LeMay

City of Pembroke

Karthi Rajamani

CEO Pembroke Public Library

Jordan Kennie

Perth Business Owner

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